Promoters Defend Saudi Arabia’s Role in Boxing Amid Criticism After Dubois-Joshua Fight
Promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have come forward to defend Saudi Arabia’s involvement in boxing following criticism surrounding the Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua fight at Wembley Stadium last Saturday. The fight, organized by Riyadh Season and Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, drew scrutiny due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and allegations of ‘sportswashing.’
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Boxing Under the Spotlight
Saudi Arabia has been accused of using sports, including boxing, to improve its global image while deflecting attention from human rights violations. During the event, the Saudi national anthem was played in the ring, which led to complaints from a small minority of fans. Speaking at a press conference for an upcoming Riyadh Season event featuring Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol on October 12, Warren highlighted the financial input from Saudi Arabia that made the Dubois-Joshua fight possible.
“Without the financial backing from His Excellency [Alalshikh], these kinds of events wouldn’t be possible,” Warren stated. “The fans at the event, did you hear anyone complaining?”
Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren on Riyadh Season’s Impact
Riyadh Season has partnered with Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing to host major boxing events. The Dubois-Joshua fight at Wembley marked the first Riyadh Season event outside of Saudi Arabia. Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua, echoed Warren’s sentiments, emphasizing that Riyadh Season has revitalized British boxing.
“This was the shot in the arm British boxing needed, and it came through the Riyadh Season,” Hearn said. “I still don’t understand the negativity from some people. Riyadh Season is about passion for sports, and His Excellency has gone above and beyond to deliver for British boxing fans.”
Criticism and Controversy Around the Event
The Dubois-Joshua fight faced criticism for being used as a promotional tool for Saudi Arabia, with Saudi-themed fan events and the playing of the national anthem. Concerns about press freedom were also raised after Telegraph journalist Oliver Brown was denied entry to the event at Wembley Stadium, an issue that Queensberry Promotions declined to comment on.
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in boxing isn’t new, having hosted major events like Joshua’s rematch with Andy Ruiz in 2019. However, the Kingdom’s interest in the sport has surged under the leadership of Alalshikh and Riyadh Season.
Accusations of ‘Sportswashing’
Saudi Arabia has invested around £5bn in sports since 2021, positioning it as part of the country’s strategy to diversify its economy away from oil. However, critics argue that the investment is an attempt to gain legitimacy and distract from ongoing human rights issues, a practice often referred to as ‘sportswashing.’
The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia’s role in the war in Yemen continue to cast a shadow over its sporting ventures. Despite social reforms like allowing women to drive and attend football matches, human rights organizations criticize the Kingdom for its rise in executions, restrictions on online dissent, and severe limitations on women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
