Start spreading the news…
Anthony Joshua lands in New York this weekend, as the unified heavyweight champions looks to make a splash in the Big Apple against a big Mexican: Andy Ruiz Jr.
This wasn’t the plan from the outset. A triple-whammy of failed drugs tests from original opponent Jarrell Miller allowed Ruiz to step in at fairly short notice; a cool $7 million will cushion the blow of what is expected to unfold on Saturday night.
With a varied undercard of British fighters looking to spread their wings across the Atlantic, a three-fold priced at around Evens (1/1 @ BetVictor) looks a tempting way to recoup money spent on the pay-per-view cost of the fight!
Anthony Joshua to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification @ 2/9
Joshua will be looking to make a statement in his first outing on American soil this weekend; Ruiz looks like the perfect opponent – albeit at late notice – to do so against. The fast hands of the Mexican have focused the narrative of a “potential slip up” for AJ, but without that concussive one-punch power, Ruiz will find himself working overtime in trying to land attacks on the champion. He’s likely to fall short and fall in on occasions, leading to a Joshua onslaught. For all his faults, AJ is one of the most clinical finishers in the game – he’ll smell blood within the first three rounds. Joshua should be able to back up Ruiz fairly easily, with the stoppage coming after a barrage on the ropes.
Callum Smith to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification 2/7
Why Stonehenge was formed; did anyone really see the Loch Ness Monster; how does Callum Smith still make 168-pounds: three of the biggest British mysteries still leaving us scratching our heads. Smith’s first defence as a world champion is coming against a seasoned middleweight. N’Dam has had a successful career, but the shire size and punch selection of “Mundo” will make this fight as one-sided as it gets. Smith is a front-runner to get the next “Canelo call”, so won’t be taking his eye off the ball in the Big Apple. N’Dam showed he could get hurt to the body against Murata, with Smith probably opting for a similar line of attack.
Katie Taylor to win by Decision or Technical Decision @ 1/3
A year ago, this wasn’t the #RoadToUndisputed fight we were probably expecting to land in New York this weekend. What the heavyweights have failed to do, Katie Taylor is on the verge of managing: sweeping the lightweight division of it’s four recognised belts. Persoon – part-time boxer, part-time police officer – hasn’t lost in nine years, but also hasn’t ventured away from Belgium small halls having taken up the sport 12 years ago. Granted, I haven’t spent days trawling through Persoon’s pro career, but Katie Taylor’s style looks enough to overwhelm any contender under 135-pounds. Fast hands, fast attacks and a relentless work rate have allowed Taylor to glide to the top of the tree in just 13 pro fights; Persoon’s admission to Taylor having that edge in speed doesn’t bode well for the challenger who has modest 41% KO record. Taylor has the ability to wear Persoon down over 10 gruelling rounds of constant pressure.
