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Joe Bugner vs. John Ruiz

Posted: 09 May 2026, 15:17
by scorpio83
15 Rounds WBA Heavyweight Title

At their best, Bugner would outbox Ruiz on the outside behind his long jabs and countered Ruiz's attack and clinching by landing right hands and combinations to take a decision. What do you guys think and who do you got?

Re: Joe Bugner vs. John Ruiz

Posted: 09 May 2026, 23:16
by tiny_acres
I'd pick Bugner by wide decision as long as a referee will keep them separated from the clinches

Re: Joe Bugner vs. John Ruiz

Posted: 10 May 2026, 06:53
by agarca2014
2026

Professional Boxing Referee Manual
https://tinyurl.com/rc5375yk

Referee Dressing Room Instructions Script:
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Armando Garcia

Re: Joe Bugner vs. John Ruiz

Posted: 10 May 2026, 16:04
by Joson
This one could go either way, by very close decision. There would be lots of clinching and mauling, and neither guy could come close to hurting the other. A sloppy, boring affair.

People have mentioned Bugner's boxing skills, meaning (I assume) the fleet-footed, jabbing style. But I doubt Ruiz would give Bugner the room necessary to box. And once inside, I can't picture Ruiz making an impression on Bugner, who was pretty strong.

It's all a question of which guy lands the greater number of push-punches, swipes, taps, and cuffing blows. That kind of fight.

Re: Joe Bugner vs. John Ruiz

Posted: 10 May 2026, 20:40
by gilgamesh
I expect a close, sloppy fight, and because Bugner has the better jab I think he's gonna get in more punches than Ruiz does. I can't really see Ruiz hurting Bugner, but he'd get the better of it on the inside as he's more used to the mauling kinda style.

Anytime they're at range, which won't ever be for long especially once we get past the early rounds, then Bugner's jab will be the most effective punch.

Ugly fight. Probably some head clashes. Bugner lands a few dozen more punches total, and probably wins a narrow decision is my guess.