Best Fights Are in Saudi or Not at All: With Joshua and Fury Lined Up, David Haye Chimes In on New Bitter-Sweet Reality of Boxing

Ever since the Saudis have jumped head-first in the world of boxing, the entire landscape has seemingly changed for the better. The best of the best fighters are competing against each other, something David Haye spoke about in a recent post on social media. 

Back in October 2023, the Saudis hosted the mega-crossover boxing event between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. Since then, the sandy land has produced banger after banger, with two more events lined up for early this year. Meanwhile, the former heavyweight champion shed light on the bitter-sweet reality of boxing. 

David Haye claims fans have become spoiled

Turning to X (formerly Twitter) today, the former unified cruiserweight champion claimed, “Understandably, many British fight enthusiasts are disappointed at not being able to attend the bouts in Saudi Arabia. However, the stark reality is that it’s either in Saudi or not at all.” He suggested that, unlike old times when bouts could be seen on free-to-air broadcasts, the landscape of boxing has changed to meet the revenue needed to host such big fights. 

David Haye urged fans to “embrace this new era with open arms. The best are competing against the best, realizing the dream matches we’ve longed for.” Meanwhile, he shared a clip of himself elaborating on the same point. He claimed, “Boxing fans have been very spoiled recently. I have never known the time we are in such close succession. The biggest possible fights that could happen are happening. It’s a great place to be.”

The former champion asserted that 2024 seems to be heading in the right direction, hoping the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk will fight the winner of Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua. Haye also emphasized, “I am happy boxing has found its savior. And Saudi Arabia, Turki Alalshikh has made the impossible possible, and long may he reign.” Haye seems to think that everyone is benefiting from the fights happening in Saudi. Meanwhile, Ngannou, who is scheduled to fight Joshua on March 8 in Saudi, revealed his plans for the fight. 

Francis Ngannou wants to take Anthony Joshua to his limit

Francis Ngannou is coming off a close split decision loss to Tyson Fury, a fight that saw him propel himself among the big names in the heavyweight division. And now, ‘The Predator’ aims to devour Joshua in their upcoming fight. So, while appearing in a recent interview with High Performance, the former UFC heavyweight champion unraveled his intentions. “We don’t know the strength of Anthony Joshua, but even though I don’t believe he has that strength, we’re going to find out,” said Ngannou

He even claimed the reverse of what most think would happen when he fights Joshua next month.

With the Saudis getting involved, boxing seems to be changing for the better, and David Haye is on board with it

Also Read: Tyson Fury Reveals Opponents for the Next 5 Fights While Sudden Future Hangs Around With a Small Thread

. What do you think of the impact that the Saudis have had on boxing? Do you want the fights to happen in America? 

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