The fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk will take place in August at the Jeddah Super Dome. It will not be the first time that Joshua has fought in the country, having won his rematch against Andy Ruiz there in 2019.
The venue was built in 2021 and has a 35,000 capacity, it has already hosted a big global event in the form of this year's WWE Elimination Chamber. Its construction demonstrates the state's ambition to host large scale international events and will host its first major boxing match on August 20 this year.
The London press conference for the fight takes place this week, with both fighters set to meet after an amicable display at last week's Saudi press conference. Both fighters were pictured taking selfies and acting in a friendly manner towards each other, but will we see a change in the UK?
ALSO READ: Tyson Fury makes Anthony Joshua claim ahead of Oleksandr Usyk rematch
On the venue's website, it is described as wanting to provide 'add a unique experience to the world's well-remembered events' while boasting of its Guinness world record status, saying: "Host to the most important events, multi-purpose exhibits, sports, specialty shows and international conferences. Holding a Guinness record, we are the largest geodesic dome in the world to ever stand without pillars."
However, there continue to be allegations of so-called 'sportswashing', with criticisms of the gulf state's human rights record after they were awarded the right to stage the fight. However, Joshua says he does not know what the term means and that he is happy with the hospitality he has received.
The 32-year-old explained in yesterday's press conference: "I don't know what that [sportswashing] is. I'm here to win the heavyweight champion of the world. I like Saudi. I think Saudi's good. I'm having a good time here. I'm treated really well.
"All that allegation stuff, for me, I'm not caught up in any of that stuff. I'm here to have a good time, mix with the local people, bring entertainment to Saudi."
