Arabian fights - the impact of Saudi boxing takeoverpublished at 22:45 British Summer Time 18 May
On 30 April 2023, BBC Sport asked: why are boxing’s biggest fights not happening?
Fans were fed up and rival promoters were playing the blame game as egos, finances and broadcaster commitments got in the way.
Twelve months later, the sport is almost unrecognisable – thanks largely to the involvement of energy-rich Saudi Arabia.
On Saturday, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk contest the undisputed heavyweight world title fight in Riyadh – the latest high-profile fight to be held in the Saudi capital in recent months.
Boxing has been given a facelift but, as with most cosmetic procedures, there are risks attached.
Fighters are earning high pay cheques, yet just a handful of British fans can afford the luxury of travelling to the Middle East.
Promoters are working together but critics point to a “flat” atmosphere in Saudi Arabia.
With ongoing allegations of 'sportswashing' directed at the nation added to the mix, BBC Sport explores the impact of the Saudi boxing takeover and what it means for the fight game closer to home.