Amnesty International criticises prospect of Joshua-Usyk rematch
Amnesty International has hit out at the possibility of Saudi Arabia staging the world heavyweight title rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua.
Usyk outpointed Joshua at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September to claim the WBA, IBF and WBO belts and the Ukrainian’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk disclosed a return bout could occur in late June.
While an outdoor stadium in London was thought to be the preferred option, Krassyuksaid“discussions”aretaking place with officials from Saudi Arabia,whichcontinuestoface heavy scrutiny over its human rights record.
Joshua was criticised for fighting there when he regained his world titles by defeating Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019, with Saudi Arabia accused of attempting to ‘sportswash’ its international reputation.
Peter Frankental, Amnesty International UK’s Economic Affairs Director, said: “If these early discussions result in yet another high-profile fight in Saudi Arabia then it will prove once again that Saudi Arabia’s enormous appetite for sportswashingisnowherenearsated yet.”
Formula One went back to Jeddah last weekend following the Gulf Kingdom’s debut appearance in the sport in December, but Lewis Hamilton admittedtofeelinguncomfortable given the human rights issues there.
Last Friday, human rights group Reprieve said a further 16peoplehavebeenkilledsince the mass execution on March 12 of 81 men, more than half of whom had taken part in prodemocracy protests, according to the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights.
Frankental added: “Saudi Arabia’s human rights record remains dire – with dissent severely punished, human rights defenders persecuted and jailed, and the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen conducting a terrifying campaign of airstrikes which have repeatedly killed civilians.
“After the Saudi authorities shockingly executed 81 people earlier this month, it’s likely that Riyadh will see the glitz and raw hype of a JoshuaUsyk bout as a useful exercise in sportswashing that could help lessen any outrage over the executions.
“If this fight goes ahead, we’d like Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk and their respective teams to approach it withagenuinepreparednessto speak out about human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.”