Terence “Bud” Crawford is my favorite active fighter, and it was a delight to see him in the spotlight at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles for his main event fight against Israil Madrimov.
While a competent twelve-round decision victory for Crawford should have been the focus, the distractions of the evening made it hard to fully appreciate the fight.
There were several issues that stood out during the event, starting with the exaggerated claims of it being the “biggest night of boxing in US history.” The way in which Turki Alalshikh was glorified throughout the evening was uncomfortable, with boxing figures going to great lengths to praise him.
The Saudi involvement in boxing has raised concerns, and while many in the media share these concerns, few are willing to speak out due to partnerships with entities connected to the Saudis.
The Saudi influence in boxing raises questions about transparency and fairness, with some likening it to the potential for trouble that comes with dealing with a shady character. Ultimately, the pursuit of short-term gains may lead to long-term consequences for the sport.
The willingness of those in the boxing industry to align themselves with the Saudi money may ultimately be their undoing, as they risk becoming irrelevant in a sport where power is shifting to external forces.
While the immediate benefits of the Saudi takeover may be appealing to some, there are real concerns about the long-term impact on the sport and the need for a more fan-focused approach to ensure its sustainability.
The eventual collapse of the Saudi influence in boxing may bring about a much-needed reckoning for the sport, leading to a renewed focus on cooperation and fan engagement.
If you have feedback for Magno, you can reach out to him at: paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com
