Boxing
Andy Ruiz Jr. trainer looking for KO of Anthony Joshua, concerned about leaving fight in judges' hands
DIRIYAH, Saudi Arabia — Although Andy Ruiz Jr. became the unified heavyweight champion by stunning Anthony Joshua with a seventh-round knockout, there are some concerns within his camp that he’s still considered the underdog and will be treated as such when the rematch takes place Saturday at Diriyah Arena.
“All we want is a fair shake,” Ruiz’s trainer, Manny Robles, told DAZN News. “We know what this situation is, and this is still the Anthony Joshua show. But all we ask is that the judges do their job and let the best man win.”
Despite flooring Joshua four times before earning the stoppage, Ruiz is still the betting underdog heading into the highly anticipated rematch. And Joshua remains the bigger star on the card. Because of this, Team Ruiz expects Joshua to do his best to avoid a slugfest while attempting to outpoint Ruiz.
But it’s a plan that Robles simply doesn’t believe will work because Joshua isn’t necessarily an outside fighter.
“I believe he tried (boxing from the outside) in the first fight,” Robles said. “Even after the third round where both fighters were knocked down, he continued to try to keep his distance. But you can only do that for so long.”
It’s not a secret that Robles wants his 6-foot-2 charge to find his way inside and nullify the 8-inch reach advantage that Joshua possesses. He’s confident that Ruiz will make the proper adjustments regardless of what version of Joshua shows up in the ring in Diriyah. He’s not confident that Joshua can keep up with the brutal pace that Ruiz plans to bring on Saturday night.
“We understand that Anthony Joshua is a gifted athlete, but he’s not the kind of fighter that can stick and move,” he said. “He’s never shown that he can stay cool and box. He likes to fight on the inside as well. I’m curious to see if he can hold Andy back for 12 rounds. Our game plan is not a secret. It’s up to him to stop Andy.”
Robles — like any other trainer — prepares his fighter for a bout that could possibly go 12 rounds. But he’d be lying to you if he said that he welcomed the idea of the fight going to the scorecards. In so many words, Robles suggested there could be something amiss if both fighters are upright after 36 minutes of action. It’s not that he doesn’t think his pupil can win a decision, it’s a matter of whether the judges will award him the decision.
“I can honestly tell you that we’re ready to go the distance if need be,” he said. “But, to be completely honest, we’re really not trying to go the distance because of the situation.”
Ultimately, that means Ruiz is aiming to finish the fight and make sure the judges won't have a say on who will walk away victorious. And, honestly, it's easier that way.
