While Saudi Arabia is hosting some of the best boxing matches currently, the atmosphere at their events has faced criticism.
Fans often point out that the Saudi boxing energy is noticeably tamer compare to the raucous crowds typical of Western events.
Whether this disparity is due to the lack of alcohol, limited access for Western fans due to travel costs, or cultural differences, Chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh is keen to make a point.
Turki Alalshikh insists cultural differences at play in Saudi boxing events
Speaking to Carl Froch, Alalshikh emphasized that “different cultures” yield different crowds, and that they’re “trying to improve each time.”
“Sometimes, you talk about the atmosphere, and I can understand it,” Alalshikh said. “But you see in the last fight [Usyk-Fury 2] it was a good atmosphere. It is different culture between countries. In Japan, sometimes . . . You will not hear anything, very quiet.”
Another criticism of Saudi boxing is that some of the biggest fights are being taken away from their typical locations, like Las Vegas or London. Alalshikh understands, but maintains that Saudi Arabia also deserves the rights to host the fights.
“[…] You want the big fights in your country, of course,” Alalshikh continued. “But it is also our right to have the big fights in our country.”
Turki Alalshikh’s five-fight wish list for 2025
Whether some fans want it or not, we’ll be seeing plenty more Saudi boxing this year, beginning with the February 22 card headlined by Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. As for the rest of the year, Alalshikh has five fights he’d like to put together.
Speaking to Froch, Alalshikh unveiled five high-profile fights he wants to see:
- Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn
- Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua
- Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford
- Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia 2
- Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2