Promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have defended Saudi Arabia’s involvement in boxing following criticism. Daniel Dubois faces Anthony Joshua Last Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
This fight was organized Riyadh Season and Turkish Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for human rights violations and has been accused of using sports, including boxing, to improve its image domestically and abroad.
The Saudi Arabian national anthem was played in the ring before the bout began. Speaking at a press conference for the latest event of the Riyadh season, Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol on October 12, Warren said the Dubois-Joshua bout was made possible thanks to Saudi Arabia’s support.
“Why is there criticism? A small minority is complaining about the playing of the national anthem,” Warren said.
“These types of events wouldn’t be possible without financial investment,” he said.
“This is possible because of His Excellency’s (Al-Shaikh’s) love for boxing. Fans out there, did you hear anyone moaning?”
Riyadh Season has partnered with Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing to stage major events in Saudi Arabia and the event at Wembley was the first to be held in the UK.
Warren, who promotes Dubois, was echoing comments from Hearn, who promotes Joshua. Hearn said the fight was a “force majeure” for British boxing.
“This support through the Riyadh season was provided in the most unexpected way,” Hearn said.
“This event will mark a year since the start of the mass boxing season in Riyadh. I still don’t understand the negativity and complaints from some people.
“Riyadh Season is a project that takes place in Riyadh. Last week we saw the passion His Highness has for the sport.
“A man who listened to fight fans and did more than he could for British fight fans who said they wanted to experience a Riyadh season event.”