Former unified heavyweight champion American-Mexican Andy Ruiz (33-2, 28 KOs) is not surprised by the victory of Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) in a rematch with Briton Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs). This fight took place over the weekend in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), ended with Usyk’s victory by a split decision.
But at the same time, Ruiz is sure that Usyk won not only due to his skill and character.
Ex-champ hints to how he apsenil the Briton in the summer of 2019: “I told everyone that Alexander would win. Joshua is no longer the same. Do you know how many messages I received with the text: “Joshua is not the same after meeting you”? But this is boxing. It’s like a roller coaster here. And when you judge a fighter, talk about his career, then remember that he risks his life and health in the ring to feed his family.
Ruiz admits that “Joshua would do well to take a break, take a break from boxing, focus on something else. I believe he can become a champion again.”
The American-Mexican would very much like to face Usyk: “This is a great dude, an incredible athlete, a great champion. We’d have an incredible fight. I told you that it was for this reason that we chose left-hander Luis Ortiz as opponents. He was one of my first left-handed opponents in the pros. But there were a lot of them in amateurs. I believe that I can adapt to any style. I want to prove it in the ring.”
And Ruiz also knows how to beat Usyk: “I think this should be done at the expense of mexican style. Attack, throw combinations, don’t be afraid. Attack even when it flies back. Attack even when it hurts and something heavy has arrived. Attack, press, crush. I think Joshua should have acted that way. Especially considering the fact that it is larger and more powerful. But I want to take my hat off to Usyk, because even before the fight I said that he would win.”
In the meantime, rumor has it that Usyk and Fury will fight in Saudi Arabia. The media announced the date. The other day, the WBC champion said harshly: “I’m not used to taking belts from homeless people from Ukraine.”
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