Joshua showed he has learnt from defeat but has more work to do for Wilder or Fury contest
Anthony Joshua turned a loss into a learn in Saudi Arabia with a comprehensive and strategic victory over Andy Ruiz Jnr to reclaim his world title belts. It was absorbing, physical chess, but the discipline, desire and patience of the 30-year-old British heavyweight – still young in boxing experience – cannot be doubted after this performance.
The elephant in the room, or the ring – the 20st 3lb version of Ruiz – was dealt with in the manner Wladimir Klitschko nullified challengers for a decade as heavyweight king: jab, jab, circle and smother.
Highly effective, with the fingerprints of the Ukrainian’s advice all over the craftiness of the Briton’s footwork and repetition. In fairness, Lennox Lewis also developed the same strategy as Klitschko later in his career behind a booming jab, but could see the finish when it presented itself. Both of those heavyweights were taught the strategy, plus the half-step back, by the late, great Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward. It means that phase two of Joshua – his development – is under way and on display.
Joshua was safety-first, protected his chin, got the job done, and is back on track for a stellar 2020. The victory also earned “AJ”, the brand and the boxer, the small fortune of £70 million.
For the record, Joshua became only the fourth heavyweight to claim the belts straight back, after Floyd Patterson (1960), Muhammad Ali (1978), and Lewis (2001).
Ruiz, who was never badly hurt and remained dangerous to the end, was frankly disappointing, but take nothing away from the two-time champion; Joshua did what he had to do, and earned serious redemption in what was a high-risk, high-reward contest.
Joshua followed trainer Rob McCracken’s game-plan to the letter, and can raise the proverbial two fingers – in victory salute – to the many who doubted him.
You can plainly see in Joshua’s body language that he wants to get involved in a firefight, but he kept his composure round after round.
The discipline and patience Joshua showed sets up a fascinating 12 months that could involve any number of possibilities, from mandatory challenges to a possible showdown with the winner of Deontay Wilder against Tyson Fury, potentially towards the close of next year.
But neither Fury nor Wilder will be quaking in their boots after Saturday night’s performance. And even Joshua himself will know deep down that the improvements must continue if he is to fulfil his vast potential.
But rest will come first. Joshua will expect to be out again by the summer, which will leave recovery time, and another 10- or 12-week camp. Then perhaps the battle of the triumvirate will beckon at the end of the year. Let us hope so.
Just as Joshua learnt in his most challenging fight, other than the one six months ago with Ruiz, against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in 2017, mindset is key. Against Klitschko, Joshua dealt with pressure, a knockdown, and showed heart, stamina and fortitude. This time, the comeback victory and 12 rounds with just a couple of scares, will have given him restored confidence.
Observing the contest with former world heavyweight champions Frank Bruno and Shannon Briggs, the two former fighters were willing Joshua on, applauding his tactical brain, with Bruno urging Joshua to “jab, jab be boring, nothing wrong with it.”
And Briggs nodded enthusiastically at the renewed shape, vigour and heart of the Briton.
“Twelve rounds in the bag is worth 36 rounds in learning against a guy who knocked him down four times and stopped him last time – that will have helped any mental scarring that was there,” added Briggs.
Both huge men were on the edge of their seats in the last two rounds imploring Joshua to “be sensible”.
The heavyweight debate as to the No1 still sits thus: Wilder is the most dangerous, Fury the best boxer, and Joshua the most improved. Ben Davison, Fury’s trainer, said after the contest that Joshua had “impressed” him and showed great tactical awareness. His view was that Joshuahad shown great focus, and proved that he can learn. But Joshua must continue learning if he is to overcome the boxing skills of Fury, and the raw power of Wilder.
Regardless of what anyone else in the sport might say or believe, Joshua, Fury and Wilder are the Big Three, and the world needs to see the culmination of the struggle for supremacy. Joshuawill now be an interested observer as Fury and Wilder go next, expected to face off in Las Vegas on Feb 22. Promoter Bob Arum says the fight will be confirmed soon.
Heavyweight boxing is about knockouts, they say. But the road to Riyadh was about redemption for Joshua, who won through technique and physical chess.
Nothing wrong with that.