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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Anthony Joshua fans fork out thousands to witness Andy Ruiz Jr rematch

Some of Anthony Joshua's loyal fans have stumped up around £15,000 to see the Brit's rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia.

The Watford-born heavyweight will step into the ring with Mexican Ruiz Jr on Saturday after losing his titles in their first bout back in June.

Joshua was knocked down four times during the fight before the referee stopped the contest in the seventh round.

Now the two fighters will go head-to-head for a second time, in a bout dubbed 'Clash on the Dunes'.

And Joshua is expecting an army of support in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, despite the fight being held 3,900 miles away.

Some of Joshua's fans have paid out thousands to be involved (PA)

The Sun report that fans have been paying up to £15k to grab their place at the purpose-built Diriyah Arena for the fight.

David Poulton, director of VIP hospitality company Sport and Music, revealed in an exclusive interview: "One customer has paid £14,500 for a package which includes ringside seats, business class flights and accommodation in a luxury five-star hotel."

Saturday's event is expected to be a sell-out in the 15,000 arena, which has been constructed specially for the bout.

Speculation this week suggested Joshua's preparations for the fight had been rocked by an injury in training.

Reports from World Boxing News stated the Brit had been hurt during sparring, but his promoter Eddie Hearn rubbished the claims.

He told Behind The Gloves : "It's not even worth answering, but the truth is he's had a great camp.

"He's much more focused than last time, he's sparred really well."

"The difference in this camp is his sparring has been world, world class. He has had top, top guys - Andrew Tabiti, Tyrone Spong, Bryant Jennings, [Dereck] Chisora. Top sparring, who have consistently put pressure on him.

"He hasn't been hurt, hasn't been ill, hasn't been injured. He's good to go."

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