World Boxing News can reveal the name of the fighter who knocked out Anthony Joshua in sparring prior to Andy Ruiz Jr. doing it for real.
Despite having the bad luck in training, Joshua still went into the fateful Ruiz fight.
Joshua was hurt badly in a session, which visibly marked his face, and WBN has been informed the boxer in question was Joey Dawejko.
Anthony Joshua hurt in sparring
Dawejko and Martin Bakole had been in camp with Joshua in the build-up to what was the Briton’s United States debut.
It’s understood Dawejko put Joshua on the canvas hard when they traded blows. Something which may have had a profound effect on the ex-unified ruler mentally.
Father Robert wanted Joshua removed from the headlining fight on June 1. His calls were not subsequently acted upon.
In the post-fight ring melee after Ruiz had inflicted a horrendous loss on Joshua, Robert could be seen waving his finger and hurling abuse at promoter Eddie Hearn.
It’s fair to say, Robert didn’t want his son anywhere near Madison Square Garden that night.
Joshua was seen asking his dad to calm down and mouthing the words, ‘I’m the one fighting’ as Robert attempted to get his point across.
Suffering such a bad blow in camp must have been demoralizing for Joshua, coupled with the fact the 30 year-old was far from home.
AMERICAN NIGHTMARE
‘AJ’ had fought exclusively in his own country for the duration of his career. There are also some suggestions Joshua may not have fully been on board with an American adventure.
A Wembley clash was scrapped leading up to the New York battle, in which Ruiz dropped Joshua four times.
Furthermore, rounds three and seven were devastating for Joshua.
Camera work picked up Joshua stating, ‘why do I feel like this’ between rounds. A short time later, Ruiz inflicted hammer blow to take away the titles.
A rematch is set to happen in November or December. The return will only go ahead if Joshua feels ready for a return at that point.
It could take some time for Joshua to come to terms with the manner of his defeat after dropping his ‘0’ to the Mexican-American.
Ruiz now joins Deontay Wilder as the two main rulers of the top division. Tyson Fury is also rated above Joshua.
