Loading ...Anthony Joshua Cites Saudi Arabia’s Reforms and Defends his Decision to Fight Andy Ruiz Jr. in the Desert Country
Upon his recent visit to New York, Anthony Joshua had mentioned that while he would have loved to fight Andy Ruiz Jr in the US on December 7, he has settled for Saudi Arabia instead. Explaining to the press in the same place where Andy Ruiz Jr had stopped him in 7 rounds in June this year, Anthony talked about why the rematch is not happening in London, Cardiff or the nearby Madison Square.
Going by the boxing betting odds for the Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr. fight Joshua goes into the fight as a huge favorite to win back the titles he lost to Ruiz earlier this year. He told the press that New York was part of the plan and was, in fact, his preferred option, as the figures were good and the team agreed too; the UK was an excellent opportunity as well owing to the home crowd, but things took a turn after Saudi team came on board.
Saudi Arabia’s reforms and other well-known events did the trick
Despite the fact that Anthony’s team had the final say in the negotiations, the Saudis were not too keen on coming to the UK. After Joshua was informed about the World Series Boxing, WWE, Formula E, and other popular events, he was more comfortable going to the desert country. Talking to the media he said, “I wouldn’t know enough about what was exactly happening to make it so bad for me that I wouldn’t want to box there. The event they’re going to put on, the people they’re going to cater for, what they’re trying to achieve through boxing, the reforms that are happening in their country.”
He informed that as he was going to fight in Saudi Arabia, he spoke to a couple of women in his gym and they told him about all the reforms happening in the country. He expressed happiness at the fact that he’s going to contribute to the change. There are even conversations happening in the match room to perhaps have a female boxer as well on the night.
Joshua has been pretty philosophical post his loss to Andy Ruiz and has often talked about having a higher purpose than just winning back his titles. He has spoken about the pressure and being the ambassador for the sport and the fact that the fight is bigger than boxing.
Ruiz to not let Joshua hold his belts prior to the rematch
In another news, Andy Ruiz Jr was recently asked about whether he will allow Anthony Joshua to hold his belts before the rematch, to which his reply was a no. This was despite Joshua allowing Andy to do the same prior to their June bout.
As you might remember, Ruiz Jr announcement was a makeshift arrangement after Jarrell Miller, the original contender had failed multiple drug tests leading up to the June 1 fight. Before that fight, everyone had written Ruiz Jr off as an underdog, poking fun at his kindhearted ways and round physique, but he defied all odds and caused a major upset by successfully beating the Brit in 7 rounds.
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