Following Anthony Joshua’s decision win over Andy Ruiz Jr, boxing fans are predicting a finish for Deontay Wilder should the two heavyweight superstars meet in a future fight.
Joshua outpointed the Mexican-American on their much-awaited rematch, which went down at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia.
Utilizing his reach advantage and athleticism, the British boxer was just too much to handle for Ruiz Jr to earn a 118-110, 118-110, 119-109 decision win.
Joshua has bounced back from his seventh round knockout loss to Ruiz Jr last June and has recaptured the unified WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight titles.
Regaining his status as a global boxing phenomenon, Joshua joined the ranks of Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, and Floyd Patterson as the only heavyweight to recapture a world title in a direct rematch.
Up next for the unified champion is a potential showdown with the winner of Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder fight in February.
If AJ’s recent fight with Andy Ruiz Jr is an indication, boxing fans sees a brutal ending for the Briton if he tussles with the power-hitter from Alabama.
Joshua might win, but there isn't a doubt in my mind Wilder KOs him inside the distance if/when the fight is made.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) December 7, 2019
Joshua will box better, but will get KO’d, he’s been dropped, and with a Wilder’s touch of death it’ll be all she wrote. https://t.co/5fCWiPWYTj
— Modelo Time Oscar (@i_smacktoddlers) December 7, 2019
Aj will get KO’d by Wilder or Fury….he’s not going to have the belts for long #RuizJoshua2
— BG (@BGfromDaBottom) December 7, 2019
Wilders KO power can't be ignored, Fury felt it, Joshua will feel it too
— 6 (@habspatel) December 7, 2019
It wasn't really a great fight. Wilder or Fury will KO these dudes anytime anywhere. But all the same, Congrats @anthonyfjoshua
— Mazi Ossy (@Obodobuigwe) December 7, 2019
Based on that. Wilder will definately KO him, Fury would outbox and KO him and Ortiz would beat him as well. #levels
— Upcountry Mongolian (@UpcountryMong) December 7, 2019
Running round avoiding getting hit is apparently worth 70mill. I could of done what AJ did tonight, shallow victory when you enter a fight doing everything BUT fight!
Fury will out box AJ & Wilder will KO AJ in 5.@anthonyfjoshua @Andy_destroyer1 @BronzeBomber @Tyson_Fury— Newham Pele (@Hammer177580769) December 7, 2019
AJ will win tonight but has only ensured he’ll get KO’d by @BronzeBomber within two rounds. #JoshuaRuiz2
— Damon Goduto (@GodutoDamon) December 7, 2019
Wilder is a beast, an Animal, he fight with aggressiveness and land deadly Knockout punches. Anthony Joshua will be disgraced if he agrees to fight Deontey
— Olajuwon (@ogbeni_skrtel) December 7, 2019
I just hope if somehow, Anthony Joshua gets to fight Deontay Wilder, this "boxing clinic" isn't what we would see from him because Wilder would definitely knock him out!
I really expected more from Anthony Joshua…by more, I mean a Knockout!
— Nykelodeon. (@nickybantz) December 7, 2019
In the post-fight interview, Joshua explained his gameplan against Ruiz Jr, saying he showed the science of boxing in the rematch.
“I make no excuses. My boy [Dereck] Chisora said I could do this if I was willing to d-i-e [but] this is boxing,” Joshua said, per CBS Sports.
“I gave [Ruiz] his credit in the first fight. There is no excuses.”
“I respect Andy and his trainer so much but I wanted to put on a great master class and show that the sweet science of this sport is about hitting and not getting hit.”
“As I always say, I’m not perfect but I’m trying. Never a change in mentality. You know the saying — stay hungry, stay humble.”
“I’m hungry, I’m humble in defeat and I’m going to remain humble in victory.”
Order restored. Congratulations @anthonyfjoshua pic.twitter.com/cbSWJqDXVJ
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) December 7, 2019
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder)