Anthony Joshua came out for the rematch nothing like the first fight. He looked more like a fighter who respected his opponent than one who thought the fight would be a walk in the park.
This fight was about the sweet science as Joshua took his title back by unanimous decision.
Judge’s scorecards: 119-109, 118-110, 118-110
Making the Cut scorecard: 117-111 Joshua
Early Rounds (1-5)
Early in the fight Joshua used some movement but for the most part, he stayed in the pocket where he could follow his jab with another punch. Joshua used the jab to get off first. When he didn’t get off first, he wasn’t shy about tying Ruiz up. Something he didn’t in the first fight. For the most part it looked like Ruiz was looking too much or that “one punch”.
Joshua 5-0 (won all five rounds)
Joshua 50-45
Middle Rounds (6-9)
Joshua keeps up the circular movement and, at times, it seems to be frustrating Ruiz. The champ did land a nice overhand left in the 6th round and that seemed to give him some confidence as he came up with more aggression in the 7th round. Joshua responded by opening up a bit. The two-way action resembled what we saw in the first fight.
Both fighters were warned in the 8th for hitting off of the break as Ruiz is getting aggressive with Joshua every tine he goes to tie up. Ruiz landed a couple of meaningful punches near the end of the round. Definitely there’s a rising level of desperation for Ruiz. The eighth round was Ruiz’ best round.
Ninth round and Ruiz is stalking Joshua. He’s strong enough to shove-punch anytime Joshua tries to tie him up.
It seems like Joshua is slowing down a bit. The movement is slower so Ruiz is cutting off the ring. Joshua’s punches isn’t possessing “late round” zing.
2-2 (Ruiz won 8th and 9th rounds)
Joshua 88-83
Late Rounds (10-12)
The 10th round was slow and could go to either fighter. Ruiz landed the only meaningful punch in the round. Could be enough to win the round on the judge’s scorecards.
The 11th round might be the round that gives Joshua his title back. He was able to control the pace and tenor of the round similar to the first five rounds.
Joshua closes the show in the 12th round. He punctuated his dominance.
Joshua 2-1 (won 11th and 12th rounds)
Joshua 117-111
