Ahead of Usyk, Joshua recalls 'phenomenal' night in Saudi Arabia against Ruiz

Anthony Joshua says he has "great memories" of his first fight in Saudi Arabia three years ago and that he hopes to put on a similar show when he attempts to wrest back the heavyweight titles from Oleksandr Usyk in Jeddah on Saturday.

Joshua dominated from the opening bell to beat Andy Ruiz by unanimous decision in their rematch that took place in the Kingdom in December 2019, six months after the Briton suffered the first defeat of his pro career to the Mexican-American.

That fight took place in Diriyah while Saturday's second encounter against Usyk - dubbed 'The Rage on the Red Sea" - will be held in Jeddah, and Joshua says he hopes for a similar outcome against the Ukrainian.

“I have great memories from 2019," he recalled. "Everything about the event was spot on. From the purpose-built stadium, the organisation and the hospitality it was all 10 out of 10.

“It was a phenomenal event for boxing in general and, of course, very special for me as I became two-time champion.”

The legacy of that fight, billed as the "Clash on the Dunes" has seen boxing in Saudi Arabia grow at a rapid rate. Authorities report a 300 per cent increase in participation - men and women - while the number of boxing gyms in the country has climbed from seven to 59. Last December, the Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation introduce the first women's boxing championship.

“It’s fantastic that the country has taken the sport to heart,” Joshua said. “As professional fighters competing on a global scale it is fantastic to see the sport grow and inspire a new generation to it.”

Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Saturday night's 'Clash on the Dunes' heavyweight title fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua in Diriyah. Courtesy Saudi Royal