"Neutral venues would give us a lot less headache with Andy Ruiz, but if it's Wales, it's Wales, and that's where the fight will be"
Sunday 4 August 2019 07:25, UK
Anthony Joshua's rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr appears to be edging closer as promoter Eddie Hearn is awaiting paperwork to be finalised with Cardiff still the 'major option' to stage the fight.
The Matchroom Boxing boss has been considering plans for the world heavyweight title fight, which is expected to be held in November or December after Ruiz Jr's shock victory over Joshua in New York in June.
Ruiz Jr has voiced his displeasure at the prospect of facing Joshua on these shores, but Hearn insists the Principality Stadium remains a likely location as he thrashes out details for the return bout.
"I know, I think, where the fight is going, but I just have to wait for some paperwork to be tied up and then we'll make an announcement," Hearn told Sky Sports.
"Cardiff is still a major option. We have two or three other options around the world for neutral venues.
"Neutral venues would give us a lot less headache with Andy Ruiz, but if it's Wales, it's Wales, and that's where the fight will be.
"But we're just waiting for some paperwork to be tied up and then [Ruiz Jr] will be alerted as to where that venue is."
Hearn had suggested earlier in the week that the California-based Mexican will not receive home advantage in a return bout.
"They don't want to come to the UK, they never have done," he said.
"Contractually we know our position, but we want to make sure we get the fight done. We want to respect Andy Ruiz, but we'll decide where the venue is.
"A neutral venue, he would be a lot happier with. I think I can rule out America, right now. Cardiff is still the frontrunner, it's still the favourite."
