Boxing fans’ fury after forking out thousands to watch Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia… only to have view blocked by huge orange PILLAR
- The heavyweight title fight is taking place in a new purpose-built stadium
- But many of the 15,000 fans won’t be able to watch due to the giant pillar
- The fight is Anthony Joshua’s chance to avenge his first ever loss, to Ruiz in June
Despite forking out thousands of pounds to watch Anthony Joshua‘s highly-anticipated rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr tonight in a new purpose-built stadium, many will be unable to see the action due to giant pillars.
The heavyweight world title fight is taking place in Saudi Arabia in a new 15,000-seater open air arena tonight.
It was built in just two months and will be torn down after the bout between the British and Mexican fighters.
Photographs of the ring show many seats will have an obstructed view because of four huge pillars which is supporting a canopy
Photographs of the ring show many seats will have an obstructed view because of four huge pillars which is supporting a canopy.
The canopy protects the two heavyweights from the elements.
Only 75 per cent of tickets are believed to have been sold and around 2,500 British boxing fans expected to attend.
The decision to host the rematch in Saudi Arabia has been criticised by some who see it as a form of ‘sportswashing’.
The London fighter will earn in excess of £60million for the chance to reclaim the title he lost to Ruiz in June
The term, which has also been applied to the Qatar World Cup in 2022, refers to countries with questionable human rights records who host big sporting events to improve their reputations.
But Joshua said he would ‘definitely be bothered’ if that was the case with his match.
He told the BBC: ‘I feel like taking boxing globally is what a world champion should be doing. You fight around the world.’
The London fighter will earn in excess of £60million for the chance to reclaim the title he lost to Ruiz in June.