Usyk and Joshua all the rage in first Jeddah appearance

JEDDAH: Fight Week for Rage on the Red Sea got underway in Jeddah on Monday night with headliners Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk making their first public appearances just days before their rematch at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena on Saturday, Aug. 20.

The British and Ukrainian fighters, as well as the organizers and promoters, gave their thoughts on the event to local and international media at the Shangri-La Hotel, with Saudi dignitaries present to cut the ribbon on what promises to be a seismic week for boxing in the Kingdom.

Rage on the Red Sea, with an undercard that also features Saudi-Egyptian boxer Ziyad Al-Maayouf and the first ever female professional fight in the Kingdom, is expected to be one of the biggest boxing events in many years.

Joshua, speaking to Arab News, said he is in a relaxed mood and very well prepared ahead of the most important fight of his career, as he looks to become world heavyweight champion for a third time.

“I don’t feel any pressure going into this unification fight. The preparations for the fight have been tough and challenging, but my confidence levels are very good and I believe we’re in a good place heading into Saturday night and (to make) history in the heavyweight championship,” he said.

“I have worked hard, sparred more and focused more on my fortitude,” he said. “Fans around the world should absolutely get ready for the extraordinary treat this weekend. For me, this is to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world. It’s number one against number two; the unified titles, the Ring Magazine belt, it doesn’t get any bigger than this in our sport.”

Usyk is happy to fight in Saudi Arabia, and the reigning champion insisted he cannot allow the troubles in