LONDON — British boxer Anthony Joshua has defended Saudi Arabia after being asked about sportswashing in an interview with British national daily tabloid-sized newspaper, The Mirror.

The Mirror asked Joshua about his opinion of the recent criticism from some Western media directed at Saudi Arabia regarding its hosting of international sporting events, describing the events as “sportswashing.”

Joshua insisted he doesn't know what sportswashing is while praising Saudi Arabia ahead of his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in Jeddah.

Joshua defended and praised Saudi Arabia by telling the reporters during a press conference in Jeddah: "I don't know what that (sportswashing) is. I'm here to win the heavyweight championship of the world.

"I like Saudi. I think Saudi's good. I'm having a good time here. I'm treated really well."

He added, "All that allegation stuff, for me, I'm not caught up in any of that stuff. I'm here to have a good time, mix with the local people, bring entertainment to Saudi."

Jeddah is set to host the finals of World HeavyWeight Boxing on August 20, 2022. The Ministry of Sports confirmed that Jeddah governorate is scheduled to host the Red Sea battle between Oleksandr Usyk (Ukraine) and Anthony Joshua (England) to name the world heavyweight boxing champion.

The World Heavyweight Boxing Championship title, which will be held next August, is the second world fight hosted by Saudi Arabia after the one held at the Diriyah Arena, Riyadh, in December 2019. That match was won by Britain's Anthony Joshua after defeating his Mexican rival Andy Ruiz. — SG with inputs from agencies