• NGO says bout is latest attempt to ‘sportswash’ image• Heavyweight title bout to take place in Diriyah on 7 DecemberAmnesty International has criticised the decision to sanction Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in
Saudi Arabia, citing human rights violations, the murder of the journalist
Jamal Khashoggi and the ongoing war in Yemen.
The fight, scheduled to take place in Diriyah on the outskirts of the capital Riyadh on 7 December, was approved by the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organisation on Friday and announced by Joshua’s promoters Matchroom Sport. Joshua, who will be looking to regain the heavyweight titles from Ruiz after surprisingly losing his first professional fight in
New York at Madison Square Garden on 1 June, welcomed the announcement on social media with the message: “Neutral grounds - LETS GO.”