The Matchroom promoter suggested the shows staged thus far would struggle to satisfy the usual Alalshikh has established with Riyadh Season events, which have focused on major fights, packed venues, and global attention.
“He can be sitting there watching the Zuffa shows completely unimpressed,” Hearn said to Ariel Helwani while discussing the present boxing landscape.
Hearn explained that Alalshikh’s expectations for major boxing events are built around recognizable fighters, strong undercards, and the style of atmosphere normally related to stadium cards. The Saudi boxing push has placed emphasis on headline bouts between top fighters, large venues, and international distribution that places the game in front of worldwide audiences.
“He loves big shows. He loves great fights. He loves deep cards, big names, sold-out stadiums, and the thrill of boxing,” Hearn said when describing Alalshikh’s approach to the game.
The Saudi official has played a central role within the recent run of high-profile boxing events tied to Riyadh Season, lots of which have featured leading champions and contenders across multiple divisions. Those cards have included major heavyweight fights and other title bouts that attracted worldwide attention.
Zuffa has only recently entered the boxing business, and its early cards have taken place on a smaller stage than most of the Riyadh Season events. Several of the shows have been held in smaller venues and have focused on constructing the brand slightly than staging major title fights.
Hearn believes that the difference will remain noticeable because the project continues to develop and attempts to ascertain itself in the game. In his view, the early cards have yet to match the size or depth of the events which have turn into common through the Riyadh Season era.
For Hearn, the usual for giant boxing events is already clear, and any recent promotion entering the space will eventually be judged against it. From his perspective, the early Zuffa cards simply haven’t reached that level yet.
