Saudi Arabia has become a big player in the pro boxing scene and you don’t need to search far for the proof. The previous year ended with a star-studded “Day of Reckoning” fight card and this will also start with a bang. All that thanks to two massive bouts: Tyson Fury vs. Olexandr Usyk on February 17 and Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua on March 8.
Tyson Fury vs. Olexandr Usyk
The importance of this fight is outstanding, as all four heavyweight belts are on the line: WBC, IBF, WBA, and WBO. The winner of this fight will be crowned as the undisputed world champion. The first time in a four-belts era since 1999, when Lenox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield. However, the Brit was stripped of the WBA belt in court due to being willing to defend it against Michale Grant rather than John Ruiz.
Now this fight could happen everywhere in the world and sell out any arena or even stadium. So that’s no surprise that Saudi Arabia would do everything to secure it for the Kingdom Arena. And it did, even though a few months back Fury was campaigning to take place on his hometown turf of Wembley Stadium in London. There also was a thug of war between two fighters when it came to the rematch clause. Many fans have lost hope that they eventually see this fight. However, thanks to the efforts of the Chairman of GEA and his excellency, Turki Alalshikh both fighters have finally signed the contract. This sends a clear message that Saudi Arabia is ready and willing to provide the biggest stars with everything they demand to get the deal done.
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You can buy tickets for Fury vs. Usyk from different retailers: stubhub.ie or eTicketing.co
Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou
Speaking of unique and big fights, Francis Ngannou’s boxing tenure is special in itself. The former UFC heavyweight champion, who never lost his title inside the octagon, made an astounding debut in a boxing ring. He not only squared against the undefeated Tyson Fury. “The Predator” was also able to knock down the reigning WBC heavyweight champion. What’s more shocking, the MMA star went the full 10 rounds distance and lost via “only” split decision. This in-ring attitude granted him a #10 spot in the WBC heavyweight ranking.
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Now the Cameroonian fighter will take on second-ranked Anthony Joshua. The Brit is no stranger to championship gold himself. He also has fought in Saudi Arabia on a few different occasions. Most recently he stopped Otto Wallin on the mentioned earlier “Day of Reckoning” event.
The case of Francis Ngannou shows that Sadi Arabia can pull in any athlete they want thanks to good pursers as it was reported by Forbes that Ngannou can expect $20 million pay nest to Joshua &50 million purse.
Only time will tell how far Saudi Arabia will take professional boxing. But two discussed bouts show that anything can happen with his majesty’s backing.
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You can buy tickets for Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou here: Eventbrite
