THE Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr rematch could be at risk due to high winds and rain in Saudi Arabia tonight.
The hotly-anticipated rematch takes place in Diriyah in a custom-built 15,000 seater stadium.
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The forecast doesn’t look good for the fight tonight
It is already pouring with rain in Diriyah and while there is a small roof above the ring itself, none of the spectators will be under cover.
There is a 78 percent chance of precipitation at 9pm – when the ringwalk is scheduled to take place – but the main fears amongst officials are the wind and threat of lightning.
Should winds hit 72mph there is every chance the undercard will be cancelled at the very least – with calling off Joshua vs Ruiz an absolute last resort.
And even a single flash of lightning will be enough for officials to cancel the eagerly-anticipated rematch – with a reserve date pencilled in for early 2020.
Construction on the arena only began six weeks ago, with 175 dedicated staff and workmen tirelessly making sure that it was ready in time.
Diriyah is located in the north-western outskirts of the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh.
The first fight between the pair took place at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York.
But organisers took the controversial decision to take the rematch to the Middle East.
And 30-year-old Anthony Joshua’s career prospects are on the line, with the hulking giant desperate to reclaim his IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles.
The megabucks rematch will be a lucrative affair for both fighters, particularly Joshua, who is set to pocket £66million.
And he is looking slim ahead of the rematch.
Anthony Joshua will pocket a staggering £66million from his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr
The same cannot be said for Ruiz Jr, who weighed in at an astonishing 283 pounds yesterday.
If Joshua can overcome the Mexican-American, he will likely finally get a shot at Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury.
But despite his weight, Ruiz Jr remains a tricky opponent.
Joshua vs Ruiz 2: Watch incredible video that shows how stunning 15,000 purpose-built arena will look on fight night
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
