The Kingdom is set to host the highly anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and world champion Oleksandr Usyk which will see the two fight to call themselves the World Heavyweight Champion.
Billed as the Rage on the Red Sea, the fight will unify the WBA, IBF and WBO titles and Joshua states that Saudi Arabia’s passion for boxing is what ignites his competitive spirit.
“It is obvious to me that the country has really embraced the sport and that certainly fills me with energy to want to perform in front of the fans,” said the British boxer.
The 6’6′ fighter first performed in Saudi Arabia in 2019 at Clash of the Dunes in Diriyah where he defeated Andy Ruiz in a rematch by unanimous decision to reclaim the WBO, IBF and WBA Heavyweight titles. He later dropped the titles to this weekends opponent Usyk last year.
Anthony Joshua’s memories of Saudi Arabia
“I know it has grown by over 300%, lots of facilities have opened since 2019 and the women’s championship happened last year. As professional fighters competing on a global scale it is fantastic to see the sport grow and inspire a new generation to it.”
Aside from winning the world titles last time, Anthony Joshua states that he has fond memories of his first experience in Saudi Arabia.
“Everything about the event was spot on. From the purpose-built stadium, the organisation and the hospitality it was all 10 out of 10. It was a phenomenal event for boxing.”
“Last time here I became two-time champion. The sole aim now is to become three-time!” proclaims Joshua.
To achieve that feat, he’ll need to put on the show he states he’s ready to bring as Oleksandr Usyk extended his career unbeaten run to 19 fights by securing a unanimous points victory over Joshua and the 35-year-old Ukrainian is a technical master in the ring.
Reflecting on his defeat to Usyk, Joshua offered praise towards his opponent but emphasizes that there’s going to be a different outcome this time.
“We have to give him credit, I respect him for his craft. I am motivated to get better. The great thing is I have a second chance to beat him. You can put me down, but you can’t keep me down.”
“My team and I are focused on the goal, taking all the learnings from the last fight and on August 20th I will entertain the fans who come out to see a huge night of heavy weight boxing.”
How to get tickets to Joshua
Usyk v. Joshua takes place this weekend on Saturday, August 20th at the King Abdullah Sport City stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and fans who haven’t got their tickets to the big fight can still do so by clicking here.