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Fans fear stadium for Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr rematch won’t be ready in time as bare construction site shows scale of work to be done
THE site of the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr is a barely-started building site - just two months before the fight is due to be staged.
Joshua will bid to reclaim his world heavyweight titles by taking on his victor in the heat of Saudi Arabia in December.
The two fighters will go head-to-head on December 7 in a stunning purpose built arena which is being constructed in Diriyah.
But footage has emerged of the site where the boxers will face off, and at the moment there is little to show what kind of building will be in place by fight night.
Instead there is little more than ground being cleared and the first foundations being struck - just 53 days before the clash is due to be staged.
By the time Joshua and Ruiz Jr hear the first bell, a three-sided stadium will need to be constructed to hold the 15,000 expected to watch ringside.
The fourth side will be reserved for VIP guests, broadcast studios and the changing rooms for the fighters on the card.
Frank Smith, CEO of promoters Matchroom, shared the video of the site where the arena is being constructed just outside Riyadh.
At present the ground is little more than a bed of hardcore on the desert ground, with the steel framework of what is thought to be the VIP stand just being erected.
A small section of temporary seating is also starting to go up - but with the clock ticking, organisers have a huge task on their hands ensuring it is built in time.
Smith shared the video on Twitter and wrote: "Work is underway here in Diriyah! December 7 is going to be something special."
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Joshua is now busy in camp preparing to win back his titles he lost in such devastating fashion earlier this year.
But Ruiz Jr has promised a repeat dose of the vicious punching which sent the Brit star crashing to the first loss of his professional career on his big American debut.
The Mexican has revealed his new slimmed-down look after a gruelling fitness programme and has promised to be quicker and stronger for the rematch than he was for the initial bout in Madison Square Garden.
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