Comments Thread For: Is The 2023 Version Of Anthony Joshua Diminished Or Just Different?

[ShoulderRoll]

No one wants a risk-averse heavyweight.

[greeneye99]

Sorry but that's nonsense. I can only assume you were too young to see the Wlad that showed up against Joshua. Quote his age but I saw the guy who showed up. Parker was 3 in the world and an unbeaten champion. Ruiz had just beaten AJ. Povetkin and Pulev were both credible mandatories. The guy fought who he was made to fight - ie the ones who were gaining ratings with their respective orgs by beating their fellow contenders. Every style, every size, every guy he probably didn't want to fight.

You could go through your process with any of the current fighters. Wilder never fought anyone. Fury fought an old Wlad who was going through personal issues and won a stinker (then hid from a rematch) before beating the worst reigning heavyweight champion in history.

Or you could acknowledge that it takes a lot to win a title. More so to defend a title. Plenty to unify titles. More to regain titles.

They're at the level they are because they deserve to be there. They won the fights others wouldn't even take.

He's no work in progress. He's a two time unified champion who is evolving his style and is potentially moving into what are typically the most productive years of his career as a boxer. Don't forget he's 33 - go and check the history of what the best fighters achieved in their mid and late 30s.

Or you could write him off because you didn't enjoy his wide UD win.

Great Analysis & well written
Totally agree

[Hooded Terror]

I have no problem with a measured Joshua outboxing his foes. I watched Ali and Holmes do it. I watched Holyfield do it. The thing is boxing has been sold as explosive and its expected with giant heavyweights. Joshua did just that pre-Ruiz. As badly as the media made his win over Franklin out to be, I thought that it wasn't all that poor of a showing, given the excessive time off. I'd like to see him box again within 90 to 120 days

[Corelone]

Time on top is short. I've seen washed up teenagers. This isn't a game where you start from scratch every time, Its cumulative and even slaps add up. AJ wants to finesse longevity, but this isn't a card game.

[crisantonio917]

DONE, Game Over..

[Roberto Vasquez]

Who cares?? In no other sport do the top guys get told to retire when they don't win 20-0 or whatever.

Wilder lost 3 fights in a row with Fury and dodged a Ruiz fight. Should he retire too??

Fury is too scared to fight Usyk for 3 belts and 70/30? Should he retire??

Least AJ has ambition. I think any boxers should fight outside of the ring too - to get better. Never give up!

[A.B Counterhooks]

Time on top is short. I've seen washed up teenagers. This isn't a game where you start from scratch every time, Its cumulative and even slaps add up. AJ wants to finesse longevity, but this isn't a card game.

Well said. Couldn't agree more with this take. I just dont see that spark on Aj to make me believe he'll beat any top prime world champion. He needed to make a statement last weekend but he just couldn't. He fights too cautious now almost scared.

[BodyBagz]

Apprehensive

[MulaKO]

He’s done cause anyone with a bit of power can hurt him
Franklin had any sort of power , AJ would of been hurt
Why do you think everyone is taking a jab at him ?

[chicken-]

Who cares?? In no other sport do the top guys get told to retire when they don't win 20-0 or whatever.

Wilder lost 3 fights in a row with Fury and dodged a Ruiz fight. Should he retire too??

Fury is too scared to fight Usyk for 3 belts and 70/30? Should he retire??

Least AJ has ambition. I think any boxers should fight outside of the ring too - to get better. Never give up!

Is his ambition to put up mediocre performances vs no-names and then have temper tantrums after every fight while thinking he deserves a title shot?

At least Wilder will give it his all, he won't quit while smiling like AJ did vs Ruiz.