Eddie Hearn retorts against Joshua vs Usyk 2 occurring in Saudi Arabia during Liv Golf row

EDDIE HEARN defended Anthony Joshua's rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia. She snapped, "Boxing is not golf."

AJ will travel to the Middle East in an attempt to regain his world heavyweight title after being defeated by Usyk at Tottenham last January.

To avenge his New York defeat, Joshua defeated Andy Ruiz Jr. in Diriyah three year ago.

He'll be heading to Saudi Arabia in August, despite the opposition to the country this week over Liv Golf.

Hearn spoke on talkSPORT and explained that boxing is not golf.

"You are dealing with people who put their lives on the line, who put their health at risk.

"It's also a 50/50 split so we don't have any choice.

"We would love to have done this fight at Tottenham in London, as it gives a fighter home edge.

"But, guess what?" "But, guess what? Usyk's team wasn't really ready to travel to London when they had four to five times as much money elsewhere.

"This is an interesting debate. I have seen everything that goes on with the PGA Tour. It is not a game.

"I have a responsibility for making sure these fighters leave this sport with sufficient financial security to ensure the future generations."

This week, the $2bn Saudi-backed Liv Golf series began in London and has rocked the sport to its core.

The PGA Tour has banned players who signed up and asked them tough questions about accepting large sums of money from the Saudi government.

Bryson de Chambeau will be joining Liv Golf at the second Portland event later in the month.

The biggest names in the rebel series are Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson.