Former heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield was impressed Andy Ruiz’s performance in his chance against Anthony Joshua.
Ruiz (33-1-0, 22 KOs) created a shock wave as he dispatched Joshua (22-1-0, 21 KOs) to four times, at Madison Square Garden, in New York City, on June 1st. The Mexican captured Joshua’s WBA, WBO, and IBF belts in a stunner that ranks alongside Mike Tyson versus Buster Douglas.
Joshua will start the undesirable process of rebuilding his stature in the sport with a rematch against Ruiz, likely in November or December 2019.
“The heavyweight division is growing. With the fight we saw between Andy Ruiz and Anthony Joshua, it shows that when someone believes in himself, he can achieve what he sets out to do,” Holyfield said.
“Everything will depend on Joshua. If he does not get used to the pressure, the same thing will be repeated in the second fight.
“Ruiz has to make the same kind of fight, stay on him all the time. Joshua was not in the best condition on the first occasion and he must prepare for that kind of pressure.
“Trust comes from the mental. We all know that Joshua is a good fighter, who is strong, but that’s what happens when you apply pressure to a person. Pressure devours those who are not prepared to face it.” Holyfield added.
And the American legend, who once went to war with Mike Tyson, believes the Mexican champion can complete the job now his fitness matches his finesse.
“Yes. I do expect the same outcome, because Ruiz would fight in the same way. He has no fear, he takes risks, and those who take risks have more opportunities to win and become world champions,” Holyfield said.
