Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder Forced to Move Venues Due to Messi-Ronaldo ‘Last Dance’ Match

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are facing a change in venues for their upcoming fights in Saudi Arabia due to a scheduling conflict with the highly anticipated football match between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, dubbed ‘The Last Dance.’

Both Joshua and Wilder are scheduled to fight this weekend in separate bouts as part of a potential buildup to a showdown in 2024. The fights were initially set to take place inside the newly-built Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia, which recently hosted Tyson Fury’s clash with Francis Ngannou in October.

However, a temporary boxing venue is being constructed within the arena because the area where the ring was placed for Fury and Ngannou’s match is now being transformed into a football stadium. The football stadium, which will hold 26,000 fans, is being prepared for the Riyadh Season Cup clash between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami on February 1, featuring football legends Messi and Ronaldo.

The construction timeline has forced a change in plans for Joshua’s fight against Otto Wallin and Wilder’s bout with Joseph Parker this weekend. Initially considering an outdoor setting, organizers have now opted to build an arena within the complex to avoid potential damage to the newly laid turf.

The boxing ring will later return to the main stadium for Fury’s undisputed heavyweight clash with Oleksandr Usyk on February 17. The rearrangement is part of the larger Riyadh Season, a winter event in Saudi Arabia featuring various sporting events and concerts.