Tony Bellew pleased with the Saudi developments
Former world cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew backs boxing’s move to stage upcoming heavyweight title fights in Saudi Arabia, representing a major power shift in the sport.
While the majority of big championship fights have traditionally taken place in Las Vegas, and other Western cities, the involvement of Turki Alalshikh – ranked by Boxing News as the most influential person in the boxing – has led to a drastic change.
On X, Bellew said: “The difference @Turki_alalshikh has made in boxing has been remarkable!
“We had so many years of big fights falling by the wayside that it was making our amazing sport a laughing stock!
“He has quite simply restored boxing back to where it should be.”
While there is uncertainty regarding the longevity of Saudi Arabia’s control over boxing, there is no denying that, as of now, the sport sits firmly within the country’s tight grip.
Coming up on the schedule is a heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou, which takes place in Riyadh on March 8.
In the same city, Tyson Fury – permitting the lineal and WBC world heavyweight champion makes a full recovery following his sparring injury – will take on Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship on May 18.
But, even aside from the big men, there is a mouthwatering light heavyweight undisputed fight to look forward to, with Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol set for June 1.
The astronomical money that is being put on the table for these mega-fights has also brought the world’s leading promotors together, with Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren now discussing a potential five vs five card, putting their stables against each other.
Regardless of whether it is here to stay, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in boxing has, ultimately, made a monumental impact.