“Tank” chalked in another impressive knockout last weekend over Frank Martin and is one of the biggest names in the sport.
A lot of positive things are happening in boxing at this time. One being Saudi Arabia putting on some great fights headed by his excellency Turki Alalshikh.
Davis speaking after his fight at the weekend said to reporters of reports of a boxing takeover by Saudi said:
“I feel as though as he is somebody who thinks he has got the power because he’s got the cash. So he’s ******* on everybody. But I don’t know. I don’t know. It is somewhat good I would say for the sport. So he wants to kick everybody out? All the promoters? That’s crazy.”
Interesting reply. There are many concerns and things the Saudis would also have to consider. Let’s analyze some of them.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Boxing League: Overcoming the Hurdles
The recent surge of Saudi investment in sports, particularly boxing, has led to speculation about their potential plans to revolutionize the sport.
While the concept of a UFC-style boxing league, with Saudi Arabia potentially buying out major promoters, sounds enticing, it faces numerous practical challenges.
1. The Complex Web of Existing Contracts:
Boxing’s current landscape is fragmented, with multiple major promoters like Top Rank, Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, and PBC, all holding exclusive contracts with various fighters.
Buying out these contracts would not only be astronomically expensive but could also trigger legal battles, as many agreements contain complex clauses and contingencies.
2. Broadcast Rights Conundrum:
The existing promoters have established broadcasting deals with various networks globally, including ESPN, DAZN, Showtime, and Sky Sports.
These contracts, often spanning multiple years, generate significant revenue for both promoters and broadcasters.
Untangling these agreements and consolidating them under a single Saudi-led league would be a logistical nightmare, potentially alienating broadcasters and disrupting the established viewing habits of fans.
3. Regulatory Hurdles:
Boxing is governed by different regulatory bodies in various countries, each with its own set of rules and regulations.
Creating a unified global league would require navigating these diverse regulatory landscapes, potentially leading to conflicts and legal challenges.
4. Fighter Resistance:
Many boxers value their relationships with their current promoters and might resist being forced to switch to a new league.
Top fighters, who often have significant bargaining power, might demand exorbitant fees or refuse to participate altogether, undermining the league’s credibility and appeal.
5. Antitrust Concerns:
Consolidating the entire boxing industry under a single entity could raise antitrust concerns in various jurisdictions.
Regulators might scrutinize such a move to ensure it doesn’t stifle competition or create a monopoly, potentially leading to legal battles and delays.
Overall, the Saudis are doing great things for the sport however and could get through this.
6. Fan Backlash:
Boxing fans are often loyal to specific promoters, fighters, and broadcasting platforms.
A sudden and drastic change to the sport’s structure could alienate fans, leading to a decline in viewership and overall interest.
7. Financial Viability:
Some think the whole thing could cost between $4 to $5 billion. Somewhere in that neighbourhood.
While Saudi Arabia boasts vast financial resources, creating a global boxing league would be a costly endeavor.
The expenses involved in buying out promoters, securing broadcast rights, organizing events, and paying fighters could be astronomical.
Ensuring the league’s financial viability and generating a sustainable revenue stream would be a significant challenge.
That said, the up side down the road could be very lucrative for the Saudis, too.
