RIYADH: Saudi boxing fans got a sneak peek at Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. ahead of the much-anticipated ‘Clash On The Dunes’ bout at a public training session in Riyadh on Tuesday.
A total of 12 boxers participated in the workouts, giving them a chance to showcase their skills in front of a live audience.
Held in the heart of the Information Technology & Communications Complex (ITCC), a boxing ring was set up for the event. Each boxer had about ten minutes to warm up, show off some jabs, and squeeze in a spot of extra training with their coach before the big day.
Dozens of international and local media flocked to the training session to capture footage and to hear from the boxers as they wrap up preparations for what is thought to be one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
Joshua greeted fans with “Assalamu Alaykum” after his workout, telling reporters that he was excited about the turnout and eager to reclaim his belts.
“All I’m doing is going to win. That’s what I’m focused on. I’m not really looking for anything except the win,” he said.
He also said that he didn’t think that his second fight with Ruiz would be his last.
“If he’s dedicated to the game, we’ll definitely see each other a third time down the line as well. This isn’t going to be the last time I see Andy Ruiz in the ring.
“I am forever changing, and that’s what training camp is all about leading up to the clash, I’m working night and day and to win is what I’m focused on,” the British fighter added.
American Ruiz Jr. said he had more to show the world after his shock victory against Joshua in June, as well as how happy he was to be back in the Kingdom and looking forward to the rematch.
“I did not want to show off too much, I just wanted to give out a little glimpse,” said Ruiz of the June fight.
“This is not going to be my first or my last time. You’re going to see a lot of Andy Ruiz here in Saudi Arabia,” he added.
However, although he said that he was confident that he could win again, he said he did not think of himself as having any particular advantages over Joshua despite having beaten him before.
“I don’t want to underestimate any fighter, because I respect every fighter that comes here in this ring. We all risk our lives here to provide for our loved ones.
“I’m just ready for December 7 to show all the fans a good fight. I’m just prepared to win, to use all the tools I have.”
Local fighter Zuhayr Al-Qahtani from Jeddah, and known as the Arabian Warrior as well as Saudi Arabia’s first boxer, was cheered on by the locals in the crowd as he got into the ring with his coach.
Al-Qahtani told reporters after his warm-up how happy he was to be included in the upcoming event.
“I actually met Anthony Joshua after his fifth fight and told him he would one day become a world champion and that I would fight on his undercard, so this is a dream come true,” he said.
Other boxers who participated in the public workout included Britain’s Dillian Whyte, Russia’s Alexander Povetkin, and American Eric Molina.
The “Clash on The Dunes” is part of Diriyah Season, a month-long festival of sports and entertainment, which began with Formula E on Nov. 22 and 23, and will include events such as the Diriyah Tennis Cup and the Diriyah Equestrian Festival. Tickets are available on the event’s website, as well as links to official streams of the match.
Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua focused on world heavyweight glory as they showcase skills at Riyadh public workout
Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua focused on world heavyweight glory as they showcase skills at Riyadh public workout
- A total of 12 boxers participated in the public workouts
- Joshua greeted fans with “Assalamu Alaykum” after his workout
Real Sociedad edge rivals Athletic to reach Copa del Rey final
- Real Sociedad have now not lost in their last 10 derby clashes at home against Athletic, whom they beat in the 2020 final, and rarely looked like letting their advantage slip
SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain: Mikel Oyarzabal slotted home a late penalty to fire Real Sociedad into the Copa del Rey final with a 1-0 win over Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, securing a 2-0 aggregate semifinal triumph.
American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has turned La Real’s fortunes around since arriving in December and his side will face Atletico Madrid in the Seville final on April 18, after they ousted Barcelona.
Already holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg at Athletic’s San Mames, Real Sociedad produced a sturdy display at the Reale Arena to knock out the 24-time winners.
“Very proud of what the boys have done, over the past two months, it’s pretty amazing,” said Matarazzo.
“Our first match was on the fourth of January... and we just reached the cup final.
“The football we’re playing is effective and we want to continue... we’re in the final and we want to win it.”
Real Sociedad have now not lost in their last 10 derby clashes at home against Athletic, whom they beat in the 2020 final, and rarely looked like letting their advantage slip.
“I think having the one goal advantage helped, we managed the tempo well,” Real Sociedad defender Jon Martin told Movistar.
“We didn’t want a lot to happen, and we did well.”
La Real had the better of a tense first half, with Carlos Soler coming closest. The midfielder’s free-kick, flying toward the top corner, was tipped over by Athletic goalkeeper Alex Padilla.
Matarazzo’s team had more of the ball and forced the visitors back, albeit without carving out many more openings.
Athletic defender Aitor Paredes made a last-ditch block to keep former Valencia midfielder Soler at bay, and Goncalo Guedes drilled into the side-netting.
Ernesto Valverde’s side improved in the second half and began to threaten La Real, again without finding a clear sight of goal.
Alejandro Berenguer fizzed a shot wide after Inaki Williams fed him on the edge of the box.
Los Leones were missing dangerous Spanish winger Nico Williams, who is sidelined indefinitely with a groin problem.
Oyarzabal seals it
The match was decided from the penalty spot when Athletic’s Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta grabbed a fistful of Yangel Herrera’s shirt as he tried to jump in the box.
After a VAR review the referee awarded a spot-kick and Spain striker Oyarzabal coolly sent Padilla the wrong way in the 87th minute.
Mikel Vesga might have levelled on the night for Athletic in stoppage time as they pushed forward with urgency but Real Sociedad stopper Unai Marrero saved well with his leg to help book his team’s flight to Andalusia.
“It was a hard-fought game, a Basque derby,” said Valverde.
“We had a clear chance at the end, we could have got back into the game but it wasn’t to be.”
Icelandic striker Orri Oskarsson could have extended La Real’s lead at the death but nodded against the post, although it did not matter in the end.
“It feels terrible, it’s a shame, we wanted to reach that final in Seville, I don’t even know what to say,” Athletic striker Williams told Movistar.
“(For the penalty) there’s that kind of grabbing in every box, every corner, and it’s very difficult (to take).”
