For weeks, boxing fans have been hearing the heavyweight title rematch between unified champion Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua is going to be announced shortly.
Joshua's promoter at Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn, promises the deal for the rematch is nearing the finish line, with Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales being the likely venue for the highly-anticipated affair.
"I know, I think, where the fight is going, but I just have to wait for some paperwork to be tied up, and then we'll make an announcement," Hearn told Sky Sports. "Cardiff is still a major option. We have two or three other options around the world for neutral venues."
Back in June, Hearn told the SI Boxing Podcast with Chris Mannix that three dates were under consideration with two venues in play: Nov. 29 or Dec. 7 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where Ruiz pulled off the upset on June 1, or Dec. 14 across the pond at Principality Stadium.
Ruiz has voiced his displeasure of the possibility of having to trek to the UK for his first title defense. He'd prefer to fight back at MSG or in his native Mexico.
"Neutral venues would give us a lot less headache with Andy Ruiz, but if it's Wales, it's Wales, and that's where the fight will be," Hearn said. "But we're just waiting for some paperwork to be tied up and then (Ruiz Jr.) will be alerted as to where that venue is."
Joshua had a rematch clause put in just in case Ruiz won. Terms of the deal stated Joshua would get to pick the location of a second fight. So, if the bout ends up in Joshua's native United Kingdom, then Ruiz would have to make the venture.
"Contractually we know our position, but we want to make sure we get the fight done," Hearn said. "We want to respect Andy Ruiz, but we'll decide where the venue is. A neutral venue, he would be a lot happier with. I think I can rule out America, right now. Cardiff is still the frontrunner; it's still the favorite."