Historic Anthony Joshua re-match puts the spotlight on Saudi Arabia

Anthony Joshua at the Centria Mall in Riyadh ahead of the heavyweight rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena on Saturday. Photo: Nick Potts/PA Wire

Mark Staniforth in Riyadh

Six miles from the luxury Riyadh hotels which house Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr, fringed by an ancient textile souk and a Dunkin' Donuts franchise, squats the city's notorious Deira Square.

Colloquially known as 'Chop Chop Square' for the hundreds of public beheadings that have been held there, it serves as a palpable reminder of the controversy stirred by the decision to stage the first world heavyweight title fight in the Saudi Arabian capital.