On paper, this is a huge fight, maybe the biggest fight since Mayweather -Pacquiao.

If you listen to Matchroom Boxing Promoter Eddie Hearn, he believes all eyes will be on this Fight December 7, 2019.

When someone used to ask what the three most important things in business are? The Answer was Location, Location & Location.

Is the location of this fight extinguishing it’s importance and history potential?

Not Creating The Buzz:

When Mayweather / Pacquiao was made, boxing fans were enthusiastic and the media covered the news with excitement and from the heart. There is much to be achieved when it’s from the Heart.

Joshua coming to fight in the United States was a buzz from the heart and garnered great- well deserved attention. Andy Ruiz Jr. not only getting the upset of the decade- But getting the upset of the decade in NEW YORK CITY -Stirred the world wide Media from the heart as the news quickly spread around the globe.

Ruiz vs Joshua 2 is huge- no debating that. But how much will we write about it from the heart?

First, the fight is in Saudi Arabia, not only will the fight take place in a weird time zone with regard to the Western market, but this location setting is seen as a money grab which doesn’t honestly excite the media very much.

Second, it’s the same old song and dance:

If Anthony Joshua wins, it simply shows that he Originally overlooked Ruiz and rid the wrong. If Ruiz wins, it proves many fans right in Ruiz winning and this time it is no big surprise at all.

There are many ways and perspectives to look at this Heavyweight Clash, but never underestimate the passion and heart of the Media.

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Financial / Historic Fight Note:

This is a huge fight – No Doubt. Once all the numbers are in and everything is weighted, Matchroom Boxing will find out that it would have been better to do this Fight in England or the United States.

While the site fee is great & tempting, Saudi Arabia actually got a steal of a deal, and while everyone made money, I think 35% – 40% of the total benefits was left on the table.

If you add in the USA prime time broadcasting, Europe PPV #’s, New DAZN subscribers and name recognition for the winner of the prize fight, taking this to the Middle East might have been short sighted.

The way to maximize your income in Saudi Arabia is to have a single headline star in the main event. For example Manny Pacquiao, or Anthony Joshua or Andy Ruiz Jr. or Canelo Alvarez. With proper bargaining that could earn you a site fee close to having two major stars face each other.

A perfect example would have been the first Joshua /Ruiz fight, when no one knew who Ruiz was. A fight of this magnitude should have been in the West for many reasons- some unmeasurable.

Good Luck to Both Competitors & may the Best Man Win.

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Fight Prediction:

This is a Heavyweight Fight with multiple belts / History & Glory on the Line. Both fighters are planning everything from training & nutrition to Game planning & strategy.

Joshua’s mind set is focused and in the right place for the second fight. Ruiz is still talking about the first fight and seems very satisfied with his position and accomplishments.

Little did we know, prior to the Mike Tyson fight in Japan,  Buster Douglas had some personal family circumstances that motivated him to train like never before, resulting in Boxings biggest upset. Eight months later when Douglas fought Evander Holyfield, he was so large, it was difficult to recognize him resulting in him getting KO’d in Round 3.

My Prediction Hinges on Ruiz and his Training. In Speaking with him yesterday, Andy assured me and other media members that he will come into the rematch 13 pounds less then the initial fight on June 1st.

The Outcome / Result According to Andy Ruiz Jr. Official Weight:

All Numbers in Pounds / Based On December 6, 2019 Andy Ruiz’s Weight:

253 Pounds or Less – Andy Ruiz Jr. Wins

254- 255 Decision Loss

256- 257 Round 11

258- 260 Round 10

261-263 Round 9 TKO

264-266 Round 9 KO

267-268 Round 8

269- 270 Round 7

271- 272 Round 6

273 Pounds- Round 5

274 Pounds- Round 4

If Ruiz Weights In @ 275 or More, I see 3rd Round Win for Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua.

If Andy Ruiz Jr. wants to keep the belts, he has to come into the fight at a lean & mean – Ready 253 pounds.

In speaking to Andy, he says that his team’s plan is for him to come into the December fight at a ready 255 pounds. (by my calculation – using the Chart above, if Ruiz comes in at 255 pounds, this Fight goes all 12 rounds. At this point in the game, my best guess is he will be 261.5 pounds – resulting in him losing in 9 rounds.

Talk is cheap at this point, it’s all about what these two champions do in the gym that’s gonna count.

Photo courtesy of Boxing Action Magazine