Anthony Joshua warned extreme Saudi Arabia climate could derail his bid to beat Andy Ruiz Jr

ANTHONY JOSHUA has been told to consider the Saudi Arabian heat as a major facet of his preparation for the rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.

Boxing trainer Peter Fury helped son Hughie prepare for the beating of Samuel Peter at Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City last month.

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And Joshua will travel to the Saudi capital for his crucial December 7 fight, although temperatures - which can reach up to about 33 degrees Celsius there in December - will have receded for the winter months.

Nonetheless, Fury told Sky Sports: "You've got to go out there quite a bit beforehand, get used to the climate.

"Don't start training outside, because there will be nothing left of you.

"Just go outside and have a walk in the evening when it cools down.

"Don't stay in the hotel 24/7. Don't go out of the hotel and go straight to the gym in the car.

"You need to feel the air and get used to it over a period of day."

Joshua, who recently appeared to have a much leaner physique, had hoped to host the fight in Cardiff.

However Dillian Whyte's failed drugs test ahead of his clash with Oscar Rivas at the O2 Arena in July spooked the champ.

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Such a worry should not have made an impact in the final decision on the contest's venue, according to Fury.

He continued: "If I would have had a choice, and every time I've come out, I've had 100,000 fans here, I'm going nowhere. Why go, when it's all here?

"I would want it here, I'd remain here. I'd say 'That's it, call me whatever you want, I'll stay here."