Revealed: Possible venue for Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr rematch

A Saudi Arabia fight would also allow neutral officials to be imported [Courtesy]

Saudi Arabia has emerged as the shock frontrunner to host Anthony Joshua's rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr, according to The Athletic.

They claim Eddie Hearn is looking to complete a site deal to stage the huge bout in Riyadh on December 7 or 14.

Venues in Qatar and Dubai are also said to be in the mix as the Middle East looks to land a super fight after hosting the World Boxing Super Series final between George Groves and Callum Smith then Amir Khan's clash with Billy Dib.

Hearn had previously talked up the Principality Stadium in Cardiff as the leading contender to host the rematch, but Ruiz Jr has recently expressed reservations about coming to the UK for the rematch.

Joshua has reportedly agreed to host the fight in Saudi Arabia, whilst it is hoped a $9m compensation package for Ruiz would convince him to also put pen to paper on the rematch plans.

A Saudi Arabia fight would also allow neutral officials to be imported, perhaps another factor to convince Ruiz given his concerns over advantages for Joshua in a UK-based fight.

A return to Madison Square Garden - the scene of the June 1 upset - means a return to the US is off the table after Joshua's disastrous debut.

After his money-spinning clash with Billy Dib in Saudi Arabia last month, Amir Khan recently claimed organisers were keen to land a big heavyweight star.

Whilst he predicted a move to take Tyson Fury to the Middle East, they now seem to have made their move for Joshua-Ruiz II.

"I think they will definitely get a heavyweight star like Tyson out in Saudi soon," Khan predicted.