Saudi Arabia on Tuesday emerged as a contender to host a rematch of the Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz Jr heavyweight championship clash.
World Boxing News reported that the Gulf kingdom is now in the frame to hold the major sporting event after both parties failed to agree on a venue.
It said New York was the initial favorite at the insistence of US streaming service DAZN although Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn wanted the fight to take place in the UK.
After Ruiz rejected any advances for any UK venue, Hearn and Joshua were forced to look elsewhere and Saudi Arabia is now odds on to be confirmed, according to bookmakers.
Saudi Arabia is gaining a reputation in the boxing world, with British boxer Amir Khan the latest to fight in the kingdom, defeating Australia’s Billy Dib at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City on Friday to claim the WBC international welterweight title.
According to various media reports, Khan earned $8.8 million from the 9 minute 51 second bout.
Last year, Britain’s Callum Smith knocked out his compatriot George Groves in a fight in Saudi Arabia to claim the World Boxing Association super middleweight title and the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.
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