Back On Top
The pressure on Anthony Joshua to perform on Saturday night must have been immense. Another dramatic loss to Andy Ruiz would have left his credibility in question and his sponsors and broadcast partners in an equally tricky spot. Such a scenario would have made charting a quick course back to top-level contention for Joshua extremely problematic, even with the promotional nous of Eddie Hearn behind him.
But there was to be nothing of the sort. In arguably a career best performance, Joshua silenced his critics and answered any self-doubt as to whether he truly belongs at this level. The former champion glided around the ring in a manner not seen since he captured Olympic Gold, leaving Ruiz with limited opportunities to catch him thanks to excellent distance control, clever movement and a fantastic jab.
The results of Joshua’s adapted training regime was evident, and with his lighter physique and improved stamina he could execute his game plan perfectly. Boxing to instruction throughout; he wasn’t going to be burned twice by Ruiz.
The way Joshua stuck to his tactics reminded me of George Groves’s disciplined victory over James De Gale in 2011. Boxing to his trainer Rob McCracken’s instructions, Joshua selected his shots cleverly, held on the inside when it was required and refused to let his appetite to trade take over.
His performance was all the more impressive given the nature of his defeat just six months previous. It may have not been the fan friendly performance we have become accustomed to from Joshua, but it was exactly what was needed to win and a testament to his character.
Ruiz, on the other hand, will be left disappointed and full of regret. His comments during his post-fight interview confirmed that he had let the spoils of his June 1st victory thwart his chances in the rematch. We shouldn’t take anything away from Joshua’s performance but the additional weight Ruiz put on between the two fights clearly hampered his ability to close the distance between himself and Joshua. Despite Ruiz’s pleas, the likelihood of a third fight with Joshua is slim – he’ll be kicking himself for not making the most of his opportunity.
Whilst it might not have felt like it at the time, defeat to Andy Ruiz might have been the best thing that happened to Anthony Joshua. It forced him to re-evaluate and go back to what got him to this position in the first place: his boxing. Praise should also be levelled at Joshua’s trainer and trusted confidant, Rob McCracken. Also under the spotlight since Joshua's loss to Ruiz, Saturday night should have answered any doubts as to whether the two are still a suitable pairing for top level competition.
Whilst Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury will still fancy their chances against Joshua, there’s no doubt that Joshua’s performance has reinstated his place at the top table. The demand for Joshua to face Wilder or Fury in 2020 will be huge – let’s hope one of those fights can get made.
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