Top Rank boss Bob Arum has exclusively spoken to WBN in the wake of watching Anthony Joshua’s crumbling loss to Andy Ruiz Jr.
Arum, who promoter Ruiz until 2018, couldn’t’ believe what unfolded before his eyes as AJ went down four times at Madison Square Garden.
Joshua initially dropped Ruiz but was caught on the way in attempting to finish the job. In the process, the Briton lost four versions of the world heavyweight title.
“I’ve seen Anthony Joshua fight before, and it looked like there was a different guy in the ring,” Arum exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I mean, I don’t know whether he didn’t train hard for the fight. I can’t figure it out.
“Nobody knows Andy Ruiz better than us. Apart from the Joshua fight and the one before, we promoted every one of his fights.
“He’s a gutty guy and he’s got fast hands, but he’s still ponderous on his feet and he doesn’t punch hard. So, I don’t know what the f** was I watching.
“I mean, I just can’t figure it out. I really can’t figure it out.”
Questions on Joshua’s mindset began immediately as strange occurrences during the build-up and inside the ring overshadowed the fight.
Delaying the ring walk, chewing on his gumshield and looking nervous were all out-of-the-ordinary for a Joshua event.
Asked about the 29 year-old’s demeanor, Arum agreed Joshua looked uneasy.
“Yeah, something was wrong. Something I can’t figure out. I mean unless he was caught off guard.
“You switch opponents on a guy. First, he’s fighting this big heavy guy in (Jarrell) Miller. And now he’s not fighting Miller, he’s fighting Andy Ruiz – who is barely a top ten guy. So he probably took his foot off the gas,” he pondered.
KIMMEL
A rematch is on the way as Joshua confirmed a clause in the contract will be triggered to forced a second helping.
For now, Ruiz is enjoying his new found fame and status after making an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live this Tuesday.
The Mexican-American is also lining up a big-money deal with Snickers after promoting the brand free of charge before the Joshua bout.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
