6/03/2019

Joshua Vows To Come Back After 'Minor Setback' Against Ruiz


Anthony Joshua came into the heavy weight titles defense match against challenger Andy Ruiz as an overwhelmingly favourite. Taller, muscular and with greater reach, the epitome of a modern athlete came against a chubby looking, overweight and yet talented boxer from Mexico.

With all the bets on Joshua in his first fight outside England came one of the most sensational upset in boxing history as Ruiz sent the Briton down four times before a Technical Knockout in 7th round at Madison Square Garden, New York.

The fight started with both fighter cautiously looking to land big punches and Ruiz consistently trying to get closer to Joshua to throw his counters. Third round erupted into war when Joshua landed a fast combination knocking down Ruiz. The champion looking to finish of the opponent instead got caught by an even more motivated challenger.

"It was my first time down," said Ruiz after the fight. "I think it was the Mexican blood in me. I had to return the favour.

That right connecting on Jousha's temple appeared to have sent him out of equilibrium for the rest of the match as he again touched the canvas seconds later.

The defending champion looked to survive the next few rounds and deliver a repeat of comeback from knockdown against Wladimir Klitschko but his legs never looked stable this time.

Ruiz sent down the champion twice in 7th round before the referee ended the fight on basis of a Technical Knockout.

"Follow your dreams, if someone puts you down don't listen, just keep working like I did. We just made history," said Ruiz for becoming the first Mexican heavyweight champion in boxing history.

Joshua called the defeat a 'minor setback' and vows to claim his belts back in a rematch later this year.

"I got beaten by a good fighter," said 29-year-old Joshua. "It will be interesting to see how far he goes, but this is all part of the journey.

"He's a champion for now, I shall return."

Promoter Eddie Hearn said that "AJ must win that rematch in the UK because there is nothing after that."

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Grace A Comment!