In what many boxing pundits have called one of the biggest upsets in the boxing history, Andy Ruiz has sensationally beaten the IBF, WBO and WBA Boxing Champion Anthony Joshua last night at the at Madison Square Garden, New York USA.
The
Nigerian born Anthony Joshua, an impressive, rugged World Heavy Weight boxing
champion with an impeccable record of 22
wins – 21 by knockout, was a 1-25 favourite with bookmakers. But, Ruiz proved
many wrongs with his powerful jabs, flooring Joshua four times, before the
referee stopped the fight in the seventh round, effectively handing Joshua his
first ever defeat in his professional boxing career.
Although
Joshua floored Ruiz with a left hook in the third round, it was the 29-year-old
Ruiz that had the last say. The American Ruiz (born to Mexican parents)
thrilled the approximately 19,000 spectators in the arena with his impressive
performance. Clearly aware of Joshua’s devastating, powerful punches, Ruiz
tried as much as possible to attack his opponent afar. Whenever Ruiz came close
to Joshua, he made sure he landed as many punches as possible to tame his
dangerous opponent before retreating.
With
his defeat, the 29-year-old Joshua joins the likes of Mike Tyson and Lennox
Lewis, the boxing champions, who experienced a surprise defeat at the hands of
underdogs in the persons of Buster Douglas on February 11, 1990, and Hasim
Rahman in 2001 respectively. While Lewis successfully defeated Rahman in a
rematch with a left-right combination, which sent Rahman crashing, the question
is, can Joshua repeat the Lewis’ magic in a rematch with Andy Ruiz?
That
calls for tough and tedious training. Although very few would doubt Anthony
Joshua’s strength and determination, many see a rocky road ahead to the
victory, however, judging from the impressive performance of Luiz. Having
pulled this big upset in boxing history, it is hard to believe that Andy Ruiz
would take a rematch as a piece of cake. Hardly not. He would do all it takes
to keep his newly earned titles – plus millions and prestige that come with
them intact.
“I
got beaten by a good fighter. It will be interesting to see how far he goes,
but this is all part of the journey. He’s a champion, for now, I shall
return.” Anthony Joshua promised.
With so much at stake, many boxing fans cannot wait to witness Anthony Joshua – Andy Ruiz Jr rematch.
