Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr rematch in Saudi Arabia could 'change boxing forever', says Eddie Hearn

George Flood12 August 2019

Eddie Hearn insists that both Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr have signed up for a rematch of their world heavyweight title bout in Saudi Arabia, stating that the December contest could "change boxing forever".

After months of speculation over the location of the fight, it was confirmed by Matchroom Sport over the weekend that Joshua - who suffered a shock seven-round defeat to 'The Destroyer' on his US debut at Madison Square Garden in New York in June - would attempt to win back the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO belts on December 7 in Diriyah, on the outskirts of the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

However, Ruiz Jr's team have been quiet on the matter, with trainer Manny Robles stating that there was a reason for such silence and that "everybody has to hold off and wait".

There were reports that the new champion wanted a significant increase in his purse before signing up, but Hearn is adamant that both parties have agreed to the fight, which he revealed is expected to air at around 9pm GMT in the UK.

"Both fighters have signed for this rematch fight. All the governing bodies have been told and confirmed by both sides - the dates and the venue for this event as well," he said at a press conference in London on Monday that was not attended by either boxer.

In Pictures | Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr | 01/06/19

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"In terms of the undercard, in terms of the experience, expect the very, very best as always from us. We've got huge interest from our fighters wanting to be part of this event.

"Fighters from the US, fighters from the UK who are desperate to be part of this iconic moment on December 7th."

New York and Cardiff had been most frequently cited as potential host cities for such a high-profile rematch, though Hearn was eager to explain the decision to take the bout - dubbed the 'Clash on the Dunes' - to Saudi Arabia, which also hosted the World Boxing Super Series super-middleweight final between Callum Smith and George Groves in September 2018 and a recent fight between Britain's Amir Khan and Billy Dib.

"There has been a lot of talk about where this fight would be held," he said. "For us we wanted to go somewhere that believed in the sport of boxing, who had a vision.

"We have to realise there is a world outside of Cardiff and Madison Square Garden. This event could change boxing forever. You could be seeing a big change in the dynamics of the sport."

He added: "When we realised Saudi Arabia was serious about boxing we looked into the logistical side and that blew our mind as well.

"Look at the events held there before us - Formula One, the European golf tour, the Italian Super Cup, WWE. It will be an iconic moment for boxing.

"With curiosity the whole world will be watching this fight."

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