Boxing star Errol Spence has already become a promoter during his active boxing career at the moment so knows more than most.
He can speak from a fighter, an active top tier one in pro boxing with a fight due soon, and a promoter’s perspective.
Recently it was widely reported that Saudi might be looking to buy out the big promoters and take over boxing worldwide.
Creating a UFC type league where the best fighters simply have to fight one another.
Maybe Dana White could get involved with his relevant boxing and UFC expertise?
Overall, it would offer boxing a more predictable time of event schedule every year.
Something that advertisers would appreciate too, planning their budgets for certain times of the year.
For instance the Super Bowl always takes place at a set time every year.
Same with the Olympics every four years.
Same thing with the Playoffs in the NBA and so on.
Same with the Champions League final.
Both fans and advertisers would appreciate knowing when the biggest fights in boxing take place every year too.
This predictability would represent something boxing has never had.
What Spence Thinks
Speaking on a press conference scrum Errol Spence said of the whole thing this week:
“Yeah. I think so. I think so for sure. As long as its under the boxing umbrella where we don’t takeover from the UFC umbrella. Because I know a lot of times they get, they’re unpaid. As long as we got a great umbrella.”
Adding:
“All the promoters and everybody who’s involved and everybody is on the same accord, I think it can go well. But that’s a lot of egos and pride, so, I don’t know about that.”
He’s right.
Errol Spence Jr., the unified welterweight world champion and co-founder of Man Down Promotions, offers a distinct perspective on the rumors of Saudi Arabia’s potential takeover of the boxing world.
Why?
His experience as both a fighter and a promoter allows him to analyze the situation from multiple angles, shedding light on the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a drastic change.
A Fighter’s Take: The Allure of Bigger Paydays and Exposure
From a fighter’s perspective, Spence surely acknowledges the financial allure of a Saudi-backed boxing league.
The deep pockets of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) could lead to significantly higher purses for fighters, potentially rivaling or even surpassing those of the UFC.
This could be particularly appealing for up-and-coming fighters looking to secure their financial futures.
Furthermore, the global reach of a Saudi-backed league could offer fighters unprecedented exposure, propelling them to international stardom and opening doors to lucrative sponsorship deals.
Again the predictability of exactly when the big fights happen, what date and what month, being the same every year, would increase boxing’s value proposition as a sport with this.
Making boxing even more international rather than domestic.
This could be a game-changer for boxers who have traditionally struggled to break through in markets outside of their home countries.
A Promoter’s Concerns: The Threat of Monopoly and Loss of Control
However, Spence also shares the concerns of many promoters about the potential negative consequences of a Saudi takeover.
The consolidation of power in the hands of a single entity could lead to a monopolistic structure, stifling competition and limiting fighters’ options.
That’s what he’s getting at in the above as regards fighter pay being a concern to him.
Additionally, promoters fear a loss of control over their fighters’ careers.
They could be side-lined in negotiations and decision-making processes, potentially jeopardizing their fighters’ interests and hindering their ability to build long-term careers.
The Future of Boxing: A Time of Huge Opportunity More Than Ever Before
The future of boxing is booming.
Potential and opportunity everywhere.
A lot of it, too.
The potential influx of Saudi investment could revolutionize the sport, but it could also disrupt the existing order and create new challenges.
Alas, as an active fighter and promoter, Errol Spence Jr. is uniquely positioned to navigate this evolving landscape, advocating for the interests of all stakeholders and shaping the future of the sport he loves.