Anthony Joshua’s reputation irreparably damaged by Andy Ruiz Jr loss, says Tyson Fury promoter Bob Arum
Top Rank founder and CEO Arum believes future opponents will look at AJ differently now his undefeated record has come to an end
Anthony Joshua will never be the same fighter after his defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr, according Tyson Fury's US promoter Bob Arum.
Ruiz Jr dropped AJ four times in New York to make history as the first heavyweight champion from Mexico and end his opponent’s unbeaten streak in one of boxing's biggest ever shocks.
Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has revealed Joshua is tempted to return to the United States for the rematch later this year in an attempt to vanquish his American nightmare.
However, Arum, the Top Rank CEO and founder, believes Joshua's aura will never return - even if he wins the rematch to reclaim his titles.
Speaking to talkSPORT's Fight Night show, Arum said: "Joshua was not in the ring on Saturday night... that was not Anthony Joshua.
"We don’t know why, but it will have an affect on him as a fighter for the rest of his career and it will affect the way his opponents view him.
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"Because hey, if fat Andy Ruiz Jr can knock him down four times... 'I’m a much better puncher, I’m a much better this, I’m a much better that, I can knock him down as well'.
"It will never be the same; he could bounce back, he could beat Ruiz Jr, but he is never going to be the same. So much of boxing is mental.
"So the opponents will look at him, and they will look at that fight, and they will never give him the respect he would have had before."
Arum is currently co-promoting Fury, who faces Tom Schwarz on Saturday, and he confirmed a rematch between the 'Gypsy King' and Deontay Wilder WILL go ahead.
"Wilder v Fury II is going to happen," Arum told . "It will be a terrific fight. The first fight was terrific. This fight will be even better.
"But no jumping. Anything can happen to Fury, although I don’t think it will... that happened to Anthony Joshua."