The face of heavyweight boxing received a makeover last weekend as former undefeated world champion, Anthony Joshua, was outclassed by chubby underdog challenger Andy Ruiz.
The British fighter was brought down four times by the Mexican, who hatched the perfect plan that made the big man’s tactics look like child’s play before him. Recall that before the fight Ruiz said he knew Joshua’s secret. It appears he was not kidding after all, seeing who now sits atop the heavyweight division.
Joshua made the same mistakes he made during his fight against Wladimir Klitschko, opening up after sending a heavy jab.
Ruiz could take the hit, and he took advantage of the opening Joshua created for him to send the champ back to England empty handed.
Here are four reasons we think Joshua lost.
• Joshua’s tactical plan
It was evident that Joshua’s trainer, Robert McCracken did not prepare for a scenario where the fighter would face a challenger like Ruiz.
Even after being thoroughly stretched by Ruiz, Joshua’s strategy remained the same, giving the Mexican more time and the space to unleash more shots at the former champ.
• Joshua’s knackered face
Joshua’s face looked beat up in the weeks leading to the fight, and although the boxer claimed it was due to his physio and his recovery sessions, circumstances suggest that he may have had some trouble sparring and probably didn’t recover fully before the fight.
• Joshua’s training probably wasn’t good enough
In the weeks leading to the fight, Joshua posted pictures of him going through several training regimen, however, the outcome of the fight proves that his training wasn’t probably tailored for a challenger like Ruiz who looks nothing like his boxing.
• The Drake curse?
The Drake curse is simply the malediction of losing after a sportsperson takes a picture with famed singer and song writer, Drake.
Bout to break the curse ? #June1st pic.twitter.com/UIh3ILUfrE— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) March 21, 2019
Featured image source: Business Insider
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