Andy Ruiz Jr HAS signed contract to fight Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, insists Eddie Hearn despite doubts over rematch

EDDIE HEARN today insisted Andy Ruiz Jr HAS signed the contract to fight Anthony Joshua in a rematch in Saudi Arabia.

The boxing promoter says it is all systems go for the two heavyweights to get it on again on December 7 in Diriyah.

It was reported that Ruiz was angling for more than the £8m he would get for going toe-to-toe with Joshua again.

This was the figure agreed BEFORE the Mexican shocked the world and battered Joshua to rip away his world titles in June.

But Hearn dispelled any doubt that the fight would be shelved, and spoke of his excitement at it being held out in the desert.

At a press conference in London to officially announce the details had been finalised, Hearn said: "I read several reports yesterday, both fighters have signed for this rematch fight.

“Both fighters have signed for the rematch and all governing bodies have confirmed the dates for this.”

Underdog champion Ruiz refused to travel to the UK to rematch Joshua, voicing concerns after Dillian Whyte was cleared to box Oscar Rivas last month despite an “adverse finding” in a pre-fight drug test.

CHAMP EARNS LESS THAN CHALLENGER

AJ - who recently stunned fans with his drastic body transformation - was willing to right the wrong at the scene of the crime and return to New York.

It's reported that “in excess” of £33m was paid as a site fee for the fight held in Saudi Arabia, with a total of £83m stumped up by Middle Eastern investors.

Even though Ruiz, 29, is the champ, original terms agreed before he shocked the world and battered Joshua in June means he could take home half of what AJ does from the dust up in the desert.

Joshua, 29, is thought to have made £18m for the first fight two months ago with 25-1 outsider Ruiz taking £5m after being drafted in to replace drug cheat Jarrell Miller.

But the Middle East showdown in the winter is set to earn AJ a career high payday - with the re-claiming of the WBA, WBO, IBF heavyweight world titles just as important.