Anthony Joshua takes on Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night in a fight where careers are at stake. But who will triumph in the desert? We asked the experts.
Frank Bruno, former world heavyweight champion
Joshua can win this but he needs to keep it long and not get involved in a war with Ruiz. He can win as long as he can play it cool and has patience; nick a few rounds, and don’t get into a war, no macho s—with this guy, because that’s what Ruiz likes. I think the jab is key in the fight because he’s got longer arms than Ruiz and he’s taller than him. He’s got all the advantages for him to use the jab and movement. He can’t be too brave, trying to prove himself in a war. There’s not need for that. Box him and break him down. He can win a 12-rounder or stop Ruiz late.
Tyson Fury, former world heavyweight champion
I see it going pretty much similar to the first fight. They will have different approaches and they will try different game plans, but Mike Tyson said it: ‘Everyone’s got a great game plan until thy get punched in the face. Everybody has a bogeyman in their career. Whether you find him or not, everybody’s got one.’ I think, personally, Ruiz may be the bogeyman for Joshua, but who knows?
George Foreman, former world heavyweight champion
Jab, jab and grab like Muhammad Ali did against Leon Spinks in their second fight. That’s what I think they should do and have probably planned to do. If Joshua smothers the work of Ruiz for long enough I think he’ll end up with a late stoppage anyway.
John Conteh, former world light-heavyweight champion
Joshua must be mentally strong and show conviction when he goes out there. There is no doubt that Ruiz is a dangerous opponent for him and may just have his number, but Joshua can show he is special and win the belts back. But be brave. I think he will win a points decision or stop Ruiz late.
Deontay Wilder, WBC heavyweight champion
I really believe Andy’s gonna go in there and do it again. When I look at the first fight and I see certain things as a fighter, a lot of red flags that alert me. And if that same mindset and momentum goes into the second fight, Andy Ruiz is going to win that easily. I think Ruiz has the momentum to go in and do it again.
Bob Arum, hall of fame promoter
I believe Ruiz will win again. I was surprised that Ruiz beat Joshua the first time, but we have to say that he is really an underrated guy. His balance and low centre of gravity works against the bigger heavyweights and as we have seen, his hand speed is phenomenal. His style plays to Joshua’s weaknesses.
Dave Allen, British heavyweight
I see Ruiz winning again. Joshua is lighter but I don’t think he can handle the Mexican-American’s power. I’m predicting that Ruiz will stop Joshua again, but later on in the fight this time.
Hasim Rahman, who defeated Lennox Lewis
I am leaning at the moment towards Ruiz by knockout. I just think Joshua has lost weight. I feel he may have lost muscle and that can be detrimental.
Josh Taylor, WBA and IBF world super-lightweight champion
I can see Ruiz edging the fight because of Joshua’s past record in struggling against shorter, more compact opponents.