Boxing: Crazy program in Riyadh to replace Fury

Aurélie Sacchelli, Media365 Published on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 8:00 pm.

By the end of the week, Saudi Arabia will announce the holding of a boxing match on December 23, with most of the best heavyweight players in the world.

Two days before Christmas, boxing fans are in for a treat! In fact, most of the world’s best stars will gather in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on December 23, according to specialized websites. The information is scheduled to become official by the end of this week. Essentially, this Saudi meeting was to see Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, the WBA, IBF and WBO world champion, and Britain’s Tyson Fury, the WBC champion, face off to unify the titles. But Fury was roughed up by MMA champion Francis Ngannou during a points win on October 28 and requested a postponement (presumably in February). To replace this long-awaited fight, at least twelve boxers must be present in Riyadh.. We are talking in particular about a fight between British Anthony Joshua (whom Usyk defeated for the three belts in August 2022) and Swedish Otto Wallin, holder of the WBA Intercontinental belt. American Deontay Wilder (whom Fury defeated for the WBC belt in 2021) will face New Zealander Joseph Parker, the IBF and WBO Intercontinental Champion. Briton Daniel Dubois (whom Usyk defeated for the belts in August 2023) could challenge American Jarrell Miller (WBA-NABA and WBO-NABO champion).

Away from Saudi Arabia, Yuka will be at Roland Garros

The General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia is willing to spend large sums to provide the best boxing fights in the world and compete with Las Vegas or the largest English stadiums, as is already the case in other sports, such as football, Formula 1, tennis or golf. Closer to home, remember that Tony Yoka, the best French heavyweight, will face Belgian Riyad Merhi next December 9 at Roland Garros. Two years ago, the 2016 Olympic champion said he was ready to face boxers like Joshua and Parker, who would be in Saudi Arabia. “I want to get big fights, to have my say in this category. I know there are guys I can box with. Joshua? But I beat him every day, Joshua. I’m not one of those who hide or want to take as little risk as possible. I’m 29, that’s it, it’s okay, I’m ready to face these guys. “It is clear that the Frenchman has fallen far behind…