BoxRec

What I disagree with, that people are not mentioning, is the “sustainable” way in which fighters are getting paid and the cost of putting it on. Eddie and Frank used to say “fighters salary” and “to get the great fighters to come to uk costs a fortune” let alone the venue costs etc.

This was the reason for ppv, a necessary to get the big fights made and particularly in the uk. This is not needed now… but yet we are still being expected to line Eddie and Frank’s pocket, let alone that we won’t get to watch these fights live.

Man City and Newcastle have made loads of investment in their players over the last 10 or so years… not resulted in a huge increase in ticket sales or ppv to watch these, yet Eddie and Frank are just being greedy.

If the excellent one could put on any five fights for a blockbuster at Wembley in September, what ya got?

I'd go

Canelo v Benevidez
Ennis v Crawford
Benn v Eubank
Joshua v Fury
Inoue v Nakatani

If he put that card on I'd be his bitch for all tume

handsofstone wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 21:27

joshj909 wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 16:07

handsofstone wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 14:04

Who gives a fck Alba mate? There's plenty of other shite as well going on, may as well make the most of it, unless your making a conscience decision to not watch anything their involved in then fair play, you obviously feel strong enough in your convictions to avoid it but this is THE best thing that's happened to boxing, I'm sold, praise be His Excellency

As for people moaning about the atmosphere in Saudi, no worse than Germany or Japan, , tbf Ze Germans have had stick but the japs have rightly been unanimously praised, most of the masses whinging about the lack of atmosphere in Saudi are the same people moaning about Sweet Caroline


It's not ideal but it's fckn class I'll not hear otherwise, desperate times call for......

I take it you've been going to these Saudi events then to enjoy the fights live?

No I rarely go to any shows Saudi , Germany, Japan or Britain

That's the problem. Obviously we all like watching big fights on TV and glad they've been made but most fans, and especially those of us on the forum, would like to be able to go to the events and have a good time too. I've not been to many but I'd like to go to more but there just aren't many actually big events in the UK anymore.

joshj909 wrote: ↑27 Apr 2024, 04:50

handsofstone wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 21:27

joshj909 wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 16:07

I take it you've been going to these Saudi events then to enjoy the fights live?

No I rarely go to any shows Saudi , Germany, Japan or Britain

That's the problem. Obviously we all like watching big fights on TV and glad they've been made but most fans, and especially those of us on the forum, would like to be able to go to the events and have a good time too. I've not been to many but I'd like to go to more but there just aren't many actually big events in the UK anymore.

I go to a lot of amateur shows and I've been to a few small hall shows up here but the only big show I've been to was Frampton/Quigg down in Manchester and tbh i much prefer watching on TV but yeh I get that people want to watch live but for me you won't get a better view than a TV screen

I got no qualms with these money hungry promoters exploiting whoever for coin. It’s a feckin dangerous sport and I hope if they can, the fighters make as much moolah as poss.

On the ethical stuff? Not a fan. But most people are not. Selfishly I wanna see these fights which are made possible by money.

Boxing in itself cannot cure the world of all its wrongs. That’s a bigger question Not a boxing one.

Pretty sure if Elon Tesla bloke started a promotion in California. These guys would be hovering around that plastic faced guy like Stringfellow Hawk in Airwolf.

Professional Boxing is about money.

Glory for the very few but for the rest its about the coin, maybe the life and the fitness.

Rant over

Who knows? Maybe Saudi might relax their laws to truly get acceptance from the West, doubt it but surely they know they need to be on their best behavior

apparently wilder will fight jared anderson on the usa saudi card if wilder beats zhang

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑25 Apr 2024, 16:16 do you see the usa card the saudis are putting on now too?

these saudi cards are like one of those 'youre the matchmaker' fantasy threads

gawd damn, with cards like the saudis have been doing im willing to go balls deep and call him his excellency too

crawford-madrimov (wba 154 title)
isacc cruz- jose valenzuela (wba 140 title)
tim tsyzu-vergil ortiz (if ortiz unscathed in his saturday fight)
andy ruiz - big baby miller
andy cruz - antonio moran
david morrell- hot rod kaladjzic (wba 175 title)


https://boxrec.com/en/event/895845

I called it when they first got involved, they will bring in the Americans eventually and put on every big fight we want to see imaginable.

Crawford is the latest big name, he's said he wants Inoue, Tank etc. The branching out overseas is a masterstroke as well. Shows how serious he is that he is willing to stage the fights outside of Saudi Arabia. It leads me to believe that if Fury v Joshua were to ever take place, we would get it at Wembley now.

gregregegg wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 22:01 Good if you are a big name boxer right now.

But it’s going to destruct from grass roots and domestic.

Also when the Saudis get bored of it, and they will, there’s going to be all these cashed up guys expecting to fight for market value again and just choosing to be inactive.

Mabey the excelent one will keep payjng for his very favourites to keep fighting, but even though he has enough money to keep boxing going for ever I doubt he does.

This might not be bad for boxing. It Might be boxings last stand for casual popularity over ufc. But it dosent feel sustainable.

In what way? If you think the Saudi's are in this for money...this is a toy to them. They are doing this for fun

Gran Hermano wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 12:18

gregregegg wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 22:01 Good if you are a big name boxer right now.

But it’s going to destruct from grass roots and domestic.

Also when the Saudis get bored of it, and they will, there’s going to be all these cashed up guys expecting to fight for market value again and just choosing to be inactive.

Mabey the excelent one will keep payjng for his very favourites to keep fighting, but even though he has enough money to keep boxing going for ever I doubt he does.

This might not be bad for boxing. It Might be boxings last stand for casual popularity over ufc. But it dosent feel sustainable.

In what way? If you think the Saudi's are in this for money...this is a toy to them. They are doing this for fun

Turki has stage 4 cancer. He’s obviously fighting it but there’s a chance his/Saudis interest is short term.

If/when it does finish it’ll be tricky for fighters to get used to the normalised pay again which we saw when PBC stopped throwing so much money so guys may become inactive again.

sh!t, had no idea about that cancer

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 14:21 sh!t, had no idea about that cancer

He hasn’t really publicised it. Guys like GAD referenced that he delayed treatment (he didn’t specify what for) to get the Usyk/Fury rescheduled fight sorted.

maverick23 wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 12:31

Gran Hermano wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 12:18

gregregegg wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 22:01 Good if you are a big name boxer right now.

But it’s going to destruct from grass roots and domestic.

Also when the Saudis get bored of it, and they will, there’s going to be all these cashed up guys expecting to fight for market value again and just choosing to be inactive.

Mabey the excelent one will keep payjng for his very favourites to keep fighting, but even though he has enough money to keep boxing going for ever I doubt he does.

This might not be bad for boxing. It Might be boxings last stand for casual popularity over ufc. But it dosent feel sustainable.

In what way? If you think the Saudi's are in this for money...this is a toy to them. They are doing this for fun

Turki has stage 4 cancer. He’s obviously fighting it but there’s a chance his/Saudis interest is short term.

If/when it does finish it’ll be tricky for fighters to get used to the normalised pay again which we saw when PBC stopped throwing so much money so guys may become inactive again.

I did not know that Maverick, poor man.

maverick23 wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 15:31

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 14:21 sh!t, had no idea about that cancer

He hasn’t really publicised it. Guys like GAD referenced that he delayed treatment (he didn’t specify what for) to get the Usyk/Fury rescheduled fight sorted.

Wow. He clearly loves the sport.

Gran Hermano wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 12:18

gregregegg wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 22:01 Good if you are a big name boxer right now.

But it’s going to destruct from grass roots and domestic.

Also when the Saudis get bored of it, and they will, there’s going to be all these cashed up guys expecting to fight for market value again and just choosing to be inactive.

Mabey the excelent one will keep payjng for his very favourites to keep fighting, but even though he has enough money to keep boxing going for ever I doubt he does.

This might not be bad for boxing. It Might be boxings last stand for casual popularity over ufc. But it dosent feel sustainable.

In what way? If you think the Saudi's are in this for money...this is a toy to them. They are doing this for fun

Exactly, it’s a toy. Fun for a bit, but gets boring and eventually thrown to the side for a shiney new toy… Mabey he is such a boxing fan he will lift allll of boxing, but I think it’s likely he just lifts a select few then people get gunshot waiting for there shot…


Having a 8 figure fighter in the 168 Div seems like it’s good for the 168 division… and eventually it’s gone ok, but I wouldn’t say canelo helped that division move fowards since he. Over to it, people just wait for big cash.


Short term big money makes fights. Long term big money makes rich fighters, and what’s the old expression about silk pyjamas…

gregregegg wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 18:32

Gran Hermano wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 12:18

gregregegg wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 22:01 Good if you are a big name boxer right now.

But it’s going to destruct from grass roots and domestic.

Also when the Saudis get bored of it, and they will, there’s going to be all these cashed up guys expecting to fight for market value again and just choosing to be inactive.

Mabey the excelent one will keep payjng for his very favourites to keep fighting, but even though he has enough money to keep boxing going for ever I doubt he does.

This might not be bad for boxing. It Might be boxings last stand for casual popularity over ufc. But it dosent feel sustainable.

In what way? If you think the Saudi's are in this for money...this is a toy to them. They are doing this for fun

Exactly, it’s a toy. Fun for a bit, but gets boring and eventually thrown to the side for a shiney new toy… Mabey he is such a boxing fan he will lift allll of boxing, but I think it’s likely he just lifts a select few then people get gunshot waiting for there shot…

Having a 8 figure fighter in the 168 Div seems like it’s good for the 168 division… and eventually it’s gone ok, but I wouldn’t say canelo helped that division move fowards since he. Over to it, people just wait for big cash.


Short term big money makes fights. Long term big money makes rich fighters, and what’s the old expression about silk pyjamas…

I think you need to look at what these Middle Eastern states are doing in football. This isn't a temporary thing, they are here to stay, they are taking over football with 2 World Cups staged in the area in the space of 8 years after none before in the history of the game. They are a welcome addition to Boxing. It seems to be the main focus of Riyadh Season so if Turki does step down, there will be another waiting to take over from him. This has put new eyes onto the country and considering the perceptions us in the West have of it, they are doing everything in their power to change that via Boxing.

And as an added bonus, they won’t be putting on any Buzzkill women’s boxing fillers on the cards.

forcefraser wrote: ↑25 Apr 2024, 17:01 I love what this Turki dude is doing at the minute.

I also love a pound note and have often thought what I would do if a Saudi Prince offered me £1 million to unload a turd (has to be dry) on my chest. Apparently this is all the rage over there now, with tik tokkers and youtubers getting dumped on for coin.

I'd do it. I'd take that million make no mistake.

However, there is no way on God's earth I would call some geezer in a hat like that "his excellency". Not a chance. I'd rather take the chocolate on chest any day of the week.

Frank, Eddie and every other promoter all queining up for their handouts and calling the bloke "his excellency"

Did he give himself that name. I bet he loves it. Seeing the privileged infidels squirming like worms for a few of their silver coins.

Turd on chest for a mill? Yes sir. His Excellency? Get tae F....

Gran Hermano wrote: ↑01 May 2024, 05:36

gregregegg wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 18:32

Gran Hermano wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 12:18

In what way? If you think the Saudi's are in this for money...this is a toy to them. They are doing this for fun

Exactly, it’s a toy. Fun for a bit, but gets boring and eventually thrown to the side for a shiney new toy… Mabey he is such a boxing fan he will lift allll of boxing, but I think it’s likely he just lifts a select few then people get gunshot waiting for there shot…

Having a 8 figure fighter in the 168 Div seems like it’s good for the 168 division… and eventually it’s gone ok, but I wouldn’t say canelo helped that division move fowards since he. Over to it, people just wait for big cash.


Short term big money makes fights. Long term big money makes rich fighters, and what’s the old expression about silk pyjamas…

I think you need to look at what these Middle Eastern states are doing in football. This isn't a temporary thing, they are here to stay, they are taking over football with 2 World Cups staged in the area in the space of 8 years after none before in the history of the game. They are a welcome addition to Boxing. It seems to be the main focus of Riyadh Season so if Turki does step down, there will be another waiting to take over from him. This has put new eyes onto the country and considering the perceptions us in the West have of it, they are doing everything in their power to change that via Boxing.

Its got a name, it's called Sports Washing

Alba wrote: ↑01 May 2024, 11:35

Gran Hermano wrote: ↑01 May 2024, 05:36

gregregegg wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 18:32

Exactly, it’s a toy. Fun for a bit, but gets boring and eventually thrown to the side for a shiney new toy… Mabey he is such a boxing fan he will lift allll of boxing, but I think it’s likely he just lifts a select few then people get gunshot waiting for there shot…

Having a 8 figure fighter in the 168 Div seems like it’s good for the 168 division… and eventually it’s gone ok, but I wouldn’t say canelo helped that division move fowards since he. Over to it, people just wait for big cash.


Short term big money makes fights. Long term big money makes rich fighters, and what’s the old expression about silk pyjamas…

I think you need to look at what these Middle Eastern states are doing in football. This isn't a temporary thing, they are here to stay, they are taking over football with 2 World Cups staged in the area in the space of 8 years after none before in the history of the game. They are a welcome addition to Boxing. It seems to be the main focus of Riyadh Season so if Turki does step down, there will be another waiting to take over from him. This has put new eyes onto the country and considering the perceptions us in the West have of it, they are doing everything in their power to change that via Boxing.

Its got a name, it's called Sports Washing

he almost described it perfectly unknowingly.

Gran Hermano wrote: ↑01 May 2024, 05:36

gregregegg wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 18:32

Gran Hermano wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 12:18

In what way? If you think the Saudi's are in this for money...this is a toy to them. They are doing this for fun

Exactly, it’s a toy. Fun for a bit, but gets boring and eventually thrown to the side for a shiney new toy… Mabey he is such a boxing fan he will lift allll of boxing, but I think it’s likely he just lifts a select few then people get gunshot waiting for there shot…

Having a 8 figure fighter in the 168 Div seems like it’s good for the 168 division… and eventually it’s gone ok, but I wouldn’t say canelo helped that division move fowards since he. Over to it, people just wait for big cash.


Short term big money makes fights. Long term big money makes rich fighters, and what’s the old expression about silk pyjamas…

I think you need to look at what these Middle Eastern states are doing in football. This isn't a temporary thing, they are here to stay, they are taking over football with 2 World Cups staged in the area in the space of 8 years after none before in the history of the game. They are a welcome addition to Boxing. It seems to be the main focus of Riyadh Season so if Turki does step down, there will be another waiting to take over from him. This has put new eyes onto the country and considering the perceptions us in the West have of it, they are doing everything in their power to change that via Boxing.

You don’t think it’s temporary, that’s fine, but you’re basing it off nothing. Just like I’m basing my doubts on it being the saviour of boxing on nothing… hunches.

Middle East world cups, Ok, Let’s look at that. Qatar won a World Cup on what can only be described as “dodgy circumstances”, they had a big spectocal because what’s a few billion to a country that has trillions in natural gas… but beyond that has Qatar attempted to continue there push as a global sports destination?

As for 2 staged In 8 years… I’ll pay 1… the other is is still 10 years away… (they are 12 years apart, but that’s not the important but the important bit is it’s in the future not somthing that has happened and we can observe it’s long term success)…

I hope Saudi money saves boxing. I hope trickle down economics finally work and the grass roots get there crumbs, I hope Saudi don’t just lose interest and leave us a bunch of rich unmotivated superstars…. But it’s all in the air right now…

It feels like a false, or subsidised economy.
If the fighter is being paid more than the market can generate, then how does the sport adjust to a dwindling/shrinking audience?
As others have mentioned, the Saudi's can be fickle and just up and cut the cash flow at a minutes notice.
We have one guy, who isn't particularly healthy, propping up a professional sport at only the top level, at his, or his benefactors whim. Because ultimately he doesn't hold full power over his position.

As we have learned about other struggling sports, the longevity comes from having a strong grass roots level.
So if Turki really does have a love of the sport, that's where he would be kicking in some of that money - to your slightly run-down local boxing club.

forcefraser wrote: ↑25 Apr 2024, 17:01 I love what this Turki dude is doing at the minute.

I also love a pound note and have often thought what I would do if a Saudi Prince offered me £1 million to unload a turd (has to be dry) on my chest. Apparently this is all the rage over there now, with tik tokkers and youtubers getting dumped on for coin.

I'd do it. I'd take that million make no mistake.

However, there is no way on God's earth I would call some geezer in a hat like that "his excellency". Not a chance. I'd rather take the chocolate on chest any day of the week.

Frank, Eddie and every other promoter all queining up for their handouts and calling the bloke "his excellency"

Did he give himself that name. I bet he loves it. Seeing the privileged infidels squirming like worms for a few of their silver coins.

Turd on chest for a mill? Yes sir. His Excellency? Get tae F....

I'd rather call him by his silly fxuking title than have him dump on me, just my opinion obviously but I'd rather get dumped on than be chopped up in some foreign embassy. Each to their own I suppose.

MightyWarrior wrote: ↑01 May 2024, 05:58 And as an added bonus, they won’t be putting on any Buzzkill women’s boxing fillers on the cards.

Now that I'm down with, I couldn't give a fcuk about women's boxing.

Alba wrote: ↑01 May 2024, 11:35

Gran Hermano wrote: ↑01 May 2024, 05:36

gregregegg wrote: ↑30 Apr 2024, 18:32

Exactly, it’s a toy. Fun for a bit, but gets boring and eventually thrown to the side for a shiney new toy… Mabey he is such a boxing fan he will lift allll of boxing, but I think it’s likely he just lifts a select few then people get gunshot waiting for there shot…

Having a 8 figure fighter in the 168 Div seems like it’s good for the 168 division… and eventually it’s gone ok, but I wouldn’t say canelo helped that division move fowards since he. Over to it, people just wait for big cash.


Short term big money makes fights. Long term big money makes rich fighters, and what’s the old expression about silk pyjamas…

I think you need to look at what these Middle Eastern states are doing in football. This isn't a temporary thing, they are here to stay, they are taking over football with 2 World Cups staged in the area in the space of 8 years after none before in the history of the game. They are a welcome addition to Boxing. It seems to be the main focus of Riyadh Season so if Turki does step down, there will be another waiting to take over from him. This has put new eyes onto the country and considering the perceptions us in the West have of it, they are doing everything in their power to change that via Boxing.

Its got a name, it's called Sports Washing

If sports washing gets us Fury v Usyk & Beterbiev v Bivol in the space of 2 weeks then sportswash me up