Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (December 17, 2023) - Legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum believes Saudi Arabia is evolving into heavyweight boxing’s new epicenter, likening its emergence to the role Las Vegas once played in hosting marquee top heavyweight fights.

Bob Arum's History and Future

At 92, Arum's extensive career spans six decades, initially starting as a Harvard graduate lawyer before venturing into boxing, where he worked with iconic figures like Muhammad Ali and currently co-promotes Tyson Fury.

The recent heavyweight card in Riyadh, featuring 10 of the world’s top 15 heavyweights including Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, signals a significant shift in the sport’s landscape, according to Arum.

Reflecting on his extensive journey in boxing, Arum draws parallels between Saudi Arabia's evolving influence and Las Vegas’ pivotal role in the sport's history.

"In the Seventies and Eighties, Vegas became the boxing hub by attracting mega fights, drawing attention and people. Riyadh is doing the same now," Arum reflects. "They're aiming to establish Saudi Arabia, particularly Riyadh, as a global hub for sports and entertainment."

Despite cherishing his experiences with boxing legends like Ali, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman, Arum commends the current era's vitality, especially in the heavyweight division.

Current crop of top heavyweights is fantastic

"As an old-timer, I hold a special place for the Ali era. But today's heavyweight scene is teeming with talent," Arum acknowledges. "The competition among the current crop of top heavyweights is fantastic, and events like the December 23 card in Riyadh, showcasing top-tier matchups, exemplify this."

His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh

Arum credits Saudi Arabia's fervor for top heavyweight boxing and its influential boxing aficionado, His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, for transforming the sport’s landscape.

"Turki Al-Sheikh's passion and financial backing have recalibrated the earnings for fighters like Fury and Usyk, paving the way for blockbuster fights that were once mere aspirations," Arum reveals.

Collaboration between rival promoters

The collaboration between rival promoters, Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, also marks a significant shift, emphasizing the allure of substantial financial incentives in the region.

"When there's substantial money on the table, animosities dissolve, and rival promoters collaborate for lucrative events," Arum notes. "Boxing has always been a business, and this era is no different – athletes now earn life-changing purses."

Heavyweight division's current strength

Arum's seasoned perspective and understanding of the sport's dynamics underscore his belief in the heavyweight division's current strength.

"Thanks to the remarkable talent pool, the interest of His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, and the Saudi Arabian Entertainment Authority, heavyweight boxing has never been more robust," Arum asserts. "We might be witnessing the dawn of another golden era."

With Saudi Arabia's growing interest in the sport, Arum envisions a future where making major fights across divisions becomes more accessible, potentially steering heavyweight boxing into yet another prosperous era.