Carl Froch: Saudi Arabia's Money is "Killing" Boxing
Former super-middleweight champion Carl Froch has landed a heavy blow outside the ring, criticizing the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in professional boxing.
Froch argues that the influx of money from Saudi Arabia, which has become a major player in hosting big-money fights, is actually harming the sport.
"It's being ruined by Saudi Arabia at the minute," Froch declared while speaking at a Boxing Writers' Club lunch on March 16th, 2024. "The money's killing it.
Focus on Grassroots and Aftercare
While Saudi Arabia has been praised for keeping major fights alive, Froch believes this wealth isn't reaching those who need it most.
"There's a lot of money floating around and not enough getting put back into grassroots boxing, and not enough going into the aftercare of boxing and retired fighters and injured fighters," he said.
Froch proposes that some of the "hundreds of millions being invested" should be directed towards organizations like the British Boxing Board of Control to specifically address fighter well-being.
A Meeting of Titans (Maybe)
Despite his reservations about the current financial distribution in boxing, Froch is scheduled to meet with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, a major beneficiary of the Saudi deals. Hearn's Matchroom Boxing has been involved in several high-profile fights held in Saudi Arabia, including Anthony Joshua's bouts.
However, Froch isn't holding his breath for a significant shift in priorities. "I'm speaking to Eddie Hearn in a couple of weeks and I'm going to try and suggest something," he admitted. "But unfortunately most people are greedy; most people are selfish. It's just inherent."
Saudi Arabia: Savior or Sportswasher?
While fight fans generally appreciate the increase in big-ticket matchups, concerns linger. Critics accuse Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing" - using these events to deflect from human rights issues. Additionally, the atmosphere at these lavish fights has been described as sterile and lacking in genuine excitement.
Is Money the Answer?
The core of Froch's argument revolves around the idea that the focus on top-tier, money-making fights is detrimental to the overall health of boxing. Time will tell if boxing will embrace a more sustainable financial model that supports all levels of the sport, or if the allure of Saudi Arabia's millions proves too strong to resist.
#boxing #SaudiArabia #CarlFroch #Sports #Money
