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Q Eddie, is it true that Andy Ruiz, turned down both Cardiff and London? And with you and Anthony not wanting to do America or Mexico, that you came to the extreme solution of staging the fight in Saudi Arabia?
A First of all, it's not an extreme solution. So, let's put that right ,there. Saudi Arabia has a chance to become the mecca of boxing. They've recently put on a brilliant show that was seen by 3 million people live on channel 5 promoted by Hennessy Sports. Amir Khan and Hughie Fury both fought on that card. World class fighters being brought to Saudi is the norm now.
To answer your other questions. Let's make this clear, Andy Ruiz is in no position to turn down the fight if we staged it in Anthony Joshua's back yard, the initial contract states that we have full control over venue of rematch. We ultimately decided on Saudi Arabia, because it was the best deal and AJ see SA as the future of boxing.
Q Rumours of the Snickers belt not being on the line persist. Can you clarify what's going on with that?
A Just had a meeting with the Snickers board, fees have been paid, the belt is on the line. Anthony Joshua will become the first UK boxer to become the Snickers Champion of the world, further enhancing his legacy.
Q Negotiations dragged on, there's no denying that. Was there ever doubts that this rematch would take place?
A Never. This was always 100% going to take place. If this rematch never got put together, heads we're going to roll.
Q On that note, back to Saudi Arabia! What are your thoughts on the safety concerns or the rights of women there?
A None. I was talking to Hughie and Amir recently, and they both had the time of their lives there. All woman there are welcomed to the fight as long as they cover and are accompanied by their owners, sorry, husbands.
Journalist Martin T Roll caught up with Eddie at the Crobar in Soho street, London
A First of all, it's not an extreme solution. So, let's put that right ,there. Saudi Arabia has a chance to become the mecca of boxing. They've recently put on a brilliant show that was seen by 3 million people live on channel 5 promoted by Hennessy Sports. Amir Khan and Hughie Fury both fought on that card. World class fighters being brought to Saudi is the norm now.
To answer your other questions. Let's make this clear, Andy Ruiz is in no position to turn down the fight if we staged it in Anthony Joshua's back yard, the initial contract states that we have full control over venue of rematch. We ultimately decided on Saudi Arabia, because it was the best deal and AJ see SA as the future of boxing.
Q Rumours of the Snickers belt not being on the line persist. Can you clarify what's going on with that?
A Just had a meeting with the Snickers board, fees have been paid, the belt is on the line. Anthony Joshua will become the first UK boxer to become the Snickers Champion of the world, further enhancing his legacy.
Q Negotiations dragged on, there's no denying that. Was there ever doubts that this rematch would take place?
A Never. This was always 100% going to take place. If this rematch never got put together, heads we're going to roll.
Q On that note, back to Saudi Arabia! What are your thoughts on the safety concerns or the rights of women there?
A None. I was talking to Hughie and Amir recently, and they both had the time of their lives there. All woman there are welcomed to the fight as long as they cover and are accompanied by their owners, sorry, husbands.
Journalist Martin T Roll caught up with Eddie at the Crobar in Soho street, London