Saudi rights no concern for boxer Joshua’s fight promoter
LONDON — Putting profits ahead of politics, the promoter of heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is dismissing concerns over the decision to contest a championship fight in Saudi Arabia.
The human rights organization Amnesty International contends Joshua will be part of “sports-washing” — the Saudi government being given a chance to cleanse its image — with the heavyweight title rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. in December on the outskirts of the capital, Riyadh.
“I don’t understand that term,” promoter Eddie Hearn said Monday in an interview with the Associated Press.
“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.”
Hearn sees no reason why he should not cash in as long as other sports events and concerts are being held in Saudi Arabia.
“Every promoter under the sun has been trying to land a mega fight in the Middle East for many, many years,” Hearn said in a London hotel. “I’m the one that’s done it, and with that comes a little bit of a stick because we’re the trailblazers behind that.”
Just last week, the Saudis announced plans for the world’s richest horse race in Riyadh in February with a $20 million prize pool.
“Financially, obviously, it was a good deal for A.J.,” Hearn said.