Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk: A look at Saudi Arabia's boxing takeover
Saudi Boxing Takeover: Impact On Arabian Fights
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The undisputed heavyweight title fight was made possible by Saudi Turki Alalshikh, who played a pivotal role in getting both Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk to come to terms and agree to fight each other.
reported on the latest sports news BBC Sport shared the most recent updates on sports events from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
BBC Sport posed a question on April 30th, 2023, regarding the absence of major boxing matches. In particular, they wondered why these high-profile bouts were being delayed or altogether cancelled.
Supporters were frustrated and competing event organizers were shifting responsibility as personal pride, monetary concerns, and agreements with broadcasters became obstacles.
After a year has passed, the sport has undergone such significant changes that it is difficult to recognize it, and much of the credit for this is attributed to the active participation of Saudi Arabia, a country with abundant energy resources.
This coming Saturday, the battle for the undisputed heavyweight world title is happening in Riyadh between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. This is just one of the many high-profile fights that have taken place in Saudi Arabia's capital recently.
The image of boxing has been updated, but like any physical enhancement, there are potential dangers involved.
Combatants are receiving sizable earnings, but only a few supporters from Britain have the means to travel to the Middle East.
Collaborators are joining forces while opposers are highlighting a lack of excitement in Saudi Arabia.
As claims of 'sportswashing' persistently circulate regarding the country, BBC Sport delves into the consequences of the Saudi Arabian acquisition of boxing and how it will affect the sport on a local level.
Male Boxers Break Record Purses
The main challenge that prevented former heavyweight champions Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder from reaching an agreement in 2018, as well as when the negotiations between Fury and Usyk halted in London last year, was money.
However, money has additionally offered a resolution - as Saudi Arabia has generously spent enough money to satisfy everyone involved.
According to reports, Fury is expected to make a whopping £78 million in his upcoming fight against Usyk. Similarly, it has been said that Joshua earned an astonishing £39 million in his fight against Francis Ngannou.
Even the medium-sized players are reaping the rewards. The much-anticipated undisputed light-heavyweight fight that was deferred between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol - a matchup that ignites the passion of the fanatics of the game - will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Big fights are being arranged with fighters receiving generous rewards, but unfortunately, women's boxing is being ignored in the country despite all the hopefulness.
The problem of women's rights persists in the country, and while Briton Ramla Ali participated in a competition in Jeddah in 2022, it seems that Saudi leaders have no desire to arrange a female fight.
The five versus five event in Riyadh that took place in June was an extraordinary event where Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, who were formerly rivals but now friends, were competing against each other. However, this event was another missed chance to ensure that female fighters were offered the same amount of money as their male counterparts.
Alalshikh: A Boxing Superfan's Impact
"Free English" is a bit ambiguous, but assuming it means non-native English speaker-friendly, here's my rewrite: The picture was found on Getty Images.
Fury is set to participate in two consecutive matches in Riyadh, while Joshua has also competed in his last two fights in that same city.
During summer, there is a time difference of two hours between Saudi Arabia and the UK. This means that important events in Saudi Arabia can be broadcasted at a convenient time for viewers in the UK.
According to Warren's statement given to BBC Sport, the advantage is that we are not required to wait until the early hours of the morning to witness a fight that is taking place in Las Vegas anymore.
The person who is given the recognition of making it possible is Turki Alalshikh, who is the chairman of the general entertainment authority of Saudi Arabia.
With the wealth of his country, Alalshikh managed to persuade Warren and Hearn to reconcile their differences.
The duo has worked together to promote concerts over the past half-year, despite purportedly never engaging in conversation prior to their collaboration.
Many of us, including myself, have witnessed numerous chances for the clear-cut champion to slip away in the past due to insufficient funds or the interference of political agendas, as stated by Hearn from Matchroom.
However, since only one person possesses such immense power, the future becomes a bit hazy in the absence of Alalshikh, whom Hearn describes as a passionate follower of boxing.
"Lifeless" Vibe: Worth Waiting For A Change?
The source of the image is Getty Images.
Alalshikh is a person who has the power to reduce conflicts between different TV channels. This is evident as Fury-Usyk will be broadcasted at the same time by TNT Sport, Dazn, and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.
The nature of boxing in Saudi Arabia is notably dissimilar to the glitz and glamour of a fight week in Las Vegas and does not have the draw of a stadium confrontation in London.
The public in Riyadh did not seem to be aware of or interested in Joshua's events called 'Day of Reckoning' and 'Knockout Chaos'.
Most taxi drivers, shopkeepers, and hotel staff were not knowledgeable about any boxing matches happening.
During the events leading up to the fight, Joshua did not experience the overwhelming attention from fans. Warren believes that this reflects the respectful nature of the culture in that location which may be why fighters enjoy competing there.
Celebrities such as Eminem and Kanye West, as well as renowned boxers like Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, have graced fight weeks with their presence, adding some star power to the event.
When a TV audience tunes in, many feel that the atmosphere in the arena is lacking in spirit. During a world-title boxing match between Nick Ball and Rey Vargas, the biggest cheer of the night came when football manager Jose Mourinho made an appearance.
In past presentations, viewers have departed prior to the primary occurrence.
The success of boxing relies heavily on its setting and experience during a live gathering. Hearing the audience gasp after a knockout, along with the emotions felt ringside, greatly add to the enjoyment of watching the sport.
According to Warren, there is still a vibe in Saudi Arabia, but it was not exactly rowdy. He also acknowledges that people who blame the lack of alcohol for the subdued atmosphere are ignorant, since alcohol is not allowed in Saudi Arabia.
Ziyad 'Zizo' Almaayouf, the solitary Saudi fighter to have participated in a professional event in Riyadh, implores for understanding and calmness.
Zizo explains that in the Arab world, people work on Sundays. Therefore, when AJ faced [Otto] Wallin at 03:30 am on a Saturday, the majority of people had to go to work in just a few hours.
The level of intensity in other countries may not be as high as that of the US, but this is only because it takes time to develop.
In general, Arab enthusiasts are highly passionate about sports. Football, in particular, seems to have a very special place in their hearts. Their enthusiasm for this beloved sport is simply unmatched.
Ahead of the upcoming heavyweight match, an analysis will be made on the distinct boxing approaches employed by Fury and Usyk.
London Anticipating Riyadh Season?
As a part of Saudi Arabia's economic plan for the future, called "Vision 2030", the country is introducing important sports events, including boxing, to expand their economy beyond their primary reliance on oil revenue.
However, opponents contend that the purpose of this action is to divert the public's focus from a problematic track record in terms of human rights.
The focus on improving the reputation of Saudi Arabia is evident in the boxing scene.
At the beginning of news conferences, people often clap for the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Meanwhile, in interviews, promoters and boxers frequently show appreciation towards Alalshikh.
Despite investing heavily in boxing, there is an increasing dissatisfaction among fans who are concerned about the possibility of not seeing Fury and Joshua compete in Britain once more.
The Saudis are aware of that negative feedback. Alalshikh plans to finance an occasion in Los Angeles during August, while there is also talk of organizing a Wembley Stadium event for Joshua in September.
According to Warren, the event taking place in Wembley will serve as a "cultural affair" to promote Riyadh Season from Saudi Arabia.
Only time will reveal whether Alalshikh can establish professional boxing as a major sport in the UK on a steady basis or if this is just a small gesture for boxing enthusiasts. Additionally, we will see if there is a sudden rise in curiosity for women's boxing.
