The boxing Saudi Arabic connection

[Popsaregood230]

How did this connection happen? It seems like they are just dumping money into boxing and because of that we are getting some super quality fights. Yesterdays Card was just packed, every fight was entertaining. I hope this trend continues

I'd also like to add that the 5v5 gimmick was kind of fun.

 

[Badr Hari]

Turki Alalshikh is the savior of boxing only because once upon a time Roberto Duran stole his heart. We are blessed to have him and InshaAllah we will have him for a long time.

 

[Kovalev's "Man Bag"]

The Saudis have been around for years. It just wasn't until recently that they actually committed to the sport. Now they're looking to do the same with MMA. In a few weeks the UFC will have its first card in Saudi Arabia (Whittaker vs Chimaev).

They're able to dump money into these sports, and others like golf, because they're drawing from a near $1 trillion public investment fund. In other words they have a bottomless pit of money and assets at their disposal and they're using it for the purpose of sportswashing.

 

[Noveltymortar]

This is just part of their goal to build a future for a post-oil world economy by pouring huge money into sports, tourism, and banking, etc. Time will tell if their gamble pays off or ruins them.

 

[Dr Fong]

The Saudis have been around for years. It just wasn't until recently that they actually committed to the sport. Now they're looking to do the same with MMA. In a few weeks the UFC will have its first card in Saudi Arabia (Whittaker vs Chimaev).

They're able to dump money into these sports, and others like golf, because they're drawing from a near $1 trillion public investment fund. In other words they have a bottomless pit of money and assets at their disposal and they're using it for the purpose of sportswashing.

And it's worked incredibly well for them.

 

[prikoke]

Not Saudi Arabia, but the Emirates did pretty much the same thing with ADCC many years ago. Much less money than in boxing, but still a big deal for grappling.

All it takes is a rich sheikh who likes the sport. And in Saudi Arabia's case, they also want to promote the country's image all over. They even went into competitive esports.

 

[NoSmilez]

They are just sports washing. They have a lot of money but very bad soft power and poor PR. The Saudis are involved in so many sports. They have so much money from oil that this is just a drop in terms of the government's budget for tourism. Eventually oil will run out or the world will move to another mode of fuel. They also have a monopoly for pilgrimages from Muslims living worldwide.

They are trying to invest in the future. It's good for boxing because it is magic money. It's not PPV dependent for revenue. The government probably waived the hosting fee so promoters can hold events there for next to nothing.