RIYADH, DECEMBER 4, 2019 – While Andy Ruiz, Jr. and Anthony Joshua OBE have commanded the world’s attention heading into this weekend, eight other heavyweight contenders stepped into the spotlight on Wednesday afternoon in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to speak with the media one final time before Saturday night.
Five heavyweight fights, topped by Ruiz vs. Joshua 2, will stream live exclusively on DAZN in the United States starting at 12 p.m. ET. The main event will begin shortly after 3:30 p.m. ET.
Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 headlines a stacked card from the Middle East, where in the evening’s chief support bout Alexander Povetkin (35-2, 24 KOs) will square off against Michael Hunter (18-1, 12 KOs) in a 12-round affair.
The main card will also feature Dillian Whyte (26-1, 18 KOs) against Mariusz Wach (35-5, 19 KOs) in a 10-round fight, Filip Hrgovic (9-0, 7 KOs) against Eric Molina (27-5, 19 KOs) in a 12-round scrap and Mahammadrasul Majidov (1-0, 1 KO) against Tom Little (10-7, 3 KOs) in an scheduled 8-round heavyweight bout.
Fans in the United States can sign up for a full year of DAZN at the low price of $99.99 to catch Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 and a highly-anticipated 2020 boxing schedule, or $20 for an action-packed December which also includes Daniel Jacobs vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. on Dec. 20.
Quotes from Today’s Undercard Press Conference:
Eddie Hearn:
“When we signed this deal and had our site visit of some sand where you told us this event would take place at, I thought you were mad. You have pulled it off and on Saturday night the eyes of the sporting world will be fixed on the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia.
“What better way to kickstart the sport of boxing in this country than with the Heavyweight division. We have fights on this card which could be headlining arena’s in their own right.”
Alexander Povetkin:
“I am really glad to be here and very excited to be on a card like this fighting Michael Hunter.
“There will only be one thing and that is me and Michael will come and put on an exciting fight, that’s what you can expect!”
Michael Hunter:
“Look where I am at, this is a dream come true. I am the co main event and get to spice up the crowd for the big one.
“I am very excited for this fight and for everything that comes with it, watch me do my thing this weekend!
“I don’t know how much longer I am going to be the underdog but I really enjoy it. He is a gold medalist who has been at the top of the game for years. This is no easy take and I just have to stick to my gameplan. I plan to stick it on him and get the victory.”
Dillian Whyte:
“The last few months have been tough and I have been using the gym as a distraction to keep myself occupied. It doesn’t take a lot for me to be convinced to fight, whoever wants it can get it!
“I hate being the favorite but I am coming to the ring with maximum intention. When the bell goes I will be looking to hurt him as quickly as possible. It’s about getting the win and getting back to doing what I do best which is fighting anyone, any time, any place.”
Mariusz Wach:
“I want to thank everyone for having me here, it’s a pleasure for me to be here.
“I will go to the ring well prepared and leave my heart in there for what I feel will be a great fight against Dillian Whyte!”
Filip Hrgovic:
“It’s good to be here, he had eight weeks to prepare I had 12. I have trained like never before in Miami and Zagreb so I am feeling ready for my biggest fight so far.
“It’s an honor for me to be a part of this great event.”
Eric Molina:
“Every time I hear from Eddie I know it’s one of his Heavyweights. It’s always been yes and eight weeks to get ready, wow! I never thought that you would give me this long to get ready!
“This is an iconic event and an iconic sporting moment and it’s amazing to see all these countries come together through boxing. When you start your career 0-1 this is truly a blessing for me to be here.
“I’m that guy in the Heavyweight division that finds a way to stick around and on Saturday night I will do just that.”
Mahammadrasul Majidov:
“I am happy to be here and thank you for hosting me. I have had a good camp, good preparation and I will show you all on Saturday how hard I have worked.”
Tom Little:
“I am very grateful to be here Eddie, the hospitality has been amazing. I have had a great camp and can’t wait get this show on the road.
“Records are for DJ’s and amateur pedigree doesn’t really mean anything. This underdog isn’t going to bark, I plan on doing a bit of biting instead!”
