In March 2022, promoter Alexander Krassyuk revealed that Saudi Arabia was emerging as a potential host for the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua. Krassyuk, representing the Ukrainian champion, indicated that negotiations were underway to stage the bout in the Gulf nation, with late June targeted as the timeframe. “Saudi is the place we are in discussions with at the moment,” he shared, adding that while no formal agreements were in place, efforts were ongoing to finalize details. This development followed Usyk‘s unanimous decision victory over Joshua in September 2021 at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the Ukrainian claimed the WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight titles.
Alternative Options on the Table
Although Saudi Arabia appeared to lead the race, Krassyuk did not dismiss the possibility of other locations. “There are other options, but we take it step by step,” he noted, emphasizing a cautious approach to securing the best venue. The rematch, initially eyed for May 2022, faced delays due to Usyk‘s involvement in defending Ukraine amid the Russian invasion that began in February 2022. The 35-year-old boxer enlisted in Ukraine’s territorial defense forces in early March but departed the country on March 23 to resume training. Two days later, Usyk confirmed his intent to prepare for the bout via an Instagram post, signaling his commitment to facing Joshua again.
Joshua’s Familiar Ground
For Anthony Joshua, a return to Saudi Arabia would evoke memories of his December 2019 triumph in Riyadh, where he reclaimed his world titles by outpointing Andy Ruiz Jr. after a shocking knockout loss to the Mexican earlier that year. The 32-year-old British fighter aimed to avenge his defeat to Usyk and regain the heavyweight crowns. Hosting the rematch in Saudi Arabia could leverage the nation’s growing interest in high-profile boxing events, following the successful Joshua-Ruiz clash that drew global attention to the region’s sporting ambitions.
Controversy Surrounding Saudi Hosting
The prospect of staging the fight in Saudi Arabia raised eyebrows due to ongoing concerns about the country’s human rights record. Critics accused the kingdom of using major sporting events to enhance its international image, a practice often termed “sportswashing.” Issues such as the application of the death penalty, detention of women’s rights activists, criminalization of same-sex relationships, and military involvement in Yemen fueled debates. In March 2022, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton voiced calls for human rights improvements ahead of the Jeddah Grand Prix, which proceeded despite a nearby missile attack. Similarly, the Saudi-led takeover of Premier League club Newcastle United in 2021 sparked ethical discussions about foreign investments in sports.
Broader Implications for Boxing
The Usyk-Joshua rematch held significant stakes for the heavyweight division, with Usyk defending his unified titles against a determined Joshua. The Ukrainian’s departure from his homeland to train underscored the personal sacrifices amid geopolitical turmoil, while Joshua‘s camp focused on strategic adjustments to counter Usyk‘s technical prowess. As negotiations progressed, the choice of venue would influence not only logistics but also public perception, balancing commercial appeal with ethical considerations. Boxing enthusiasts awaited confirmation, hoping for a clash that could redefine the division’s landscape.
