Is Anthony Joshua over-training for Andy Ruiz to the point where he is taking too much damage!
This is fight week for IBF, IBO, WBO and WBA heavyweight world champion Anthony “AJ” Joshua (22-0, 21 KO’s). He will face Andy “Destroyer” Ruiz Jr (32-1, 21 KO’s) June 1 at the historic Madison Square Garden. The bout is a big deal because it will mark Joshua’s first official foray into the US market. Naturally, he has a bevy of media obligations to satisfy in order to properly promote the swiftly approaching prizefight.
In one of the more recent segments, the UK superstar has managed to raise the suspicions of many.
While conducting an interview for the YouTube channel SecondsOut, boxing reporter Radio Raheem questioned if a number of markings on AJ’s face had resulted from sparring. Radio described them as looking like a “shiner and a number of scratches”. When presented with the question, Joshua immediately insisted that no sparring partner could do that to him. Rather than sparring, Joshua clarified that the large and very clear bruise came as a result of rehab, something to do with “physio.”
Not only was explanation puzzling to say the least, the look on Radio Raheem’s face while listening is priceless!
Taking a Step Back
Now, there is such a thing as a physiotherapist and their function is to help people affected by injury, illness or disability. However, the boxing public would like to know what form of treatment did Joshua receive that left him sporting a large, defined bruise on his face.
Despite his denial to the contrary, many still believe that AJ has been getting touched up in sparring. Admittedly, at the moment, there is no hard evidence proving this to be the case. Unfortunately, he made no effort to explain in greater detail what exactly happened or the treatment that was utilized that would result in such a prominent abrasion.
However, rough sparring sounds far more plausible than some near felonious face massage. Of course, since none of us know for sure, you are free to believe what you want. Regardless of how the deep blemishes landed on his face, Joshua is under a great deal of pressure to look stellar on Saturday.
His opponent is no slouch. He has fast hands and is very confident that he has the tools to topple the champion. Thankfully, we don’t have long to wait to find out how this loaded situation will unfold.
Let’s just hope that Joshua comes to the ring in peak condition and not lessened by any outside factors!
By: Bakari Simpson
Aj will win