Chris McKenna(journalist)
It would be easy to say Joshua wins but there is so much to take into account. Eddie Hearn said the loss of his ‘0’ might free him from the pressure that goes with it, but he will go into the rematch knowing another defeat will mean his career at the top level is over. I think Joshua will recover, regroup and win by stoppage but it won’t be easy.
Gary Logan(trainer)
AJ needs to take a leaf out of the Wladimir Klitschko and Lennox Lewis books. The rematch has to stay long behind a consistent jab and straight right hand. He then has to smother and nullify the danger in close. The problem is, AJ’s strength is his dynamic mid-range punching and that’s Ruiz’s house. He can’t go in there and be comfortable. He’ll get done again. If I had to bet, letting my heart rule my head, I’d go AJ late stoppage.
Mickey Helliet(manager)
AJ seemed very unsettled on Saturday. He struggled to find his range and looked muscular and stiff compared to the fluid movement of Ruiz Jr. I think a more composed Joshua can beat Ruiz if he can up his game, stick to a rigid game-plan and keep his nerve even when the pace heats up. I’d happily see him ‘win boring’ under the circumstances but it will be a tough ask when you consider how quickly Ruiz was able to draw him in.
Nigel Wright(former fighter)
I think it depends on where it happens. If made in England, I would go with Joshua as he feels more comfortable. I didn’t think he looked himself in New York. If made in Mexico, Joshua will face the same demons and we could see the same outcome. Ruiz has shown Joshua vulnerabilities and the facts are he doesn’t have great stamina and he doesn’t take shots well. Ruiz will be confident he can do the same again.
