Andy Ruiz

2019 Midyear Boxing Awards

Andy Ruiz defeats Anthony Joshua
Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing

With the 2019 boxing calendar reaching its halfway mark, it’s time to take a look back at some of the most memorable moments thus far.

It’s been a good year up to this point, as there have been a number of big fights and upsets that have already occurred.

It’s time to hand out some midyear hardware, including awards for:

  • Round of the Year
  • Fighter of the year
  • Fight of the Year
  • Most Spectacular Knockout
  • Biggest Upset

Sit back, relax and check out who made the cut.

Round of the Year: Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua, Round 3

This one is an easy choice to make. Anthony Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) and Andy Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) waged an absolute war when they fought each other on June 1 at Madison Square Garden. The third round in particular was one to remember.

Early on during the round, the former unified Heavyweight titleholder landed a short left hook that saw Ruiz hit the deck. Instead of covering up to protect himself, Ruiz went right back at the champion.

It paid off as Ruiz managed to send his man down to the canvas not once, but twice during the round. At this point in the year this was the clear cut choice for round of the year.

Knockout Of The Year: Yunier Dorticos KO’s Andrew Tabiti in the 10th

It seems fitting that the fighter nicknamed the “KO Doctor” has won this award, with his 10th-round knockout over the previously unbeaten Andrew Tabiti (17-1, 13 KOs).

Yunier Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) landed a well-placed over hand right that connected on the chin of Tabiti.

He immediately hit the deck and the referee waved off the contest. Tabiti wasn’t just down, he was out cold.

Fighter Of The Year: Canelo Alvarez

The unified Middleweight champion is already on everyone’s pound-for-pound list. He showed exactly why he deserves all of the praise he receives as he won a close, but clear decision over former champion Daniel Jacobs (35-3, 29 KOs).

There are many fighters who are deserving of a spot here, but none more than Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs).

Jacobs is a legitimately great fighter that is still in his prime. Canelo was also at a significant size disadvantage. None of that mattered.

Canelo took care of business of May 4, and it is the exact reason why he gets the nod for fighter of the year.

Fight Of The Year: Julian Williams vs. Jarrett Hurd

Jarrett Hurd (23-1, 16 KOs) came into his contest against Julian Williams (27-1-1, 16 KOs) undefeated and the owner of the WBA, IBO and IBF Jr. Middleweight titles.

He was widely regarded as the best in his weight class. Although Julian Williams was good, no one expected him to pull off the win. To the surprise of many, he defeated Hurd by unanimous decision.

More importantly, both men put on an absolute show. The action was back and forth as they equally had their moments.

Rumors of a rematch have been floating around. If part two is even half as good as the first time around then fans are in for a treat.

Upset Of The Year: Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua

Seriously, is there any other choice? Absolutely not. On June 1, at the famed Mecca of Boxing–Madison Square Garden–it was supposed to be former unified Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua’s (22-1, 21 KOs) showcase.

It was the first time that the British Heavyweight was fighting on American soil. His opponent, Andy Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) was supposed to be the sacrificial lamb.

The Mexican American Heavyweight had other ideas. Ruiz didn’t just defeat Joshua on that night, he outclassed him.

Ruiz dusted himself off after getting dropped earlier in the contest to put Joshua on the mat four times en-route to a seventh round stoppage.

It isn’t hyperbole to say that it was one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

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