There is a growing concern in boxing that the sport has become more money-centric, overshadowing the core values of the sport. However, that’s not the case for the upcoming Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin fights in Saudi Arabia. In a climate where Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis fight ticket prices are drumming up controversy, Turki Alalshikh has requested streaming partners to reduce PPV prices.
In a recent turn of events, Michael Benson turned to X (formerly Twitter), sharing a request from the Saudi organizers. “We have requested that all of our broadcast partners reduce the PPV to these prices,” said Alalshikh per a tweet from Benson. As seen during the Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury fight, the Saudis don’t cut corners while arranging fights, spending billions of dollars. Despite that, the request from Alalshikh for the reduction of prices truly ouched fans.
Before exploring the responses, it’s worth mentioning that the prices for the PPV event are extremely desirable. According to an article from talkSport, the fight is being offered for £19.99 in the UK, $39.99 in the US and Canada, and $21.99 across the rest of the world. With such affordable numbers, anyone would have seen the responses coming.
One user asserted that Alalshikh’s actions are good for boxing.
The touching request from Alalshikh prompted another user to tag Devin Haney and DAZN Boxing, asking them to reduce the PPV prices for the Saturday night fight.
Even though the Saudis are new to boxing, their efforts with the Ngannou vs. Fury fight were so appreciated that even Jake Paul had to thank Turki Alalshikh.
Jake Paul’s thank you message to Alalshikh
Recently, ‘The Problem Child’ Jake Paul turned to X, sharing his opinion about the upcoming fights between boxing behemoths. It’s worth noting that the fight is being called ‘Day of the Reckoning’ and is scheduled for 23 December.
“If you don’t love this, then you don’t love boxing! @Turki_alalshikh and KSA are giving fighters massive opportunities and breaking down promoter walls,” wrote Paul in his tweet to Turki Alashikh.
