Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II | Sky Sports PPV - 20 August 2022

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tickets On Sale Now

With exactly one month to go, tickets for the ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ have gone on sale, enabling fans from around the world to be part of boxing history. The fight is one of the biggest Heavyweight rematches in the history of the sport, with unified Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk facing off with Anthony Joshua on August 20 in the coastal city of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The fight will take place indoors at King Abdullah Sports City Arena, part of Jeddah’s stunning King Abdullah Sports City which has hosted various international sports and entertainment events including football, WWE and boxing.

Tickets are available from SAR375 and fight fans can get their tickets via Hala Yalla (www.halayalla.com/sa-en/tickets/rage-on-the-red-sea). For VISA entry information, fans should go to Visit Saudi (www.visa.visitsaudi.com) information on how to apply.

Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of SCEE: “We’re one month from one of the biggest sporting moments in our country and today, we invite fans from Saudi Arabia and around the world to witness history. The ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ headlines a dramatic night of World Championship boxing and an evening to remember forever. We’re proud to secure this event for our country as it continues its incredible transformation, inspiring our people to participate in sport and lead happy and healthy lives.”

The ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ will see Usyk’s WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts on the line in a career defining Heavyweight clash. Joshua was dethroned as Heavyweight king by Usyk in September 2021 in front of over 60,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on a memorable evening in boxing’s marquee division.

Usyk said: “I am working hard in my training camp to be in the best shape possible for the rematch. With the help of the Lord I will overcome the biggest challenges to make it happen. I want the crowd to be excited with the fight, I want them to remember it for a lifetime.”

Joshua added: “August 20 is set to be an unbelievable night of Championship level boxing. For any sports fan this is not to be missed, it has all the ingredients to go down in boxing history. Locally I know that boxing has grown massively and it was great to see thousands of people come to Riyadh for the ‘Clash on the Dunes’. I am hoping to see even more in Jeddah in a few weeks’ time.”

The ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ is the latest international sports event to take place in Saudi Arabia, which has recently emerged as one of the fastest transforming countries in world sport. Since the ‘Clash on the Dunes’ between Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, there has been a nearly 300% surge in male and female boxers in the Kingdom, with the number of boxing gyms growing from just seven to 59. As part of the country’s aims to get its people engaged and participating in sport, the Saudi Boxing Federation is aiming to inspire 500,000 in the next four years.

The fight which is held under the patronage of HRH Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions, is a second for Joshua in Saudi Arabia and takes place nearly three years on from the historic ‘Clash on the Dunes’ in Diriyah that saw Joshua reclaim his Heavyweight crowns against Ruiz Jr.

Vision 2030 aims to improve the quality of life of residents and visitors to the Kingdom by developing a vibrant environment for participation and spectatorship in sports and entertainment whilst aiming to transform the Kingdom for a post-hydrocarbon era. The nation has become one of the fastest growing countries in world sport with increased participation levels, investment in elite athletes, a year-round schedule of sport and a rapidly growing commercial sector to support this infrastructure.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Former Two Division Boxing World Champion and Global Philanthropist Badou Jack (26-3-3, 16 KOs) will make his Saudi Arabian debut on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua, August 20 in Jeddah against unbeaten prospect Richard Rivera (21-0, 16 KO’s).

Jack has been very active in the Middle East region with his promotional company, Badou Jack Promotions, having promoted the first ever PPV Boxing and Kickboxing card in Dubai in May of 2019 and working with other promotions to stage his own fights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Most recently, Jack, dubbed “The People’s Champion” fought on the Floyd Mayweather exhibition in Abu Dhabi in May at the Etihad Arena, with a quick 46 second first round knockout victory. Previous to that, he made his UAE debut in Dubai with a 2nd round KO of Samuel Crossed.

“I’m excited to make my Saudi debut on such a big event on August 20 in Jeddah," Jack stated. "This is another great event that Badou Jack Promotions is a part of and my team and I are looking forward to many more in the region."

“I’m super excited for this fight and can’t wait to showcase my talent," said Jack’s opponent, “Popeye” Richard Rivera, who is promoted by Joe Deguardia’s Star Boxing. "I wanted this fight for a few years now, so I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. It’s time for a veteran, Badou Jack, to pass the torch down.”

“We are thrilled to announce Badou’s Saudi debut on this mega event” Badou Jack Promotions CEO Amer Abdallah said. “We have a wonderful relationship with great partners in the Middle East and Badou Jack Promotions will continue to be extremely eventful in this part of the world. We are looking forward to making many more big announcements in the very near future.”

[JamesPhilips]

Honestly who even knows who Badou Jack is these days. Expect the undercard to be one of the worst ever

[Frostieballs]

Honestly who even knows who Badou Jack is these days. Expect the undercard to be one of the worst ever

Apparently he’s a global philanthropist.

[Boxerbeetle]

I thought Jack had retired

[Dioufy]

Got a feeling Zhang/Hrgovic gets pulled in fightweek and it’s Hearn’s way of getting back at Sky.

Then we will see it on the Alvarez show.

[tony1234]

Tickets On Sale Now

With exactly one month to go, tickets for the ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ have gone on sale, enabling fans from around the world to be part of boxing history. The fight is one of the biggest Heavyweight rematches in the history of the sport, with unified Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk facing off with Anthony Joshua on August 20 in the coastal city of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The fight will take place indoors at King Abdullah Sports City Arena, part of Jeddah’s stunning King Abdullah Sports City which has hosted various international sports and entertainment events including football, WWE and boxing.

Tickets are available from SAR375 and fight fans can get their tickets via Hala Yalla (www.halayalla.com/sa-en/tickets/rage-on-the-red-sea). For VISA entry information, fans should go to Visit Saudi (www.visa.visitsaudi.com) information on how to apply.

Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of SCEE: “We’re one month from one of the biggest sporting moments in our country and today, we invite fans from Saudi Arabia and around the world to witness history. The ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ headlines a dramatic night of World Championship boxing and an evening to remember forever. We’re proud to secure this event for our country as it continues its incredible transformation, inspiring our people to participate in sport and lead happy and healthy lives.”

The ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ will see Usyk’s WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts on the line in a career defining Heavyweight clash. Joshua was dethroned as Heavyweight king by Usyk in September 2021 in front of over 60,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on a memorable evening in boxing’s marquee division.

Usyk said: “I am working hard in my training camp to be in the best shape possible for the rematch. With the help of the Lord I will overcome the biggest challenges to make it happen. I want the crowd to be excited with the fight, I want them to remember it for a lifetime.”

Joshua added: “August 20 is set to be an unbelievable night of Championship level boxing. For any sports fan this is not to be missed, it has all the ingredients to go down in boxing history. Locally I know that boxing has grown massively and it was great to see thousands of people come to Riyadh for the ‘Clash on the Dunes’. I am hoping to see even more in Jeddah in a few weeks’ time.”

The ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ is the latest international sports event to take place in Saudi Arabia, which has recently emerged as one of the fastest transforming countries in world sport. Since the ‘Clash on the Dunes’ between Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, there has been a nearly 300% surge in male and female boxers in the Kingdom, with the number of boxing gyms growing from just seven to 59. As part of the country’s aims to get its people engaged and participating in sport, the Saudi Boxing Federation is aiming to inspire 500,000 in the next four years.

The fight which is held under the patronage of HRH Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions, is a second for Joshua in Saudi Arabia and takes place nearly three years on from the historic ‘Clash on the Dunes’ in Diriyah that saw Joshua reclaim his Heavyweight crowns against Ruiz Jr.

Vision 2030 aims to improve the quality of life of residents and visitors to the Kingdom by developing a vibrant environment for participation and spectatorship in sports and entertainment whilst aiming to transform the Kingdom for a post-hydrocarbon era. The nation has become one of the fastest growing countries in world sport with increased participation levels, investment in elite athletes, a year-round schedule of sport and a rapidly growing commercial sector to support this infrastructure.

Anyone going ?

[mickey1975]

Tickets don't seem to be selling very well at all.

[maverick23]

Tickets don't seem to be selling very well at all.

If imagine loads will be given away to locals. I think they do similar at the WWE shows. Few people are going to fly out there for it.

[mickey1975]

Tickets don't seem to be selling very well at all.

If imagine loads will be given away to locals. I think they do similar at the WWE shows. Few people are going to fly out there for it.

Why? He's a global superstar, isn't he?

[maverick23]

Tickets don't seem to be selling very well at all.

If imagine loads will be given away to locals. I think they do similar at the WWE shows. Few people are going to fly out there for it.

Why? He's a global superstar, isn't he?

Because people aren’t that willing to fly to Saudi for a fight. It’s not like it’s Vegas or New York where there’s plenty to in addition to the boxing.

Plus we’re approaching a recession. Paying c.£500 for flights to somewhere you’re probably not that keen to visit, plus hotels and ticket prices isn’t that appealing.

[mickey1975]

It's closer than New York and Vegas, the tickets are reasonably priced, there's a lot of ex pats out there...

[maverick23]

It's closer than New York and Vegas, the tickets are reasonably priced, there's a lot of ex pats out there...

I’ve never once heard anyone say ‘I’d love to go to Saudi Arabia’. That’s part of the reason they’re paying well over the odds to get a fight like this. If the numbers are to be believed it’s near 3 times more than the purses for the Fury fight. Crazy really.

Most people would want to go to New York or Vegas for holiday let alone a big fight. Easier to persuade friends too unlike Saudi where it can be difficult outside of compounds to get any alcohol.

Even if every U.K. ex pat over there went it wouldn’t fill up the arena. There are only 30,000 or so of them.

[Grilling Machine]

Yeah, I mean I would've gone, but there's no bar for me to stay in to show how lukewarm I am on AJ.

[margaret thatcher]

ya, saudi is just another vegas or new york isnt it, i can hardly tell the difference

[Nightmare Roy]

I couldn't go as I'm basically an alcoholic and I don't fancy getting lashed and bummed for having a few sherbets.

[Glass Joe]

click bait or legit rumours?

[maverick23]

click bait or legit rumours?

Probably just hypothesising.

It’s crazy though that it’s less than 4 weeks away and still no confirmed broadcaster.

Whilst the Saudis could afford to not air the fight in the U.K., I’d be amazed if that happens. They’d be better off just gifting it to ITV or BBC.

[Counter-puncher]

Whilst the Saudis could afford to not air the fight in the U.K.,

yeah, kind of defeats the point of sportswashing if there's nobody in the west watching

[garethhop]

There is something going on given that 3 and a half weeks out, there's barely an undercard and the TV broadcaster hasn't been announced (for UK or US as far as I'm aware).

[maverick23]

There is something going on given that 3 and a half weeks out, there's barely an undercard and the TV broadcaster hasn't been announced (for UK or US as far as I'm aware).

Yep. Also Eddie has been surprisingly quiet in the last few weeks. Will be interesting to see if Adam Smith puts himself out there to be interviewed this week.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Filip Hrgovic vs. Zhilei Zhang IBF Eliminator Set

First details of the supporting cast to the unified heavyweight world title rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua have now been confirmed. The rivals will lock horns again in the coastal city of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday August 20.

Avoided Croatian Heavyweight star Filip Hrgovic (14-0, 12 KOs) meets China’s undefeated Zhilei Zhang (24-0-1, 19 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Heavyweight World Title. The rivals were originally set to clash on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol in May but will now do battle on the Red Sea.

Hrgovic sits at No.3 in the IBF rankings and the big-hitting giant has been hunting a dance partner for a showdown to name the mandatory challenger for the title held by Ukraine’s Usyk. The 30-year-old Olympic bronze medallist has cut a lethal swathe through the pro ranks to sit in a prime position for a deserved shot at the big prize, ending all but two of his fights inside the distance, and not going past the fifth round in his last seven outings.

A host of Heavyweights were offered the clash with ‘El Animal’, but not until it came to No.15 ranked Zhang was a dance partner found, with the lofty Chinese star accepting the challenge. The 39-year-old has been circling for a major showdown, and ‘Big Bang’ gets his wish against Hrgovic with the two KO artist promising to leave it all in the ring with the stakes so high.

Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said, “Filip’s opportunity to fight for a belt has always been an inevitability. If not for a personal loss in his life, he would already be confirmed as next in line to go on and begin ruling this heavyweight division.”

“The cream always rises to the top, and if you look at the targeted opponents who didn’t want to step into the ring with an animal like Hrgovic, there’s plenty of people who obviously agree that’s the level he belongs at,” he said.

“Zhang was man enough to step up in the end, but whether it would have been Zhang, or any other heavyweight within the top 15 of this division, the outcome will always be the same. AJ and Oleksandr have a big fight ahead of them, but make no mistake that their toughest fight is yet to come.”

[Rockytony67]

Smith added to the card, the Uk TV must be announced soon

[Glass Joe]

Smith vs Yarde anyone

[Ruthless-RKO]