One of the only boxing minds to predict Andy Ruiz Jnr's stunning upset over Anthony Joshua has weighed in on the rematch.
Kevin Barry, trainer of Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker, wasn't surprised when the Mexican-American claimed WBA, WBO and IBF gold at New York's famed Madison Square Garden in June.
The New Zealander felt Ruiz's speed, power and granite chin would cause an over-anxious Joshua fits on a night he was supposed to announce himself to a global audience.
Barry's summation of the fight proved correct with Joshua crumbling to the pressure of Ruiz despite having early success, dropping the 30-year-old in the third round.
Speaking to the BBC, Barry assessed how he thinks Joshua may prove a much tougher test for Ruiz this time around when the two meet in Saudi Arabia.
"The biggest adjustment for AJ is dealing with Ruiz coming forward as he has not handled that well," Barry said.
"Joshua likes to control and dictate. When that is taken away from him, he has shown a weakness."
"The big thing about controlling the pressure of Andy is you have to train yourself to embrace the pressure and not be restricted, depleted or panicked.
"Being pressed forces you to keep thinking, and that mental pressure will drain you every bit as fast as the physical pressure, if not more.
"To deal with it, Joshua must make the proper use of his height and reach. If he does the same as last time, the result will be the same."
Barry, who trained Parker for his heavyweight tilt at unifying three world titles in 2018 against Joshua, also masterminded the Kiwis decision win over Ruiz in 2016 - the only blemish on his record.
The former Olympic medallist believes if Joshua can take Ruiz deep, his technical ability will be enough to get the nod on the judges scorecards - a game plan similar to that implemented by Parker.
"Dare I say it, he needs to be more like Wladimir Klitschko," Barry said.
"At 6ft 6in, you must use that jab. When you have so many attributes and strengths, you must use them. Don't gamble."
"All he has to do is win seven of 12 rounds. I think he will realise - and he really needs to - that you don't have to win every fight by a knockout."
Barry has warned Ruiz not to take the Brit lightly after having so much success the first time around. The Kiwi trainer predicts a more cautious Joshua who won't be sucked into a firefight he can't win.
"I think Joshua will fight a totally different fight. When he had Ruiz down, all he had to do was take his time but he ran in with the wrong punches and put himself there to be hurt.
"This time we will see more poise. If he uses his skills and controls the pressure, I think Joshua wins the fight."
Join Newshub for live updates of Ruiz v Joshua II from 8am Sunday, December 8.
