After Assembling Boxing’s Version of Avengers, MSG and Las Vegas in Hot Waters as Saudi Makes Major Moves to Take ‘Mecca of Boxing’ Title

Published 10/28/2023, 9:05 AM EDT

Boxing’s arena is changing, and not in the way you’d expect. Forget Madison Square Garden. Overlook Las Vegas. Instead, imagine a boxing ring shimmering under the desert stars. Saudi Arabia, the land of camels, skyscrapers, and oil fields, now wants to be the mecca for punches and jabs. Odd? Perhaps. Yet, this isn’t a mirage. The Kingdom, long known for its opulent palaces and ancient traditions, is rolling out the red carpet for boxing’s biggest names. Tyson Fury versus Francis Ngannou isn’t a fantasy bout.

It’s a testament to Saudi’s audacious ambitions. As traditional boxing capitals feel the heat, Saudi keeps turning it up, challenging the norm. In a world where every round counts, Saudi Arabia is aiming for a knockout. The question now is: can they win the title or will they be left punching the air?

Saudi’s bold jab: Outshining Las Vegas and buying the spotlight at MSG

Transitioning swiftly from their rich, historical landscapes, Saudi Arabia’s decision to splash out on prime advertising at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden was nothing short of audacious. This isn’t just about showcasing an event; it’s a symbolic declaration that they’re ready to spar in the boxing big leagues.

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For years, Las Vegas has enjoyed its uncontested reign as the epicenter of boxing. Yet, with this power move, it’s evident that the Kingdom isn’t just throwing punches; they’re aiming for a knockout. Their ambition to create a global sporting hub, marrying their cultural heritage with modern-day spectacles, is genuinely commendable.

Well, the audacity and vision behind Saudi Arabia’s move are refreshing. While Las Vegas has its glittering legacy, the boxing world benefits from having more global focal points. Saudi’s rise not only diversifies the landscape but also invites a thrilling era of matches set against the backdrop of dunes and palaces. What’s not to admire? The sport, after all, thrives on competition, both inside and outside the ring.

Saudi’s rise as boxing’s newest stage: Past clashes and the anticipated showdown

Transitioning into a global boxing epicenter, Saudi Arabia isn’t new to hosting riveting matches that have captured the world’s attention. Firstly, who can forget the intense bout between George Groves and Callum Smith in September 2018? As promoter Kalle Sauerland aptly put it, “This could be the start of something big down there.” He wasn’t wrong. The nation went on to stage the unforgettable rematch between Andy Ruiz and Anthony Joshua in December 2019, with Joshua employing strategy over strength to reclaim his titles in the ‘Clash on the Dunes’.

In February 2023, the world turned its gaze again towards Saudi Arabia, this time for an unconventional match. YouTube sensation Jake Paul took on professional boxer Tommy Fury, drawing significant attention with 800,000 PPV buys.

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Building upon these blockbuster events, renowned promoter Bob Arum has confirmed that Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will indeed clash in Riyadh, adding yet another star-studded matchup to Saudi Arabia’s growing list of high-profile boxing events. Now, as the clock ticks down to October 28, all eyes are set on Riyadh. The city will host a much-anticipated duel between Tyson Fury, the boxing behemoth, and Francis Ngannou, UFC’s former Heavyweight champion, in a battle that promises to be a box office success. Saudi’s journey in boxing, from Groves-Smith to the impending Fury-Ngannou clash, signals its rising prominence in the sport, making every fight night an unforgettable global event.

Global celebrities flock to Riyadh for Tyson Fury vs. Ngannou showdown

The electric atmosphere in Riyadh is palpable, not just due to the impending ‘Battle of the Baddest’ between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, but also because of the star-studded roster set to grace the event. This isn’t merely a fight night; it’s an assembly of global icons, each bringing their own allure.

To kick things off, the pre-fight gala dinner served as a testament to the event’s magnetic pull, gathering a who’s who from various industries. Leading the soccer front, the legendary duo of Ronaldo Nazario and Cristiano Ronaldo have already landed in Riyadh, eager to witness the bout first-hand.

Transitioning to the music realm, the iconic Eminem is set to join the throngs of fans, adding a rhythmic flavor to the sporting fervor. Meanwhile, Ngannou’s corner will see the presence of Heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, guiding him from ringside.

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Furthermore, the combat sports world is making its presence felt in a big way. Former UFC titans like Israel Adesanya and Conor McGregor have jetted into the city, ready to support their peers. Joining this impressive list are boxing greats Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, alongside WWE’s mythical figure, The Undertaker, and the ever-passionate football pundit, Rio Ferdinand.

In essence, Riyadh isn’t just hosting a fight; it’s curating an ensemble of global celebrities, each amplifying the evening’s significance. As punches fly and the crowd roars, the luminaries in attendance will undoubtedly make the Fury vs. Ngannou bout an unforgettable spectacle.

Could this event set a new benchmark for future boxing extravaganzas? Only time will tell. As the action unfolds and history is written, we invite you, to share your thoughts.

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Written by:

Mrinal Mishra is a Boxing Writer at EssentiallySports. With over 800+ articles published on ES, Mrinal is known for his extensive coverage of live events, including the recent Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo fight.

Edited by:

Snigdhaa Jaiswal