40/1. Prices have changed since yesterday. (For reference it's on the Skybet site - boxing - boxing specials.) Saudi now 8/11 favourite.
If this is going down in Saudi as is being reported then which boxing commission will sanction the bout? Will it be a local commission or will the BBBoC still be involved. With no WBC on the line there is no requirement for VADA testing and with potentially no BBBoC involvement no requirement for UKAD testing AND given it's close proximity to Dubai this venue raises several red flags. This could end up a free for all. Can anyone shed some light on the commission of such a bout? For comparison the Amir Khan Saudi bout is recorded as an unsanctioned show in boxrec.
To me this is disgusting, one from purely a boxing point of view. Two great boxing nations contesting the World Heavyweight belts and it goes to the biggest bidder with no history for the sport. The atmosphere will be dreadful, not sure the average coked up AJ fan at Wembley will fancy it. Also corporation like Sky constantly talk about LGBT rights etc. For easy things like words they are very happy to take the moral stance. Offer them a few quid and they are more than happy to overlook the fact it is punishable by death in Saudi. This whole thing is disgusting. Hardly like AJ and Matchroom were going to make Naff all if the fight was at Cardiff of Vegas etc. This is an absolute joke. Eddie can shove his efffffffics right up his ****ing ass.
In fairness in the UK you can fail tests and turn up with a random set of gloves. Wouldn't really worry about it
I think the way Saudi Arabia conducts itself towards his citizens in terms of its laws and ideology is abhorrent....however, if it was a straight pick between there or Cardiff for the rematch, i think i’d rather it be in Saudi Arabia. Will the refereeing and judging be any better there, i’ve no idea, but I definitely know what it would be like if it was held in Cardiff and my attitude (along with many others) just shows how downhill the sport as gone in the UK in terms of fairness.
If it is Eddie's show, I think it makes no difference. AJ was winning on the cards during the Ruiz fight wasnt he?
1 judge had AJ up a round, the other 2 judges had Ruiz up a round. Even having him up by only 1 round is pretty scandalous. Ruiz was completely bossing it. Even if you give Joshua first 2, how can you give him anything from round 3 onwards?
Saudi is a terrible choice, little or no atmosphere. I think Joshua will need somewhere with a good atmosphere if gets tough to keep him going. If you are going to have it somewhere neutral he should have it in Dubai as they would get lots of ex pats in support of him
I agree Saudi will be lifeless for an atmosphere. Shame that an event like this might take place there. I wouldn't want it in Dubai though because I definitely wouldn't trust the drug testing over there. Ruiz will no doubt feel the same way.
