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LONDON (Reuters) – Promoter Anthony Joshua has defended his decision to organize a resumption of battle between the British heavyweight boxer and American-Mexican champion Andy Ruiz in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua and his rival signed a contract for the December 7 repatriation battle in a stadium in Diriyah, near the capital Riyadh, which has sparked criticism in some circles, said Eddie Hearn at a press conference .
Joshua lost the WBA, WBA and WBO titles in the fight against Ruiz at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1, the contract stating that he had the right to fight again.
"We have received offers from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. There are longstanding discussions for matches in new areas. Know that there is another region of the world outside of Cardiff and Madison Square Garden and that we wish to develop boxing in new areas. "
"This event can change boxing forever. If Saudi Arabia invests in such games and its population is growing, the sport could develop and the sport could evolve considerably.
Herne has cited several international sporting events organized by Saudi Arabia in recent years, including a race at the Formula E World Championship for electric cars, a tour of the European Championship Golf, the Super Cup Italy, boxing and wrestling.
Last week, Saudi Arabia announced the organization of the world's most expensive horse race in 2020, with prices of up to $ 20 million.
"It's a great boxing event and a defining moment," said Hearn. The reactions have been positive and negative and I guarantee you that the whole world will see this fight out of curiosity. "
Saudi Arabia will pay $ 40 million to organize the fight, the BBC said in a report.
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