If he was knocked out in sparring would it have a big effect on his performance on the night? How long do you need post KO to feel fresh? I didn't realise it is such a big thing. I thought you could shake it off in a week generally and be close to fully fit and be raring to go. There a protocol to follow? You need x amount of time post KO before fighting again?
A week in soccer is generally enough. It's different when dealing with repeated punches to the head. In boxing it'll start with a month's suspension from the British boxing board of control. Win, lose, or draw your next fight fight always needs the boards approval.
Sparring stops a week prior. Head guards prevent cuts. Extra cushioned gloves soften the blows and prevent injuries. Sparring is a controlled environment.
Thanks for the response.
I think he looked unwell/concussed from the off as he didn't look particularly sharp. He did well up until his knockdown of Ruiz to keep his distance and give Ruiz nothing, then perhaps in his impaired state took too many liberties going immediately for the second knockdown, got knocked down himself, and because he was already feeling iffy he found it much harder to recover than he normally would and the rest of the match was banter.
I thought it was telling how spent he looked at the end of the first round after doing fuck all basically as he went back to his corner from 11.10 on the link of the fight. Breathing deeply, going through his motions very slowly as if disorientated. But i'm obv speculating, I dunno.
In the rematch, if he looks as he has done in previous fights coordination wise, i think knocks out Ruiz between rounds 5-8. Much in the same manner he got the first knockdown here, but instead of taking chances just continually degrading Ruiz while keeping his own defences solid. If composed from the off I couldn't see Ruiz lasting in the rematch. All depends i guess on what is wrong with Joshua.