Saudi Arabia’s Boxing Takeover: How the Kingdom Became a Global Powerhouse

Over the past five years, Saudi Arabia has established itself as the dominant force in boxing. With landmark events like Riyadh Season Boxing hosting marquee names such as Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder, the Kingdom has redefined where and how top-level boxing takes place. Backed by sovereign investment and with a clear vision for sporting supremacy, Saudi Arabia is no longer a peripheral player – it is boxing’s epicentre.

The undisputed clashes between Fury and Usyk, staged in Riyadh, confirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting historic matchups. For the first time in over two decades, an undisputed heavyweight champion has been crowned, drawing worldwide attention. The lavishness of the spectacle and unprecedented fighter purses signal a new age of commercial ambition.

Behind the rise is Turki Alalshikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority. With a mix of influence, vision, and substantial financial backing, Alalshikh has not only enticed top-tier talent but has also orchestrated cross-promotional cooperation between major boxing promotional entities, including Matchroom Boxing, Queensbury Promotions, and Top Rank.

How Riyadh Season Boxing Redefined Global Boxing

Riyadh Season Boxing: Why Fighters Are Choosing Saudi Arabia

For fighters, Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Season Boxing has become a career-defining stage. The purses are often double – or even triple – what they’d earn elsewhere. Anthony Joshua, who fought Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, reportedly earned tens of millions combined for those bouts. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk made even more.

It’s not just about the money. Fighters have spoken about how Saudi Arabia does things and about the infrastructure built around the events, which includes state-of-the-art training facilities, world-class hospitality, and A-list production value. The Kingdom has turned boxing into a premium product and a must-see experience, rivalling Las Vegas and London.

Promoters, too, benefit, especially from the guaranteed financial returns. As such, major titles, eliminators, and even novelty crossovers are finding a home in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh Season Boxing: What’s Next for Saudi Arabia in Boxing?

Having seemingly conquered heavyweight boxing for now, as well as other weight classes, Saudi Arabia is now expanding its portfolio and has begun working with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in a multi-fight deal. The Mexican, a multi-weight world champion, will fight Terrence “Bud” Crawford later this year, a fight he’s expected to win, according to the latest boxing betting online. The fight will take place in the USA before Canelo then goes on to fight in Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season.

Saudi Arabia is also developing local talent through the Riyadh Boxing Academy, with the long-term goal of having Saudi-born fighters feature on global cards. The Kingdom is aware that they must develop homegrown stars to sustain momentum.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy or Passing Phase?

Critics continue to argue that Saudi Arabia’s current dominance in boxing is financially unsustainable or politically motivated. But the reality is everyone – fighters, promoters, and fans are embracing this new era. As long as the Kingdom continues to deliver, its influence will remain.

The next step is to continue to expand globally. Huge events have been held in the UK and the USA, with more planned for this year. If they continue in this way, Saudi Arabia won’t just be the face of boxing’s present – it’ll shape its future.