Whatever date Anthony Joshua's battle with Tyson Fury to determine an undisputed heavyweight champion of the world ends up landing on (and Eddie Hearn believes it will be in August), it appears that all parties are agreed on one thing: unless things fall apart, it will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Big boxing fights are no stranger to intriguing international locations for financial reasons. In fact, here are some of the most famous times the sweet science toured the globe.
Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman, Zaire (1974)
Arguably the most famous heavyweight fight of them all saw Muhammad Ali turn back the clock to claim the undefeated record of George Foreman. Don King was desperate to make the fight and turned to Zairian president Mobuto Sese Seko to help finance the event in exchange for staging it in Kinshasa, Zaire (the country is now known as DR Congo).
“The Rumble in the Jungle” would enter sporting folklore as Ali employed risky tactics in the hope that Foreman would feel the pace by the later rounds. With the heavy-handed Texan seemingly fading, Ali unleashed a barrage of punches that saw him end the fight in the eighth session. Ali’s legacy was massively enhanced with an unlikely victory that not many predicted beforehand.
Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier, Philippines (1975)
Ali's globetrotting continued the following year when he completed his famous trilogy against 'Smokin' Joe' in the Philippines for "The Thrilla In Manilla". 'The Greatest' would famously tell his trainer that this was "the closest I've ever been to dying", but rallied in the final 13th and 14th rounds of a brutal and gripping conclusion to their series before Frazier was withdrawn by his corner before the 15th and final round could begin.
Ali later told his biographer Thomas Hauser that he was going to retire after the 14th, if it weren't for Frazier's withdrawal first. Ali had instructed his corner to cut his gloves off before the final scheduled round could start, but head trainer Angelo Dundee ignored him.
James Douglas vs. Mike Tyson, Japan (1990)
At the start of the 1990’s, Mike Tyson was arguably the biggest sportsman on the planet. Taking advantage of his popularity, Japan paid $6m to stage one of his fights in the Tokyo Dome, a prized venue traditionally used for sumo and professional wrestling. James Douglas would be the opponent and Japan was about to play host to boxing’s biggest ever shock.
At the time of the fight, Tyson’s personal life had become chaotic and it was repeatedly played out in front of the world’s media. Despite dropping Douglas in round number eight, Tyson’s usual menace was missing as he was dominated by Douglas’ excellent jab. The gutsy Ohioan found the finishing shot in the tenth session bringing Tyson’s dominant reign to a stunning end.
Hasim Rahman vs. Lennox Lewis, South Africa (2001)
Another country, another heavyweight shock. South Africa would welcome Lennox Lewis and Hasim Rahman for their heavyweight encounter in 2001 but it appeared the former had bigger issues to contend with. Filming scenes with Hollywood A-Listers and negotiating with Mike Tyson, Lewis didn’t look like he was giving Rahman his full attention.
The Baltimore man had a decent reputation within the boxing industry and carried respectable power, but stoppage losses to David Tua and Oleg Maskaev meant Lewis was a huge favourite. The pair exchanged big shots from the opening bell until a right hand from Rahman had Lewis all over the place in the fifth stanza. Rahman was heavyweight champion and a volatile rivalry would continue throughout 2001 until Lewis grabbed revenge that November.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios, Macau (2013)
After seeing the success that the casinos of Las Vegas had enjoyed through boxing, Macau took the decision to start staging events and they had their ideal choice in Manny Pacquiao. The Filipino sensation had become a marquee name in the sport following his stoppage wins over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto. He would head to Macau in 2013 to take on Brandon Rios.
An overwhelming favourite in the fight, Pacquiao was dominant from the opening bell as his southpaw stance and frightening speed gave Rios terrible problems. The brave American performed admirably to stay in the fight but he was well beaten on the scorecards when the final bell sounded.
Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz 2, Saudi Arabia (2019)
After dramatically losing his heavyweight crown to Andy Ruiz in the summer of 2019, Anthony Joshua wasted no time in pursuing a rematch. Saudi Arabian authorities were willing to pay large money to bring the event to their region and six months later, Joshua would have his chance for revenge.
Taking a more cautious approach, Joshua kept the fight at long distance as he looked to score points with his jab. Ruiz had ballooned in weight since the first encounter and he lacked the speed of foot to get close to his opponent. At the end of 12 lacklustre rounds, Joshua had produced a disciplined performance to reclaim his titles.