 The boxing world was left in shock as the British world champion Anthony Joshua (AJ) was sensationally knocked out by Mexican Andy Ruiz Jnr in the 7th round.  
The heavyweight boxing elite has always been between three fighters, Deontay Wilder (current heavyweight champion), Tyson Fury (former heavyweight champion) and Anthony Joshua (now former heavyweight champion) all of whom have been undefeated . The various promoters, have been preparing boxing schedules for each fighter over the coming year to determine who is the true champion of heavyweight weights.  
This fight that AJ had was seen as a simple mandatory fight with Ruiz being brought in as a replacement for the Jarrell Miller who had failed a drug test. Ruiz was only given five weeks notice and preparation for the fight and looked out of shape in comparison to AJ. It was anticipated that the muscular Anthony Joshua would win this fight against the less physics Ruiz and therefore it was not in their thinking or expectation for Joshua to be defeated by someone of this calibre.
In the third round of the fight both opponents were knocked down but by the seventh round Andy Ruiz was able to knock down and then knockout the Undisputed Champion AJ to obtain the WBA championship of the world in New York.
Joshua’s defeat has left open the championship as a two man race between Wilder and Fury with Ruiz as a new side liner.
“There s a moment in fighting when strength of muscle ain’t everything because enemy has already given you enough energy to gain the victory”. Toba Beta
Boxing; heavyweight boxing is a very precarious Sport when they say one punch can determine the outcome of a fight. The same principle can be applied to life when out of the blue the unexpected can knock you down and out. In response to Joshua’s defeat and Ruiz victory Joshua said I am shocked and apologized to his friends family and fans. Ruiz responded in return, stating, I was knocked down but I had to get up and respond in return.
Joshua has the responsibility to get back up. Even though he has been defeated and his unblemished record is marred by this defeat, the character of his fight-ability is his durability.Â
….the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong... ~ Ecclesiastes 9:11.
While our strength is in the fight, it should be noted, that there is great strength in the recognition of one’s opponents weak areas and areas of vulnerability. Ruiz both saw and seized the opportunity in Joshua, leading to his triumph.
May we not be intimidated by the appearance of the enemy, but daily may we live and walk in truth and victory despite life’s knock-downs.