Promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have recently come to the defence of Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in the sport of boxing. This follows the controversial Daniel Dubois fight against Anthony Joshua, held at Wembley Stadium, organised by Riyadh Season.
Critics have raised concerns over Saudi Arabia’s use of sports as a tool for improving its international image, also known as ‘sportswashing’. Both promoters argue that the financial support from Riyadh Season was essential for the event’s success.
Riyadh Season has been instrumental in bringing large-scale boxing events to a global audience. The partnership with Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing has resulted in major events, including the Dubois-Joshua fight at Wembley, which marked a significant milestone as the first Riyadh Season event in the UK.
Warren added, ‘It’s for the love of boxing from His Excellency [Alalshikh] that has made that happen. The fans there, did you hear anyone moaning?’
In particular, restrictions on freedom of speech and the press were highlighted when Oliver Brown, a journalist from The Telegraph, was denied entry to the Dubois-Joshua fight. This incident raised alarms about press freedom and the transparency of such events.
The perception of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in sports is thus a complex issue, juxtaposing significant social advancements with ongoing human rights concerns. Promoters like Warren and Hearn argue that the focus should be on the positive impact and evolution of the sport.
Nevertheless, the true motive behind these investments remains a topic of debate. Critics claim that such financial outlays serve to distract from the Kingdom’s contentious human rights practices.
‘That shot in the arm was provided in the most unexpected way via Riyadh Season,’ Hearn remarked. These events demonstrate a passion for sport, driven by key figures in Saudi Arabia.
The debate over ‘sportswashing’ versus genuine investment in sport is likely to continue. The complexity of the issue ensures that it will remain a focal point in discussions about the future of boxing and other sports in Saudi Arabia.
Promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn continue to defend Saudi Arabia’s involvement in boxing, emphasising the critical financial support provided by Riyadh Season. Despite ongoing criticisms related to human rights and ‘sportswashing’, they argue that these partnerships are essential for the sport’s development.
As Saudi Arabia endeavours to reshape its global image and diversify its economy, its role in international sports, including boxing, will undoubtedly remain under scrutiny. The balance between financial support and ethical considerations will be a key aspect of future debates.
