“He’s got to keep it long and literally jab his way through a points victory.”

Fairly obvious advice. Of course, Joshua would hope to avoid the same fate as Price. The big Liverpudlian was also an Olympic medallist, and was being touted for world glory when his came up against veteran American Tony Thompson.

A shock defeat, caused by another one of those brain mashing shots around the ear, still left fans confident in a rematch victory.

If anything this was worse, and had echoes of AJ’s apparent Achilles heel. What looked like Price getting back on track with an early knockdown turned into a nightmare as the big man appeared to punch himself out.

One man who did get back on track was Wladimir Klitschko. After 14 straight wins following his first defeat to Ross Purrity, Wlad’s dodgy chin was exposed by Corrie Sanders in 2003. Having lost the WBO belt, he got Emanuel Steward onboard, but a further defeat to Lamon Brewster for the same title (and like AJ losing after scoring a knockdown) showed how much work the Kronk Gym legend had to do.

We all know how Klitschko was turned into a frustrating defensive monster who, despite having one of the most devastating punches in boxing, became a symbol of the dullness of heavyweight boxing through that eleven year winning stretch.

There is no doubt in my mind that Joshua needs a similar rebirth, just not so extreme. It may even simply be a honing of the style he dominated Parker with. He has some phenomenal assets, so it is important that he maximises them while ironing out the weaknesses like his stamina the ease with which opponents can expose his body and chin.
There is truth to Tyson Fury’s barbs about his physique. We all know the aerobic impact of muscle, so there is surely a balance to met that would allow AJ to increase endurance.

If we are specifically talking about the Ruiz rematch, there certainly needs to be a lot more work to deal with the new champ’s speed and skill. While it may have been at six week’s notice, AJ had been focused on combatting Jarell Miller, a fighter who was a very different beast. Good and relevant sparring in the rematch is a must.

I don’t think there is hyperbole in saying Joshua could retire after another loss. His entire career has been fast tracked to the top ever since getting that 2012 Olympic Gold. I can’t see him continuing as an also ran. I would put him in the similar category (although, nowhere near the talent) as Lomachenko. Hell, Loma has only fought a single pro bout that was not a world title shot or defence. He will have belts or he will out of the sport.

I am sure there are probably more views contrary to my view on AJ. Just remember, the heavyweights are the most unpredictable out there. It only takes one punch……