Ruiz-joshua promoter sees no issue with Saudi host site

The promoter of the heavyweight title rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua dismissed concerns over the decision to hold the bout Dec. 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The human rights organization Amnesty International contends Joshua will be part of “sportswashing” — the repressive Saudi government being given a chance to cleanse its image — with the high-profile fight.

“I don’t understand that term,” promoter Eddie Hearn said. “What I do know is all the events that they have been running have been hugely accepted by the public, enjoyed by the public, and you will see when Joshua fights Ruiz in Saudi Arabia the public will love this event. They will grow the sport of boxing in that region.”

Horse racing: A horse died in training at Del Mar in Del Mar, California. It’s the fourth death since the summer meet began July 17, but none occurred during or as a result of a race.

Soccer: Former defender Kate Markgraf was named general manager of the U.S. women’s national team, and she will oversee the search for a coach to replace Jill Ellis, who is leaving the team in October after winning back-to-back World Cup titles.

Soccer: Francis Jacobs, 14, signed a professional contract with the United Soccer League’s Orange County SC, based in Irvine, California. He is the youngest male player ever to sign a pro soccer contract in the U.S., according to the club.

Tennis: Andy Murray said he will not play in the U.S. Open after losing to Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the Western & Southern Open in Mason, Ohio.

The 32-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion is still getting back in shape after hip surgery.

Snowboarding: Sherman Poppen, who invented the snowboard and laid the groundwork for a multibillion-dollar industry, died July 31 at his home in Georgia.

He was 89.