Boxing 2019

[Lee909]

Muhammed Ali would be so proud of these words. A true proponent of human rights is Joshua. 

 

 

 

 

Anthony Joshua says he would "definitely be bothered" if his world title fight with Andy Ruiz Jr was being used to 'sportswash' human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia.

 

The Briton bids to reclaim three of the heavyweight world titles from Ruiz on Saturday and has faced criticism for the fight being staged in Diriyah.

 

Campaigners have urged him to "speak out" about issues in the country.

 

"In the future maybe I can bare a different kind of flag," Joshua said.

 

"But at the minute it's a world championship flag. I just want to do a job."

 

What Andy Ruiz Jr did next

Joshua: 'I'm punching like a horse kicking backwards'

Podcast: Joshua's 'stunning revelation'

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has openly stated that a huge financial commitment by Saudi's General Sports Authority (GSA) left little option but to stage the bout in the kingdom.

 

Joshua, who holds ambassador posts with several high-profile brands and who works closely with a number of charities, told BBC sports editor Dan Roan that fighting in Saudi did not "necessarily" detract from his image as a role model.

 

Asked how he would feel if the event was part of a move to 'sportswash' over wrongdoing, he said: "If that was the case I would definitely have to say I would be bothered - but my only focus is the boxing.

 

"I feel like taking boxing globally is what a world champion should be doing. You fight around the world."

 

Joshua was also asked if his status as a role model may be undermined by fighting in the country.

 

"Not necessarily," he said. "I just came here for the boxing opportunity. I look around and everyone seems pretty happy and chilled. I've not seen anyone in a negative light out here, everyone seems to be having a good time.

 

"As an individual I try to bring positivity and light everywhere I go. I'm just seeing it from my eyes alone but for sure the country in itself is trying to do a good job politically.

 

"For the sporting side of things, I just feel I've got a fight to focus on."

 

 

'There are so many hypocrites' - Eddie Hearn

'No-one can tell a fighter where they can and can't go'

The move to stage high-level sport in Saudi Arabia forms part of a wider strategy - known as Vision 2030 - that seeks to improve how the country is viewed and progressively move it away from its oil-dependent economy.

 

Formula E, golf's European Tour and World Wrestling Entertainment have moved to hold events in the country, while a number of pop stars have staged concerts.

 

Campaigners say sport is being used as a soft power by the Saudi government to hide long-standing issues including women's rights abuses, the treatment of the LGBT community and the restriction of free speech.

 

Promoter Hearn insists Saudi involvement is "here to stay in boxing" but he has repeatedly referenced the fact other sporting institutions have worked in the country, while well-known brands found on UK high streets are also open to business in the capital city Riyadh.

 

Asked by BBC Sport whether money was influential in Joshua's decision, Hearn replied: "Of course.

 

"There are so many hypocrites. You're here covering the event, why? Because you want as many eyeballs on the BBC website or news piece as possible.

 

"No individual, journalist or media outlet can possibly tell a fighter where they can or can't go to earn money in a sport like this.

 

"We can't be seen to be endorsing anything other than our job to provide life-changing opportunities for our clients who take part in one of the most barbaric and dangerous sport that exists.

 

"If we don't get on board then someone else will anyway."

 

 

'A colossal upset' - Relive Anthony Joshua's shock defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr in June

Joshua has freely fielded questions on the politics around what is a critical fight in his career following his shock loss to Ruiz in New York in June.

 

He explains his first professional loss has left "scar tissue" but says it taught him to "never lose grip of your goals".

 

Asked whether victory at Diriyah Arena on Saturday would therefore top his list of achievements he replied: "Yes, this would be number one. There are now doubters.

 

"I feel like I belong here so it's not like it's something I am chasing. It's just a quest for greatness in myself.

 

"How much do I want it? A whole heap. But not to prove anything to anyone, just to prove it to myself. When I win, I am not going to be too surprised as I believe this is my destiny and I belong in this position."

 

Joshua and Ruiz will walk to the ring at around 20:30 GMT for a controversial and highly anticipated rematch that will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live.

 

 

 

 

One day I could call them out on human rights, but not this day. Not while they are stuffing my pockets with cash. As hypocritical as Guardiola and his yellow ribbon. 

[Bjornebye]

66 million they reckon he is getting. For 66 million they can flog me, naked in the centre of Riyadh and let a horse punch me in the bollocks. 

[Elite]

Predictions?

 

I'm going to back Ruiz KO again.

[Lee909]

Just now, Elite said:

Predictions?

 

I'm going to back Ruiz KO again.

Joshua boring points win

[Bjornebye]

I hope Ruiz punches the fuck out of him again. Very hard to predict this though. 

 

If Joshua wins won't Ruiz have a shout for a rematch anyway? 

[Elite]

Just now, Lee909 said:

Joshua boring points win

I think Joshua will fight negatively but at some point I think the speed of Ruiz will get to him and it's how he reacts.

 

It's the most intriguing fight of the year as every scenario is viable, well except Ruiz points.

 

 

[Elite]

Just now, Bjornebye said:

I hope Ruiz punches the fuck out of him again. Very hard to predict this though. 

 

If Joshua wins won't Ruiz have a shout for a rematch anyway? 

Doubt it, unless they've negotiated a rematch clause on top of AJ's rematch clause from the first fight.

[Bjornebye]

Just now, Elite said:

Doubt it, unless they've negotiated a rematch clause on top of AJ's rematch clause from the first fight.

If I was Ruiz or his manager I'd have demanded it. 

[Lee909]

Hope so

Can't stand the fake nice guy, media/corporate trained media shite he comes out with. 

 

Shame really as he is 6 years younger, from the same council estate I did. 

[Lee909]

Just now, Bjornebye said:

If I was Ruiz or his manager I'd have demanded it. 

They wouldn't have any say in it. The rematch clause would have been in the original bout agreement. He will have a shout if it's close but Hearn will run a mile

[Bjornebye]

Just now, Lee909 said:

They wouldn't have any say in it. The rematch clause would have been in the original bout agreement. He will have a shout if it's close but Hearn will run a mile

Yeah true. 

[Elite]

Just now, Bjornebye said:

If I was Ruiz or his manager I'd have demanded it. 

Bob Arums his promoter and he's no mug, certainly wouldn't be bent over by Eddie.

 

I think whoever wins will vacate the WBO belt anyway that Usyk is next in line for.

[Lee909]

Just now, Elite said:

Bob Arums his promoter and he's no mug, certainly wouldn't be bent over by Eddie.

 

I think whoever wins will vacate the WBO belt anyway that Usyk is next in line for.

Still want to see Usyk take some shots with a proper HW before he's crowned as the best

[Elite]

Just now, Lee909 said:

Still want to see Usyk take some shots with a proper HW before he's crowned as the best

Yeah he's got a lot to prove just yet.

 

Edit: at heavyweight.

[Bjornebye]

2 minutes ago, Elite said:

Bob Arums his promoter and he's no mug, certainly wouldn't be bent over by Eddie.

 

I think whoever wins will vacate the WBO belt anyway that Usyk is next in line for.

I watched the Bellw/Usyk fight again the other night. I'd vacate the toilet mid poo if he needed a piss. Absolute beast. 

 

EDIT: Agree with the above. Him and Loma just aren't busy enough. Must be hard trying to get some cunt to get in the ring with them though. 

 

 

[Elite]

Just now, Bjornebye said:

I watched the Bellw/Usyk fight again the other night. I'd vacate the toilet mid poo if he needed a piss. Absolute beast. 

 

 

He's completely dead behind the eyes, you'd pay for his drinks all night if you knocked his pint over. I think because he looks so scary, it makes it even funnier when he's pissing about.

[Lee909]

1 minute ago, Bjornebye said:

I watched the Bellw/Usyk fight again the other night. I'd vacate the toilet mid poo if he needed a piss. Absolute beast. 

 

EDIT: Agree with the above. Him and Loma just aren't busy enough. Must be hard trying to get some cunt to get in the ring with them though. 

 

 

The fact Mikey Garcia moved up to fight Erroll Spence instead of Loma tells you everything. He was never beating Spence but it was a no lose fight. Getting schooled by Loma wouldn't have been

[Elite]

Funniest moment in boxing last year. 

[Bjornebye]

Just now, Elite said:

He's completely dead behind the eyes, you'd pay for his drinks all night if you knocked his pint over. I think because he looks so scary, it makes it even funnier when he's pissing about.

Haha I know. Pissed myself when Bellew was getting interviewed in fought week and he looks up and Usyk has just popped the top of his head over the board thing. 

 

 

 

 

[Elite]

1 minute ago, Bjornebye said:

Haha I know. Pissed myself when Bellew was getting interviewed in fought week and he looks up and Usyk has just popped the top of his head over the board thing. 

 

 

 

 

Yeah was funny that. Bellew was doing his usual hard man routine all week and Usyk treated him like he was of zero threat whatsoever. 

[Bjornebye]

Just now, Elite said:

Yeah was funny that. Bellew was doing his usual hard man routine all week and Usyk treated him like he was of zero threat whatsoever. 

To be fair Bellew was alright in the build up to that fight. From what I remember. 

[Elite]

1 minute ago, Bjornebye said:

To be fair Bellew was alright in the build up to that fight. From what I remember. 

I've warmed to Bellew a bit more lately, I used to proper hate him. He's a decent pundit when he's not up matchrooms arse.

[Bjornebye]

10 minutes ago, Elite said:

I've warmed to Bellew a bit more lately, I used to proper hate him. He's a decent pundit when he's not up matchrooms arse.

He knows his boxing. His everton bile aside I have warmed to him as well. 

[Captain Turdseye]

37 minutes ago, Elite said:

Bob Arums his promoter and he's no mug, certainly wouldn't be bent over by Eddie.

 

I think whoever wins will vacate the WBO belt anyway that Usyk is next in line for.

 

Ruiz hasn’t been with Arum for a few fights now. I think he’s with PBC.

 

If AJ wins, there’s absolutely no chance of him going for the trilogy. He’ll take those belts and run. 

[Captain Turdseye]

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