Newshub's Sporting Review 2019: World Moment of the Year

  • 24/12/2019

OPINION: So many to choose from... Newhub's panel of experts consider the moments that captured our imagination during 2019.

ANDY RUIZ BEATS ANTHONY JOSHUA FOR WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CROWN

He doesn't look much like a world champion athlete - and looked even less like one, when he ultimately lost his crown this month.

But heavyweight boxer Andy Ruiz Jnr shocked the sporting world with his stunning technical knockout win over previously unbeaten poster boy Anthony Joshua at New York's Madison Square Garden in June.

The result was one of boxing's great upsets, ranking alongside 'Buster' Douglas's victory over Mike Tyson almost 20 years ago.

Ruiz wasn't even meant to be in the ring, promoted as a late replacement, when American Jarrell Miller failed three drug tests in the build-up. 

No-one gave him a chance against Joshua, whose chiselled muscles were a stark contrast to his rival's more rounded appearance.

But once again, the Mexican-American proved you should never judge a book by its cover. 

Even if he was ultimately unable to retain the belt, Ruiz at least wiped the smirk off promoter Eddie Hearn's face and sidetracked the division from a unification bout for six months, writing another colourful chapter in the sport's history. 

Grant Chapman, Newshub online sports editor

TIGER WOODS WINS US MASTERS

This moment could be put in any number of 'best-of' categories, as an outstanding sporting comeback that most of us thought would never happen again. 

Just look back 18 months, when he languished way down the rankings and had not won a Major in 11 years.

Tiger Woods celebrates Masters victory
Tiger Woods celebrates Masters victory. Photo credit: Getty

On top of that, this was his first come-from-behind Major win, he trailing Francesco Molinari by two shots into the final round. He kept composed and didn't do anything silly, as he clawed his way back for a memorable win. 

The occasion was more special, when he holed the winning put on the 18th at Augusta National and then walked off the green to celebrate with his children.

Ben Francis, Newshub online sports producer

LIVERPOOL BEAT BARCELONA IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI

There are so many moments to pick from - Israel Adesanya's amazing UFC title win in Melbourne, Andy Ruiz's upset of Anthony Joshua, Simone Biles' three perfect '10's and who can forget Kawhi Leonard's sick three-point corner shot, that hit the rim four times against the 76ers to continue the Toronto Raptors' run to an NBA championship.

But my personal standout was Liverpool beating Barcelona 4-0 in the return leg of the Champions League semi-final at Anfield... without Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino.

Liverpool celebrate victory over Barcelona
Liverpool celebrate victory over Barcelona. Photo credit: Reuters.

To decimate Lionel Messi and his Catalan side was one thing, but to beat them into submission and turn around a three-goal deficit was unbelievable.

I'll never forget the lads singing along with the Kop after the game... I was singing loud with you boys, I was singing loud!

You'll Never Walk Alone. 

Brad Lewis, Fight Club & The Cup19 podcast producer

RUIZ'S UPSET OF JOSHUA

Try to erase what you saw in Saudi Arabia recently and cast your mind back to New York City in June, where Andy Ruiz Jnr sent shockwaves through the sporting world with his monumental upset win over boxing's golden Brit, Anthony Joshua. 

Few gave the Mexican journeyman more than a puncher's chance of troubling Joshua, but what transpired was a masterclass in how to overcome a taller opponent. 

Joshua couldn't keep Ruiz at the end of his jab and ultimately had no answer for the Ruiz's lightning hand speed, as the underdog let rip at short range and left the building with two (short) arms full of heavyweight belts.

Clearly Ruiz's newfound fame took its toll in the rematch, but it's difficult to begrudge him those three months of partying, given what he achieved that famous night at Madison Square Garden.

Stephen Foote, Newshub online sports producer

BEN STOKES' 135 NOT OUT FOR ENGLAND IN ASHES

Cometh the hour, cometh Ben Stokes.

His match-winning knock in the third test included shots so audacious, they brought back memories of Kevin Pietersen in his prime. 

With tailender Jack Leach surviving, Stokes was able to attack with determination and freedom.

Ben Stokes celebrates test victory over Australia
Ben Stokes celebrates test victory over Australia. Photo credit: Reuters.

Think of the dramatic climax, with Australian spinner Nathan Lyon fumbling a run-out chance or the leg-before-wicket decision just moments later that went against the Aussies with a review left. That would also have seen the series done and dusted. 

A breathtaking innings.

James Regan, Newshub sports reporter

WOODS WINNING MASTERS

To come back from such adversity in a sport so physically and mentally demanding is special. 

Back surgeries and personal turmoil meant most give Woods little chance of winning another Major.

But he's a golfing enigma and it just goes to show what you can achieve if you really persevere.

Nicky Styris, Newshub sports presenter