I know that some people are going to be upset at the performance because they wanted to see a knockout - but this was a really impressive performance by AJ, showing versatility and unleashing a new layer of skillset that we hadn't seen before. He boxed circles around Ruiz (although that wasn't necessarily a tall order considering Ruiz was woefully out of shape, even for his standards).

But the way AJ remained steadfast and disciplined in his gameplan was very impressive. It reminded me of the days when Steward took the helm for Lewis and/or Wlad Klitschko - transforming them from sluggers to exquisitely disciplined purveyors of the sweet science.

I actually think AJ's chances against Wilder raised after this fight - because it's plausible that he could replicate what Fury did in terms of boxing masterclass - though I still think Wilder's will, range, and historic punching power will win the day. But I greatly respected the science AJ displayed against Ruiz, who didn't stand a chance against this version of AJ.


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