Money talks in the end as Andy Ruiz Jr. has finally agreed to fight in Saudi Arabia.
Part of it was money but part of it is contractual as the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion has to fight Anthony Joshua either way.
It will be remembered that Ruiz won a shocker after knocking out Joshua in their fight at Madison Square Garden last June 1.
Political issues
Political criticism around the country was a sticking point for Ruiz.He was hesitant to fight in Saudi Arabia following the killing of Washington Post reporter Jamal Khashoggi.
It took some pretty big numbers to convince Ruiz to fight Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia after initially passing on the idea.
Contract states that as the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion, Ruiz is contractually obligated to fight Joshua.
Contract states that as the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion, Ruiz is contractually obligated to fight Joshua.
He signed to a contract clause from their first fight which entitled Joshua to a rematch.
Money talks
After some negotiation, Ruiz reached an agreement to fight in Saudi Arabia as scheduled in exchange for a raise. His package was increased from a guaranteed $8 million to a $10 million.
Online straming service DAZN, who Joshua represents is also reportedly in the process of finalizing a deal to broadcast the rematch.
The fight could have happened back in Joshua's home in United Kingdom but a group in Saudy Arabia reportedly offered $40 million, an offer promoter Eddie Hearn couldn't refuse.
Joshua is still the favorite in the odds but it was the same story as the first fight. Ruiz eventually scored an upset which put boxing back on the headlines.
Ruiz needs that validating win to cement his legacy which could become bigger if he is able to score it away from his comfort zone.
Will Andy Ruiz Jr. prove he belongs at the top? Or was the first win a fluke? Leave a comment and let us know your pick for this heavyweight rematch
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