Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: Joshua poses with Andy Ruiz ahead of their rematch when the British fighter regained his three belts. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)
Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz rematch won’t air on DSTV
Supersport has issued out an apology after not being able to secure the broadcast rights for the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr.
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: Joshua poses with Andy Ruiz ahead of their rematch when the British fighter regained his three belts. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)
Boxing fans in South Africa will have a tough time accessing one of the heavyweight calender’s most highly-anticipated fights, after Supersport could not secure its broadcast rights.
Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr are primed for a rematch, following their bout in June, which ended in the latter’s favour.
Much-anticipated rematch won’t air on DSTV
They are set to slug it out once more on Saturday 7 December but, as things stand, the fight will not be broadcast on DSTV.
This is after Supersport confirmed that it will not be airing the bout, with the deal with the supplier falling through.
The pay channel apologised to its subscribers for not being able to deliver what was bound to pull more than a few eyeballs.
“SuperSport is disappointed that it will no longer be able to screen the heavyweight championship fight between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz on 7 December,” Supersport said in a statement.
“Regrettably, SuperSport’s acquisition of broadcast rights has fallen through, due to the supplier being unable to deliver on our deal. SuperSport made every reasonable effort to bring this rematch to DStv subscribers, but that has unfortunately not materialised.
“We apologise for this and share viewers’ disappointment.”
Supersport
How to watch Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr in South Africa
Rights for the bout, which takes place in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia were secured by Fight Sports, a CSI-owned channel, which will broadcast the fight in Africa.
The channel is available on ETV’s Openview pay satellite TV platform.
Fight Sports went live on Openview earlier in the month and can be accessed on channel 115.
Joshua seeks redemption after embarrassing defeat
Anthony Joshua was stunned by the less fancied Mexican, Andy Ruiz, who handed him a thorough klap in June.
Almost six months to the day, they are set to take to the ring again, contesting the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight title.
The Englishman’s defeat blew the division wide open, and he is confident of his chances against Ruiz.
He has been put through the paces by his trainer, Rob McCracken in preparation for the bout.
“I only needed 16 fights to become champion of the world, I have always been a fighter,” Joshua says.
“I have not been protected, Rob has not had me sparring anyone with one arm behind their back.”
Anthony Joshua
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