"Andy Ruiz Jr on Anthony Joshua ‘resurgence’ – He had EASY OPPONENTS." A statement that has generated a flurry of debate in the world of boxing. This contentious statement was made by none other than former unified world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. His comments on Anthony Joshua’s recent “resurgence” have sparked a series of intense conversations in the boxing community.
Anthony Joshua, British professional boxer and two-times unified heavyweight champion, has been on a winning streak, registering some impressive victories that have rejuvenated his career. However, Ruiz, who famously defeated Joshua back in 2019, has taken a different viewpoint, attributing Joshua’s renewed success to weaker oppositions.
"He’s had easy opponents," Ruiz stated in an interview. So, does the assertion of the Mexican-American pugilist holds any merit? Forget the controversy; let’s take an analytical journey accounting the trajectory of Joshua’s careers, focusing on his fights since his shocking defeat to Ruiz.
After the significant upset back in June 2019 where Ruiz defeated Joshua to claim his titles, Joshua bounced back to reclaim his belts in a rematch in December 2019. Ruiz’s statement seems to focus on the series of fights that Joshua has been engaged in since his victory in this rematch.
Joshua’s first adversary post the rematch was Kubrat Pulev, a seasoned Bulgarian professional boxer in December 2020. Pulev, a mandatory challenger, has faced top-tier fighters and is considered a strong contender in his own right. Hence, labeling him as an “easy opponent” might not be a fair evaluation.
Moving on, Joshua went toe-to-toe with Oleksandr Usyk, a former cruiserweight champion who recently made his mark in the heavyweight division. Despite facing stiff competition, Joshua put up a tough fight, though he ultimately fell short. The bout was anything but easy, throwing into question Ruiz’s comments to an extent.
However, it is important to note that these opponents do not have the same reputation as some of the more accomplished names in the division. But to categorize them as “easy” seems to notably undersell their boxing pedigree. As former world champion Mike Tyson once stated, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."
Moreover, Joshua’s talent and skill set cannot be downplayed or overlooked. Writing off his success as merely a product of lesser competition does not give him enough credit for his tactical strength, technical proficiency, and in-ring intelligence.
In conclusion, Ruiz’s statement may have stirred the pot, but does not necessarily hold the complete truth. Boxing is a sport where, while skill and technique play a significant part, mental fortitude, resilience, and preparation are equally important. To become a heavyweight champion, a boxer needs to overcome not just his opponent but his fears and insecurities—something that Joshua has proven time and time again.
As the boxing world awaits the next big match, it’s safe to assume that Joshua’s journey was not forged by facing “easy opponents”, but a direct manifestation of his grit, skill, and undying spirit to rise to the top. The British heavyweight’s true resurgence, then, is not circumstantial but rather the fruit of his hard work and determination.
Engaging debates like the one generated by Ruiz’s statement are what keeps the boxing community alive and reflective, allowing for multilayered evaluation of the athletes’ performance, regardless of recent results.
