Anthony Joshua has said he would \u2018definitely be bothered\u2019 by what boxing media are describing as attempted \u2018sports-washing\u2019 by the Saudi Arabian government.<\/p>\n
Saudi Arabia has been accused of trying to gloss over their human rights issues with numerous high-profile sporting events. With Joshua\u2019s eagerly-anticipated rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. taking place in Driyah on Saturday, Joshua has expressed his discomfort with being a political pawn \u2013 \u2018if that were the case.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cIf that was the case I would definitely have to say I would be bothered – but my only focus is the boxing,\u201d Joshua told the BBC.<\/p>\n
“I feel like taking boxing globally is what a world champion should be doing. You fight around the world.”<\/p>\n
Saudi Arabia\u2019s \u2018Vision 2030\u2019, an initiative designed to help the country move from an oil-dependent economy, has already played host to golf\u2019s European tour and WWE events. Joshua\u2019s promotor, Eddie Hearn, has no such concerns.<\/p>\n
“No individual, journalist or media outlet can possibly tell a fighter where they can or can’t go to earn money in a sport like this.<\/p>\n
“We can’t be seen to be endorsing anything other than our job to provide life-changing opportunities for our clients who take part in one of the most barbaric and dangerous sport that exists.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udd0a\ud83d\ude05 Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua had another face-off at the Diriyah Arena following their press conference today. AJ just casually asked Ruiz Jr: “So what’s the strategy to beat you?”<\/p>\n
[\ud83d\udcfd\ufe0f @MatchroomBoxing<\/a>] pic.twitter.com\/k6x1CcejW0<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 4, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n