Usyk, Joshua, and undercard fighters took to the ring at Saudia Airlines Club in Jeddah ahead of fight night
Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – : Fight Week preparations for the Rage on the Red Sea stepped up a gear on today, with no fewer than 12 fighters from the historic card putting on public workouts at Jeddah’s Saudi Airlines Club.
Main event fighters Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua, who have their second meet at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena on Saturday, were among the boxers that gave attending fans and media a first glimpse at how they’re shaping up going into their Heavyweight showdown.
Usyk, who defends the unified world heavyweight titles as champion, said: “I’m very pleased that I’m going to fight very soon. I’ve been watching Anthony Joshua for years already, so I’ve learned a lot and look forward to the fight.”
Commenting on everybody in his homeland of Ukraine being able to watch the bout for free, Usyk added: “I’m also very pleased about this as we all worked hard to ensure this outcome.”
Usyk and Joshua hit the gloves with their trainers and interacted with both members of the public and media during 10-minute sessions, teasing what’s to come when they go head-to-head on Fight Night.
For his part, Joshua said: “Previous experiences are helpful, but ultimately, it’s all about what you do on the night. Whoever throws and lands the most punches wins. I’m focused, ready to do my best, and get the job done.”
“Saudi Arabia’s been very good to me, shout out to everyone here [in the Kingdom],” he continued. “I’ve had a good time, everyone at the hotel and gym has been looking after me, and it’s been like a second home. I’ve good memories of here from last time out [against Ruiz Jr in 2019] and it’s time to create new ones.”
Also strutting their stuff at Jeddah’s Saudia Airlines Club was Zhang Zhilei ahead of his bout with Filip Hrgovic, rivals Callum Smith and Mathieu Bauderlique, as well as Badou Jack, Andrew Tabiti, Rashed Belhasa, and Bader Samreen.
Rounding out the dozen pugilists were Ziyad Almaayouf and Ramla Ali, who were given huge support from those in attendance.
They will both make history at the Rage on the Red Sea as the first Saudi and female fighters, respectively, to feature on an international professional card in the Kingdom.
SAUDIA is proudly the official partner and air carrier of the Rage on the Red Sea, the world’s biggest professional boxing event of 2022, their latest of many involvements with international sporting events in the Kingdom. As part of the partnership, SAUDIA hosted the public workout at Saudi Airlines Club in Jeddah, inviting family and friends of Saudi A to have a first glimpse of Usyk and Joshua’s form along with global media.
Saudi’s national airline carrier has also offered fans wishing to attend the Rage on the Red Sea a 15 per cent discount on airline tickets to Jeddah, in addition to a 20 per cent discount on packages through SAUDIA holidays, offering fans a seamless and enjoyable experience in Jeddah.
Fans still looking to travel to Jeddah can book their flights and accommodation through SAUDIA, and purchase tickets for fight night via www.halayalla.com/sa-en/tickets/rage-on-the-red-sea.