This week, news landed that the highly-anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. would arrive in Saudi Arabia on December 7…
Despite still awaiting confirmation from Team Ruiz regarding this rematch, it’s been all but confirmed that the WBA (Super), IBF and WBO world heavyweight marbles will be up for grabs in Diriyah this winter – a chance for ‘AJ’ to right the wrong of a famous upset on June 1 earlier this year.
With boxing’s “off-season” coming to an end over this week, next weekend’s schedule looks particularly bleak. This week seems a prime opportunity to jump on the ante-post markets for the biggest fight of 2019: “Clash on the Dunes” – Ruiz vs. Joshua II.
Andy Ruiz Jr. to win @ 5/2 (BetVictor)
Now, its fully understood how much of a shock the original outcome was inside the Madison Square Gardens, however, boxing history will tell you that taking the rematch straight away – especially in the heavyweight division – can prove an almighty risk. There were murmurs from pundits and ex pros alike that Joshua should take a warm up fight first in order to work on a few of his weaknesses, but despite this, Joshua and his promotor Eddie Hearn have decided to dive straight back in at the deep end.
So what does ‘AJ’ have to improve on in order to gain revenge in the Middle East? Ruiz’s fast hands and rapid combinations caused the Briton multiple issues when fighting on the inside; Joshua’s attempt to finish the fight too quickly inevitably allowed Ruiz to counter his easily-telegraphed right hands, with a temple shot that scrambled the senses of the, then, champion.
Making this fight dirty, scrappy – and at times – unwatchable is the best chance Joshua has in cruising to a victory. Throwing with ‘The Destroyer’ proved his undoing in New York, with the Mexican-American proving his hand speed in beating ‘AJ’ to the punch. Working at a distance and covering up when Ruiz attacks on the inside is a recipe for success for the challenger, however, it’s a lot to put into practice in just 6 months.
At 5/2, Ruiz is sensational value as we sit four months out from the fight. It’s an assumption that the bookies are protecting their liability on a Joshua win, with a huge wage expected to back Joshua in the UK closer to the fight. In reality, Ruiz shouldn’t be much bigger than a 6/4 shot for a fight he has already won – convincingly.
Anthony Joshua to win by Decision or Technical Decision @ 7/2 (BetVictor)
As mentioned, If ‘AJ’ wants to, he could drag this heavyweight championship bout out to the distance. Ruiz’s engine, just like his power, shouldn’t be underestimated. The unified world champion went twelve rounds with Joseph Parker losing a tight decision in 2016, with the New Zealander also holding the record of being the only fighter to take Joshua the distance. If ‘AJ’ wants to control this fight at a distance, covering up on the inside and working Ruiz off the end of a jab, it could turn into a precession towards the back end of the fight. In reality, Ruiz Jr. got his success after Joshua jumped in after a knockdown. A cooler head could show 7/2 to be of significant value against the rugged champion.
If there is one thing ‘AJ’ won’t do in this rematch it is rushing. If he smells blood early in the fight, the Briton will be wary of going in for the kill too quickly and leaving himself open to an inevitable counter. If he hurts Ruiz Jr. early, expect him to stick behind the jab and see out the round, until an obvious opportunity to attack comes back around.
Both fighters will take a couple of rounds to feel each other out and become acclimatized to the ring in a part of the world which neither have fought in as a professional. It may not turn into the spectacle that unfolded inside Madison Square Gardens, but there is too much on the line this time around for Joshua to take any risks.
