Anthony Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn has dismissed claims by Andy Ruiz Jnr's team that a rematch with Joshua can only take place in the United States.
Andy Ruiz Jr had claimed that a rematch with Anthony Joshua will be on "my terms" and "in the United States" but promoter Eddie Hearn has reiterated that a deal has already been finalised to go to Saudi Arabia.
According to Sky Sports, IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Ruiz Jr broke his silence on a second fight against Joshua on Wednesday by saying via Instagram: "It's going to be on my terms. We are going to bring it back here in the United States".
But Joshua's promoter Hearn has already announced a second fight on December 7, live on Sky Sports Box Office, in Saudi Arabia.
The contract for the rematch was signed prior to the first fight," Hearn told Sky Sports.
"They are both signed at the same time. There is no other contract. We have to let [Ruiz Jr] know the time, date and venue which we have done. That's it.
"They are contractually bound for the rematch. There are no conversations between the two teams about not doing the fight. I don't perceive a problem. He signed a contract with us that he was absolutely over the moon with, that gave him the opportunity of a lifetime. He will 100 per cent honour that contract.
"His choice is to have a legal battle that could put him out of boxing for years, or to defend his belts for a lot of money against a guy he has already beaten. There isn't any doubt he will take the fight.
"Any messing around and Ruiz Jr will lose belts, and he won't want to do that. We expect the IBF, WBA and WBO belts to be on the line. There are mandatories due but, in our opinion, Ruiz Jr is within his rights to have a voluntary defence. That defence is against Anthony Joshua."
