Boxing’s Future in the US Hangs in the Balance as Saudi Arabia Emerges as a Major Player

The Saudi Arabian interest in boxing poses a threat to the sport’s popularity in the United States

Boxing, once a beloved American pastime, has seen a decline in popularity over the years. While it still captures the public’s attention during major bouts, the sport has struggled to maintain consistent profits, television ratings, and overall popularity. However, a new trend is emerging that could potentially further diminish interest in boxing within the United States. Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in the sport, driven by its desire to diversify its economy and promote tourism, has raised concerns about the future of boxing’s popularity in the US.

The Rise of Saudi Arabia in Boxing:

Saudi Arabia’s foray into boxing began in 2019, when Matchroom Sport organized a heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz in the country. Since then, the Saudis have hosted several high-profile bouts, including the recent Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou match in Riyadh. The country’s lavish hotels, tourism infrastructure, and substantial investments in attracting elite sporting events have made boxing a significant part of their strategy.

The Impact on Boxing’s Business and Reputation:

While the Saudi involvement in boxing has allowed for the organization of exciting fights, such as the upcoming Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk bout for the undisputed heavyweight championship, the sport’s overall business and reputation have suffered. Boxing has long been plagued by mismanagement, making it one of the most poorly run sports in the world. From a business standpoint, it has struggled to compete against major leagues like the NFL, which invest heavily in marketing and brand growth. The lack of financial resources, planning, and athlete buy-in further hinder boxing’s ability to compete.

The Time Difference Challenge:

One of the significant challenges posed by the Saudi interest in boxing is the time difference between Riyadh and major US cities. With Riyadh being eight hours ahead of New York and 11 hours ahead of Los Angeles, the timing of fights becomes unfavorable for American viewers. When major bouts take place in Saudi Arabia, they often occur in the middle of the day on weekends when people are engaged in other activities. This time difference, combined with the sport’s limited marketing and promotion, could further diminish interest in boxing among US audiences.

The Future of Boxing’s Popularity in the US:

While the Saudi money has facilitated the organization of significant fights, the lackluster pay-per-view performance of recent events, such as Fury-Ngannou, raises concerns about the future of boxing’s popularity in the US. The upcoming Dec. 23 card, featuring Wilder vs. Parker, Joshua vs. Wallin, and other notable matchups, may struggle to generate substantial interest, especially during the holiday season. If the trend of hosting major fights in Saudi Arabia continues, boxing’s visibility and accessibility in the US may decline further, leading to a potential demise of the sport’s popularity.

Conclusion:

Boxing, once a beloved American sport, is facing an uncertain future in the United States as Saudi Arabia emerges as a major player in the industry. While the Saudi interest in boxing has allowed for the organization of significant fights, the time difference between Riyadh and major US cities poses a significant challenge for American viewers. With limited marketing and promotion efforts, the sport’s popularity in the US may continue to decline. As the sport’s future hangs in the balance, it remains to be seen whether boxing can regain its former glory and captivate American audiences once again.