It
can at times be an overused expression, but Boxing is truly a sport of
opportunity. Opportunities in the sport can come in several forms. One of the
most familiar stories that most people are familiar with whether they are fans
on any level or someone with little interest in the sport is one of a young
fighter working his/her way through the ranks to earn an opportunity to fight
for a world championship. A way that opportunity can come knocking on someone’s
door that does not always get talked about is when a fighter steps into a fight
on short notice.
Although
such a scenario can vary with regard to opportunity, it is one that happens regularly
in the sport. When the opportunity comes in the form of stepping into a world
championship fight, it can indeed be viewed as the Boxing equivalent of one
stumbling upon a winning lottery ticket. Some fighters have been able to take
advantage of such scenarios, while others have not. The latest fighter to be
placed in such a scenario is Heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz.
Ruiz,
took an unbeaten record into the ring to
challenge for the vacant WBO Heavyweight world championship in December 2016
when he battled fellow undefeated contender Joseph Parker. In what was a close
and competitive fight, Ruiz came out on the losing end of a twelve round majority
decision. Despite that setback, Ruiz made a solid account for himself in
defeat. Since that fight against Parker, Ruiz has gone unbeaten in three bouts scoring
knockouts in two of those bouts.
Despite
being ranked in the top five in the World Boxing Association (WBA) Heavyweight
ratings, Ruiz was positioned on the outside looking in along with several other
too contenders as the main storyline of the division has continued to be the
two world champions of the division Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder heading
towards what appears to be an eventual showdown to fully unify the World
Heavyweight championship. As each fight in the careers of each champion has
continued and subsequent coverage of each bout has been provided to the readers
of The Boxing Truth®️ by this observer, the consistent question has been is the
eventual showdown between the two any closer to becoming a reality.
As
most know, Wilder recently scored a first round knockout over Dominic Breazeale
earlier this month in his ninth defense of the World Boxing Council (WBC)
Heavyweight world championship. For unified IBF/WBA/IBO/WBO world champion
Anthony Joshua however, his scheduled title defense for this Saturday was
nearly derailed by circumstances beyond his control. Undefeated top contender
Jarrell Miller, Joshua’s scheduled opponent for the unbeaten champion’s United
States debut at New York’s Madison Square Garden, was removed from the fight
due to testing positive for several banned substances during randomized testing
under the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency’s (VADA) testing protocols.
While
the situation involving Miller is a subject to be discussed at another time,
Miller’s circumstances opened the door of opportunity for Ruiz, who stepped
into the fight on limited notice to face the champion. The circumstances that
led to this bout, which will take place on the scheduled date of what would
have been Joshua’s title defense against Miller now presents a scenario that is
reminiscent of a good movie script. A familiar story of an underdog that takes
a fight against a world champion on short notice, who is given little chance to
pull off what would be considered an upset.
An
aspect that could work to Ruiz’ advantage is he has good hand speed for a
Heavyweight. Despite his having a physique is misleading, Ruiz is the type of
fighter who can throw punches in several variations of combination. The primary
obstacle in my mind for the challenger as this fight approaches has to do with
physics.
Joshua
will have a four-inch height advantage and an eight-inch reach advantage over
Ruiz. At 6’6, the champion will likely look to keep the challenger at distance
with his 82” reach. The 6’2 Ruiz must find a way to get on the inside of
Joshua’s reach where his 74” reach will not be a disadvantage.
Of
course, this is a task that can at times be easier said than done. For Ruiz to
be successful in this fight. however getting on the inside and turning the
combat into an inside fight is crucial. The primary question that faces Anthony
Joshua as this fight approaches is what effect, if any did the situation
regarding Jarrell Miller have on his preparation for Ruiz? In addition to
answering that question looms the possibility of Joshua potentially looking
ahead to a potential unification bout with Deontay Wilder down the line is
something to also keep in mind.
As
most Boxing fans likely know, Deontay Wilder announced via social media earlier
this week that he will face top contender Luis Ortiz in a rematch of their 2018
encounter later this year. Given that announcement, the odds of an undisputed
Heavyweight championship fight happening by the end of this year appear slim. The
possibility of potential distractions having an effect on Joshua however, is a
real one under the circumstances.
While
most fans and experts alike will continue to anticipate the full unification of
the Heavyweight division, the best thing for Anthony Joshua for the immediate
future will be to focus on the opponent that will be standing across the ring from
him in a historic venue known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena” and “The Mecca
of Boxing” in his U.S. debut. If for whatever reason the champion is not
focused on the task at hand, an unlikely and perhaps underestimated challenger
just might seize the opportunity that has presented itself.
“And
That’s The Boxing Truth.”
Joshua
vs. Ruiz takes place tomorrow night (Saturday, June 1st) at Madison Square
Garden in New York City, NY. The fight can be seen in the United States and
several international countries on digital sports streaming network DAZN. The
undercard will begin at 5:30 PM ET/2:30PM PT (U.S. Time). The main portion of
the card is scheduled to begin at 9PM ET/6PM PT. (U.S. Time.) For more
information about DAZN, schedules, list of available streaming devices, availability
around the world, and to subscribe, please visit: www.DAZN.com.
In
the United Kingdom and Ireland, the card can be seen on Sky Sports Box Office
Pay-Per-View for £19.95 beginning at 10PM Saturday, June 1st (Local UK Time.) For
ordering information and availability in your area please visit: https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/joshua-ruizjr.
Check your local listings internationally.
The
Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.
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