Anthony Joshua has appeared to play down Saudi Arabia’s shocking human rights record ahead of his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.
AJ takes on Ruiz Jr aiming to win back his titles in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on December 7 in a fight which is expected to be worth up to £82million.
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Ruiz Jr shocked the world when he beat Joshua for his IBF, IBO, WBA (Super) and WBO world heavyweight titles at Madison Square Garden in June.
And controversy has surrounded the venue hosting the pair’s rematch due to Saudi Arabia’s strict laws, which can result in homosexuals receiving the death penalty.
When asked about the Saudi government, AJ told the BBC: “There are certain policies that are in place in the country and there are certain policies we just have to abide by, and I abide by the law and that’s just how it goes in certain places.
“If you can’t come to the country, you can still watch it, you’re still open to support and I appreciate your support from every community.
“I feel like in this situation I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t, a certain thing I can’t win for.
“I feel like I stand in the middle and I feel like boxing is just trying to open up the barriers for people to travel and see.”
AJ went on to add he wants to fight for ‘every cause’ – but his main priority is winning his belts back.
He continued: “I feel like so many communities have been through a lot of stuff, even my own community, we’re still going through stuff.
“If I’m going to fight for one cause, I’m going to fight for every cause and right now the cause I’m fighting for is getting my belts back.
“I do want to put on that cap and be like the spokesman but I’ve got some big tasks ahead of me at the minute.
“I feel I’m still young, I’ve still got time – there will be a time where I’m maybe more involved in certain aspects where we stand up and try and make change.
“I look at what I’ve seen, the hospitality and stuff and how they treat us in terms of the event they’re going to put on.
“I know you’re going to be able to come, because this has been mentioned and hence why I feel like these were small ticking boxes to actually agreeing the fight there.
“So I know you’re going to be able to come.”
