- Twitter lights up with reactions to heavyweight title clash in Saudi Arabia
England's Anthony Joshua gained a measure of revenge over America's Andy Ruiz Jnr in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night with an accomplished performance of long range boxing.
It wasn't the most spectacular fight, more "one for the purist" as the old cliche has it, but by most accounts it was a disciplined and measured performance from Joshua, the 2012 Olympic champion, as he regained possession of his WBA, WBO, IBO and IBF heavyweight straps.
Ruiz's reign as champion is over after just one fight. But the American sure had fun during his short time as heavyweight champion of the world. He tipped the scales at 128kgs ahead of the "Clash on the Dunes" making him the second heaviest fighter in history to contest a world title.
As can always be expected, social media has been a source of no-holds-barred analysis of the bout. Here is a selection of reactions to the fight.
Teddy Atlas, US fight analyst/commentator
The American can always be expected to shoot from the hip and he appeared to hit out at Ruiz over his performance, and weight.
Please Mr. Ruiz don't pretend with 30 secs left that you want to fight, you had 12 rds to go get inside and fight. What time is Shake Shack open to in Saudia Arabia? #JoshuaRuiz2 #JoshuaRuiz
" Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 7, 2019
Caleb Truax, former super-middleweight champion
American Truax was another who was unkind to Ruiz over his weight and his perceived excuses for the loss.
"I didn't prepare how I should have and I gained too much weight, but I dont want to make no excuses."Literally the 2 most despicable excuses in boxing you can make. #RuizJoshua2 #boxing
" caleb truax (@GoldenCalebT) December 7, 2019
Andre Ward, retired two-weight world champion
The "Son of God" said Ruiz blew an opportunity to join the top table of heavyweight royalty in Saudi Arabia.
Andy Ruiz blew a big opportunity in the Middle East. He said he would die in the ring to keep his belts. It didn't take all of that, it just took the discipline and courage to push the plate back and deny himself, to put himself in the best position to win. He couldn't do it.
" Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) December 7, 2019
Tony Bellew, former cruiserweight champion
The Liverpool man paid tribute to his friend Joshua saying he had silenced some of his doubters.
I'm so proud and so happy for you @anthonyfjoshua You done exactly what TRUE champions do?? BOUNCE back! Once again you take boxing to places it's never ever been! Well done my brother well done! https://t.co/uOlnBcLh1g
" Anthony Bellew (@TonyBellew) December 8, 2019
Dan Rafael, US boxing writer
Another who pointed out that this was a half-baked Ruiz, unfoccussed, perhaps, after fulfilling his lifelong ambition, was American boxing journalist Dan Rafael.
Buster celebrated too long after Tyson win, got drilled by Holyfield. Duran partied hard after beating SRL, quit in rematch few months later. Rahman had terrible camp for Lewis 2, Lewis in better shape, KO'd him. Add Ruiz to list of unfocused guys in big rematches. #RuizJoshua2
" Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) December 7, 2019
Mike Coppinger, US boxing writer
Another boxing journalist, Mike Coppinger, quoted Ruiz at the post-fight press conference saying his celebrations since the June upset caught up with him on Saturday night.
Andy Ruiz says "I'd like to say the three months of partying didn't affect me, but it did. … I think the partying and all this stuff got the best of me." He apologized you trainer Manny Robles, who hasn't changed his expression #RuizJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/7IfHZpnIqE
" Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) December 7, 2019
Others pointed out that the writers of US TV show The Simpsons may have scored another prediction years ago.
The Simpsons predict everything#RuizJoshua2pic.twitter.com/HZUXEwmdjn
" BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) December 7, 2019
Even The Simpson's predicted the #RuizJoshua2 fight pic.twitter.com/F1tC2somax
" Sports Funnies (@SportsFunnies) December 7, 2019
Copyright (c) 2019. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
