The rise of Saudi Arabia as a host for major boxing events has redefined the sport’s global landscape. From Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 to Tyson Fury’s anticipated clash with Oleksandr Usyk, the Kingdom has rapidly positioned itself as a central hub for boxing. But while Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a venue brings undeniable benefits, it also raises important questions about the future of the sport, its accessibility, and its moral compass. Let’s dive deeper into the pros, cons, and overall impact of this shift.
The Pros: Financial Might and a Platform for Iconic Fights
One of the biggest advantages Saudi Arabia brings to the table is its financial power. Backed by the Public Investment Fund, the Kingdom can offer fight purses and promotional deals that few—if any—other locations can match. For instance, Anthony Joshua reportedly earned $85 million for his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr., a payday that dwarfed his earnings in the UK or US. According to BBC Sport, these substantial sums are not only attractive to fighters but also open the door to blockbuster fights that might otherwise never materialise.
The financial backing isn’t just about fighter payouts. Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a commitment to creating world-class boxing events. The Diriyah Arena, built exclusively for the Joshua-Ruiz rematch, became an iconic setting, blending state-of-the-art technology with the dramatic backdrop of the Saudi desert. Events like these elevate boxing’s production quality, making them feel as much like global spectacles as sporting contests. As noted by Sky Sports, Saudi Arabia has set a new benchmark for fight presentation, one that competitors may struggle to match.
Another major plus is the neutral ground Saudi Arabia provides for fighters. Unlike matches in the UK or US, where crowds often heavily favour one fighter, Saudi events offer a more balanced environment. This neutrality allows the fights themselves to take centre stage, unburdened by the often polarising presence of home crowds. Fighters like Tyson Fury have praised the professionalism and organisation of Saudi events, highlighting the Kingdom’s ability to prioritise the athletes’ experience.
The Cons: Accessibility, Fan Atmosphere, and Sportswashing Concerns
While Saudi Arabia’s ability to host extravagant events is impressive, it’s not without drawbacks. Chief among them is accessibility. For boxing fans in traditional markets like the UK, US, or Mexico, travelling to Saudi Arabia is prohibitively expensive. Flights, accommodation, and visa requirements make it difficult for fans to attend in person. This lack of large travelling fanbases often results in muted atmospheres within Saudi venues. The energy of a Wembley Stadium crowd or the raucous noise of Madison Square Garden is hard to replicate when most of the audience is composed of VIPs and corporate guests. As Boxing News pointed out, the absence of passionate local support can detract from the emotional intensity that defines the sport.
Another significant issue is the ethical debate surrounding Saudi Arabia’s involvement in boxing. Critics accuse the Kingdom of using high-profile sporting events as part of a sportswashing campaign to distract from its human rights record. Organisations like Amnesty International have called on athletes and promoters to think carefully about the moral implications of participating in Saudi events. This places fighters and promoters in a difficult position, forcing them to weigh financial gain against potential reputational harm. The Guardian has frequently reported on this, highlighting the tension between boxing’s commercial ambitions and the ethical considerations of hosting fights in Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, there’s the question of whether Saudi Arabia can sustain its boxing ambitions in the long term. While the Kingdom has successfully hosted marquee events, it still lacks a deeply rooted boxing culture. Efforts to grow local interest in the sport are ongoing, but they face stiff competition from more established markets. This raises concerns about whether Saudi Arabia’s dominance in boxing will endure once the novelty of hosting fades.
Expanding Boxing’s Reach or Alienating Its Core?
The Kingdom’s push to host major events also reflects a broader shift in sports, where financial power increasingly dictates where high-profile competitions take place. This trend has its benefits, including exposing boxing to new markets and audiences. By hosting fights in Saudi Arabia, the sport reaches a global stage, potentially inspiring future generations of fighters from non-traditional regions.
However, this global expansion risks alienating boxing’s core fanbase. Die-hard supporters from the UK, US, and other strongholds often feel left behind when iconic fights are staged thousands of miles away. As DAZN noted, the sport must strike a balance between pursuing new opportunities and maintaining its connection to its traditional roots.
There’s also the practical matter of fairness. Fighters from less affluent backgrounds may struggle to bring their full support teams to Saudi Arabia, placing them at a logistical disadvantage compared to better-funded opponents. While the grandeur of Saudi events is undeniable, the practical challenges they pose are rarely discussed.
Saudi Arabia: The New Mecca of Boxing?
The Kingdom’s ambition to become a boxing powerhouse has already led many to ask whether Saudi Arabia could become the sport’s new epicentre. In a previous article on CMBoxing, we explored how Saudi Arabia’s financial and infrastructural investments position it as a leading force in the boxing world. With marquee events and unparalleled resources, the Kingdom has undeniably cemented itself as a key player. But as the article also highlights, this rise is not without its challenges, and the path forward requires balancing ambition with inclusivity and ethics.
Final Thoughts: The Kingdom’s Role in Boxing’s Future
Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a major host for boxing events is both exciting and controversial. The Kingdom’s financial power and production capabilities have elevated the sport, creating opportunities for fighters and fans alike. However, concerns about accessibility, fan experience, and ethical implications loom large. The question remains: can Saudi Arabia address these challenges while continuing to redefine the sport?
What do you think? Is Saudi Arabia the future of boxing, or does the sport risk losing its identity by prioritising money over tradition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this post. For more boxing content, including our deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s impact on the sport, visit CMBoxing and join the conversation today!