The hotly anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr could be heading to Saudi Arabia, according to shocking reports.
The Athletic claims that Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, is looking to set up the epic showdown in Riyadh on 7th or 14th December.
The King Fahd International Stadium
in Riyadh could be the venue of choice and boasts a capacity of 68,752.
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The bout could also be held at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, which has a capacity of 62,345 and has hosted WWE pay-per-views like the Greatest Royal Rumble and Super ShowDown.
'AJ,' 29, has reportedly agreed for
the fight to take place in Saudi Arabia instead of the US or UK.
And Ruiz, 29, could receive a $9m compensation package to agree to the fight in Riyadh.
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Matchroom boss Hearn, 40, has previously pushed for Cardiff's Principality Stadium to be the venue to host the bout on 14th December.
But the Ruiz camp is keen to host
the rematch in the US and a return to Madison Square Garden on 29th November
could be the potential date and venue.
According to reports, the Saudi Arabia fight would ease concerns for unified champ Ruiz by bringing in neutral officials to avoid any 'advantages for 'AJ' to receive in a UK-based fight.'
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Ruiz refused for the rematch to take place in the UK last month after news emerged on the doping allegations facing heavyweight Brit Dillian Whyte.
The Mexican-American produced
a stunning upset against Joshua in June at Madison
Square Garden to claim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO titles.
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The 'Destroyer' has furiously responded to Joshua on Tuesday after the Brit claimed that he would "whoop" him in Mexico.
Should the rematch be held in Saudi Arabia, US or UK?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: AJ, Boxing News, Andy Ruiz Jr, Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Eddie Hearn