Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua were on the second leg of their promotional tour for their world heavyweight title rematch in Saudi Arabia with a news conference in New York City on Thursday. (photos by Ed Mulholland)

There have been groups like Amnesty International, that have raised concerns over the decision to stage the December 7 rematch in Saudi Arabia - because the country has an ongoing issue with human rights violations and many believe they are using the sport’s biggest events to help cleanse its image.

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Joshua, who lost his IBF, WBA, IBO and WBO belts in a surprising loss to Ruiz Jr. in New York in June, said it was a “blessing to be in Saudi Arabia” and that he never thought he would fight outside his native Britain or the United States.

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It's tabbed as he first heavyweight title fight to be held in the Middle East.

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