Anthony Joshua lost all his three heavyweight titles after being stopped in the seventh round by Andy Ruiz Jr., in Madison Square Garden, in New York. Ruiz on the other hand, he became the first Mexican heavyweight world champion this year.
USA Boxing trainer Freddie Roach believes it’s the worst mistake Joshua made when he choosing Ruiz as his opponent in America.
“I’m friendly with Joshua, but I think they picked the wrong guy. He [Ruiz Jr.] got the call at the right time. He was in the gym. If he wasn’t ready, he would have had to say no to the fight.” Roach told media.
“Now we have a new Mexican champion of the world. The same thing, if Joshua doesn’t completely change his ways. Ever since he fought [Wladimir] Klitschko, he’s been going downhill a little bit,” Roach added.
Roach added the Brit was carrying a lot of upper body muscles when he was trying to beat Ruiz in an earlier round.
“He has a lot more muscle. That looks really good. I think he has trouble carrying that muscle, and he’s been fatigued in his last couple of fights,” Roach said.
“He’s been getting tired before the end. I don’t think muscles make fighters. He has big biceps, so he must punch hard.
“Give me a break. I’d like to say he needs a new trainer, and I’d like to be part of the team, because I do like him. I’m not trying to steal a fighter. I think he needs to go back to where he was in the Olympics, because that’s when he was a really good fighter,” Roach added.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed they will seek a rematch for Joshua against Ruiz. They are considering a number of British venues, including Wembley Stadium for a date in winter.
“90,000 in the UK. Who wouldn’t want to fight in front of those people?” It would be the same result, I don’t care where it is.” Roach said.
