Saudi Arabia has taken boxing nights to a whole new level in recent years.
Since bringing boxing to the Middle East we have been entertained by some of the best fight nights in recent times, including tonight’s mouthwatering light heavyweight contest between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
As part of their promise to deliver events like nobody else, Saudi Arabia want to provide the best entertainment before, during, and after the fight, however, not everyone is as keen.
- READ MORE: Who is Artur Beterbiev? Meet the heavy-hitting light-heavyweight who will face Dmitry Bivol
Boxing fans slam pre-fight entertainment before Beterbiev vs Bivol
Before the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois clash, fans were treated to a live performance from Liam Gallagher but that was heavily criticised by fans.
It was a similar story in Riyadh as fans inside the Kingdom Arena were treated to songs from Missy Elliot, Ciara, and Busta Rhymes.
While it was certainly a spectacle, it failed to capture the imagination of boxing fans around the world.
One fan said: “Why can’t we just watch boxing anymore without a whole Eurovision show?
“Get on with the boxing. Cba with this music,” added a second.
Another wrote: “When you taught the fight was about to start then realised there’s a f**king concert on first.
“Is this boxing or the Super Bowl?! Just get the main event on ffs,” added a fourth.
This person said: “Ready for the main event. I appreciate Türki trying to make the fights feel bigger and all, but we’re literally here to see FIGHTS,not concerts!!!”
A sixth person stated: “Didn’t need a full concert before fight. Specially after fight before. This has just killed all momentum.”
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol simulation ends with shock result
Many fans have found this fight almost impossible to predict but according to one fight simulation, Bivol is predicted to win with a fourth-round knockout.
If the simulation is anything to go by, Bivol will drop Beterbiev five times throughout the fight, but it would be a lethal right-hand shot that would send his Russian-Canadian counterpart to the ground and cause an almighty shock.
Should that happen, it would likely end Beterbiev’s career given that the Dagestan-born fighter is 39.