Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr rematch confirmed for Saudi Arabia on December 7… and fans are furious
ANTHONY JOSHUA will bid to get revenge on Andy Ruiz Jr on December 7 in Saudi Arabia.
AJ gets his shot at redemption having been floored four times by Ruiz on the way to a round seven defeat in June in what was a disastrous US debut for the Brit superstar.
After the underdog champion refused to come to the UK to fight Joshua, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium was ruled out of the running.
AJ was open to writing the wrong at the scene of the crime and running the fight back at Madison Square Garden.
But promoter Eddie Hearn teased an “iconic international venue” was rivalling plans for a UK or US rematch.
And now Diriyah has emerged as the shock destination - off the back of Amir Khan's £7million payday in July against Billy Dib in Jeddah.
Hearn promoted fighter Callum Smith also beat George Groves in September last year at the King Abdullah Sports City arena.
The highly anticipated second fight between AJ and Ruiz has left fans scratching their heads at the bizarre, but neutral venue.
One said: "Shambels."
Another said: "Disgrace, should be in Mexico fair is fair..."
One added: "Shambolic decision."
Another added: "Pathetic."
It comes after Joshua warned warned rivals Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury they should still fear him - despite his shock flash in the pan loss in June.
The Watford ace has already began preparations for his career defining night, and looks to have visibly slimmed down in frame since his defeat in New York.
With the 2012 Olympic gold medalist slimmer in build, he may have been forced to trim out his usual 4,000 and 5,000 calories a day diet.
ANTHONY JOSHUA'S PRE-FIGHT DAILY DIET
Breakfast
Fresh fruit
Oats
Yoghurt
Milk
Eggs x5
Vegetables
Smoked salmon on bagel
Morning Snack
Electrolyte drink
Recovery shake
Sandwich, salad box or pasta pot
Lunch
Chicken breast x2
Sweet potatoes
Vegetables
Yoghurt and honey
Dinner
Fillet steak
Pasta, wholegrain rice, or quinoa
Vegetables
After Dinner Snack
Slow-release protein shake
Protein bars