ANTHONY JOSHUA DEFLECTED concerns over sportswashing on Tuesday as he appeared in Saudi Arabia to promote his heavyweight boxing world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine.
The 20 August rematch was announced after the launch of the controversial, Saudi-funded LIV Golf, which has threatened the regular tours by luring top players with huge prize pots.
The fight and the golf are the latest in a series of Saudi events to be accused of sportswashing, or attempting to bolster the country’s international reputation while detracting attention from its appalling human rights record and its role in the humanitarian disaster in Yemen.
But when asked about sportswashing at a fight launch event in Jeddah, Joshua laughed: “I don’t know what that is.
“I’m here to win the heavyweight championship of the world. I like Saudi. I think Saudi’s good. I’m having a good time here. I’m treated really well.
All that allegation stuff, for me, I’m not caught up in any of that stuff. I’m here to have a good time, mix with the local people, bring entertainment to Saudi.
The Jeddah clash will be the second in Saudi Arabia for Joshua, 32, who avenged a shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in Riyadh in December 2019.
The Watford heavy is out for revenge once again after losing his WBA, IBF and WBO belts last September in London to Usyk, who has since been shaken by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Usyk, 35, returned home to fight for his country before being given a special exemption from military duty. But he dismissed any notion that the war had given him extra motivation.
“My friends, people close to me, have died in the war. When so many people are suffering I don’t have any idea how it can influence anything positively,” Usyk said.
“I was there for one month, I saw with my own eyes what happened there: rockets flying and fighter jets flying. It’s horrible.”
Joshua also paid tribute to Ukraine and said he had been in touch with Wladimir Klitschko, the former heavyweight whose brother and fellow boxer Vitali is now the mayor of Kyiv.
“Big up to Usyk, the Klitschko brothers, everyone in Ukraine. I know it’s been tough, but tough times don’t last,” Joshua said.
“Keep your heads up, the world’s watching. The world’s in support… Anyone that’s going through tough times, we’re always with them, so especially the Ukrainian people right now.”
He added that he had no concerns about the receding chances of his long-touted all-British super-fight with the consensus world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who retired after his April victory over Dillian Whyte.
“I’ll fight anyone, that’s never been an issue. When the time’s right, if he wants to fight we’re here for it, definitely,” Joshua said of Fury.
“But no, if he wants to fight I’m here. Whenever he’s ready I’ll be available.”
“O’Dowd also scored the only goal in Ireland’s 3-1 Uefa championship qualifying round loss to Andorra.” Sweet Jesus we didn’t loose to Andorra!
No, but we did lose to them.
I grew up listening to the songs his Granda Brendan sang. Brendan sang all the Percy French songs like the west Clare Railway and Gortnamona.
His grandfather was considered the best interpreter of the Percy French songbook. Cue the gang in France singing “Are you right there, Michael?” if he scores.
What about jack Byrne. Why doesn’t he get his chance in the warm up game. I’m sure he’ll be a future star for Ireland and the experience alone would benefit him going to the euros anyone agree??
Who would Byrne replace tho? This kid who got called up is a winger which we lack.. In central midfield we have a few who have there places nailed down.. I don’t know how good Byrne is to be honest is he better than the guys we have?
Probably replace Hoolahan?
I’m not saying he should be in instead of dis young fella fair play ta him getting called up great for him and his family. Jack byrne is a smashing footballer good to have as cover if hoolahan gets injured cause theres no more creativity in the squad
Martinez just sacked!
This is a story about a young lads exciting opportunity. Martinez getting sacked can wait for 5 minutes until that story appears. Well done to O Dowda. Hope he proves himself.