Ward says Joshua needs to lose mass for Ruiz rematch

Image: Ward says Joshua needs to lose mass for Ruiz rematch
By Boxing News - 09/05/2019 - Comments

By Charles Brun: Andre Ward says Anthony Joshua can give himself the best chance of beating Andy Ruiz Jr. in the rematch by stripping off the muscle mass that he’s carrying around. Ward says Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) should trim the mass down before he fights IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) on December 7 in their rematch in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua not likely to trim off his muscles

It’s easier said than done in asking Joshua to trim down his Mr. Universe bodybuilding physique, because he’s not likely to do that. Joshua doesn’t seem to be aware that it’s not helpful for fighters to look like bodybuilders. If Joshua saw it as a problem, then he would have already trimmed the muscles off years ago.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn’s careful match-making has enabled him to fight guys without trimming off his muscles. Joshua didn’t need to be less muscular with the guys that Hearn has been feeding him since he turned pro in 2013.

Andy Ruiz Jr. needs to “switch on” for Joshua rematch says Ward

“I think it depends on what AJ turns up in the ring mentally and physically, and it depends on what Ruiz comes into the ring,” said Ward when asked his prediction of Joshua vs. Ruiz rematch. “If Ruiz is resting on his laurels, and living the life, which it seems like he is. I’m not saying he’s resting on his laurels, but he’s enjoying his fruits of his labor. And he deserves it. If he can turn the switch on, and come in mentally better than he did the first time, then he’s going to out himself in a good position,” said Ward.

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Ward wants Ruiz Jr. to start training hard for the rematch, and stop kicking back and enjoying the money that he made from the first with AJ. Ruiz bought a big house and a Rolls Royce with some of the money he made for his win over Joshua on June 1. For the rematch, Ruiz will make even more money. If he’s thinking about the money instead of his training, then he’s going to have problems when he gets inside the ring with Joshua.

Andy Ruiz Jr. close to his fighting weight

Ruiz looks like he’s close to the same size he was at for his 7th round knockout win over Joshua in New York. He’s obviously not in super shape, but if Ruiz comes into the fight around 268 pounds, he’s going to be a problem for Joshua. All that weight makes Ruiz naturally powerful, and has blazing hand speed to go along with it. The stamina and the great chin that Ruiz has makes him a nightmare for a guy like Joshua.

Ward: Joshua needs to shed some of that armor 

“If AJ can get some of that armor off, and shed some of that mass, and come in there, ‘it’s either win or die; that’s my mentality,'” said Ward about Joshua. “If he can do that, then he’s going to put himself in the best position. I don’t know, and I want to see it like everybody else. I think it’s interesting being in Saudi Arabia. It depends on mentally where they come,” said Ward.