Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr still have time to rethink Saudi Arabia fight | Kevin Mitchell


The two fighters should look to boxing history before signing up to their world heavyweight rematch in the Middle East

It is nearly 45 years since the Rumble in the Jungle – and still the myth of that wild night lingers, dangerously ignored.

There is much to learn from deconstructing the most famous sporting event of the 20th century. When a fierce storm swept through Kinshasa shortly after Muhammad Ali had landed his perfect finisher on George Foreman in the eighth round, coming off the ropes to level the most feared champion since Sonny Liston, it was not enough to cleanse Zaire of the stench of collusion and bad dealings.

Related: Amnesty International criticises sanctioning of Joshua v Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia

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