Hearn Says Saudi Boxing Deals Offer Opportunity, Risk

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Eddie Hearn says working with Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh brings massive opportunity, but no expectation of loyalty or long-term protection, reinforcing the fact that the game now operates on pure business.

His comments describe how boxing works now in comparison with before. Saudi money has sped the whole lot up. Fighters can now leave one situation and land some other place almost overnight if the offer is large enough. Promoters now not control careers the best way they used to, because another person can all the time are available with more cash.

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn described Saudi involvement as direct but emotionally detached. He said everyone entering those deals knows what they’re entering into.

“With Turki, no problem,” Hearn said. “You understand where you stand because you can get [messed over] tomorrow and you can get an incredible opportunity the day after, but you don’t have any emotion because what you’re coping with.”

Hearn said that environment means nothing is guaranteed. He said everyone knows the deal when entering those relationships and might make decisions without expecting permanence.

“So long as you could have an honest conversation, it doesn’t really matter what comes out of it,” Hearn said. “You understand what you’re coping with.”

The numbers involved have also exposed how in a different way fighters are paid across combat sports.

“When you’re a UFC fighter you’re taking a look at this going, ‘What the [expletive], I’m being absolutely ripped off here,’” Hearn said. “I’m generating more revenue than these guys and I’m getting a tenth of the cash.”

Saudi Arabia’s involvement has already produced several of boxing’s biggest events and helped finalize fights that previously stalled over money. Fighters who once stayed tied to 1 promoter now operate in a system where larger offers can change their direction overnight.

Hearn said he doesn’t expect the system to vary. Boxing has all the time been driven by money, and Saudi backing has made that reality not possible to disregard.