Introduction
Former boxing champion Carl Froch has expressed his fears about the future of boxing following Saudi Arabia's increasing influence in the sport. With high-profile fights scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Froch raises concerns about the impact of endless money flowing into the Middle East and its effect on the wider boxing landscape.
The Upcoming Fights
Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are set to appear on the same card in Riyadh on December 23, facing Otto Wallin and Joseph Parker respectively. This highly anticipated night of action will also feature British heavyweight Daniel Dubois, WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, and IBF cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia. Following this, on February 17, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight for the undisputed heavyweight crown.
Froch's Concerns
Froch, 46, expresses apprehension about the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in boxing. He questions whether this is the direction the sport is heading and whether fighters' ultimate goal is to secure the lucrative Saudi money after becoming world champions. Froch highlights that only a select few fighters, such as Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, have access to these opportunities, leaving others at a disadvantage.
Money vs. Fans
According to Froch, the claim that these fights are being done for the fans is untrue. He criticizes the exorbitant prices of tickets, the need to travel to Saudi Arabia, and the inability to enjoy a pint of Guinness while watching the fights. Froch points out that the primary motivation for such events is financial gain, not the fans' experience.
The Impact on Big Fights
Froch suggests that Saudi Arabia's influence in boxing may hinder the occurrence of major fights. He cites the example of Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, stating that they should be fighting each other instead of being on the same card against opponents they are likely to defeat easily. Froch believes that the allure of Saudi money is preventing these high-profile matchups from taking place.
Fury-Usyk Fight and Disappointment for British Fans
While Froch believes that the Fury-Usyk fight will eventually happen due to the financial incentives, he expresses disappointment that British fight fans will miss out on witnessing this historic clash. He laments the fact that the fight will not be held at iconic venues like Wembley Stadium or the O2 Arena, making it difficult for British fans to attend without traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
Carl Froch's concerns about the Saudi takeover of boxing shed light on the potential consequences for the sport. While the allure of massive financial gains is undeniable, the impact on fans and the availability of major fights remains a subject of debate. As the sport continues to evolve in today's competitive digital world, the role of money and location in boxing becomes increasingly significant.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/boxing/from-rags-to-riches-the-inspiring-story-of-abdu-rozik/
