Saudi fight ‘no risk to AJ reputation’
HEARN DEFENSIVE OVER CLASH ON THE DUNES
Anthony Joshua is going ahead with his world heavyweight championship rematch in the desert on December 7 regardless of the inevitable controversy about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
the working title for Joshua’s attempt at redemption for the sensational upset loss of his titles to Andy Ruiz Jnr is Clash on the Dunes.
Joshua sees it as his Rumble In the Jungle and the start of a global tour which can change boxing the way Muhammad Ali did against George Foreman in Zaire.
Promoter Eddie hearn confirmed that the fight ‘is definitely on’ and that ‘Ruiz has 100 per cent signed the contract despite the fake news that he is not going to Saudi Arabia’.
that announcement came at a media conference in London’s Saudi- owned Savoy hotel even though neither Joshua nor the underdog who dethroned him to become Mexico’s first world heavyweight champion was in attendance.
hearn promised a press tour to Riyadh, London and new york in the first week of September.
he also made clear Joshua’s views about Saudi Arabia after worldwide criticism of top golfers and F1 drivers competing there in the context of the assassination of an anti-government journalist, saying: ‘this is AJ’s decision, as always.
‘he has no concerns about going there and does not see this as a risk to his reputation. he sees himself as a boxer who can fight wherever he wants for the exposure, of course the money and the opportunity to expand boxing.
‘he has always wanted to box around the world like Ali and he knows that if he regains his titles in a fight this huge it will open up global opportunities for himself and the sport.’
hearn noted that Callum Smith took the world super-middleweight title from George Groves in Jeddah without controversy and even sees that the potential furore ‘will fuel the curiosity in this fight around the world’.
he added: ‘We knew there would be some negativity when we did this but I’m a promoter and this is tremendous for boxing, helpful to Saudi Arabia’s progress in the field of human rights and, of course, great financially.’
hearn and his Saudi copromoter omar Khalil argued that women now drive there and attend sports events and concerts, that 70 per cent of the 40 million population are under 25 and clamouring for these spectaculars.
hearn denied that the Saudis are funding an £80million package, reports of which encouraged Ruiz to demand more than his promised £8m. hearn said: ‘the money is not that big but it is certainly good enough for us to have settled the questions and quibbles from a champion who is very happy to be fighting in a neutral venue instead of in front of Joshua’s home fans.’ of those disappointed supporters, hearn said: ‘Saudi visas will be provided automatically for all ticket-buyers.
For Brits who can’t make the six-hour flight it will start at a convenient 9.30pm on Sky Sports.’
Joshua has surrendered home advantage for the return bout and hearn said: ‘he knew it would make it easier to satisfy Ruiz but more importantly he knows he will get more credit for not imposing his right to box at home.’
Khalil, who saw off rival bids from such as new york, Cardiff, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, added: ‘We are serious about boxing as one means of improving the quality of life for our people as well as improving their well- being through exercise.’
the Saudis are building a 15,000 capacity stadium in Diriyah, the 15th century UnESCo site outside Riyadh ‘to which we hope to welcome as many British fans as possible’.
What no-one mentioned is that Saudi Arabia is dry and that the punishment for consuming alcohol there is 500 lashes.
For some UK fight fans, it may be riskier to travel there than it could be for Joshua.