NIGERIAN-born boxing heavyweight Anthony Joshua is poised to take home a whopping $60m from his world title rematch against Mexican Andy Ruiz Jr when the two fighters clash this Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
In an upset that shocked the boxing world, Joshua got knocked to the canvass four times during the course of their first fight on June 1, forcing the referee to end matters in the seventh round. In a development that completely shook up the heavyweight scene, Joshua lost the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organisation, International Boxing Organisation and International Boxing Federation titles on the night.
However, the fight’s contract had a rematch clause in it compelling Ruiz to another face-off if he won and Joshua’s camp have triggered this. This Saturday on December 7, the rematch takes place at Diriyah in Saudi Arabia and both boxers are already in the country, preparing for the epic fight.
Although Joshua is no longer the reigning champion, he stands to take the lion share of what is a mammoth dual payout. Joshua’s previous biggest payday was the £18m he earned for the first fight with Ruiz Jr but this time around the purse is bigger because of increased revenue from Sky Sports Box Office with punters ready to cough up £24.95 to watch the blockbuster rematch.
Ruiz, who only got $5m from the first fight, had demanded £50m from boxing promoters for his rematch. It is believed that promoters obliged him and the Mexican has promised to beat Joshua again, although the British-Nigerian remains the bookies favourite.
