AJ vs Tyson has to happen in Saudi

Another sad case of the reality and scale of commodity of sport these days. The fans lose, ultimately.

 

I see both sides of the debate. It's prize fighting at the end of the day, and the fighters have every right to earn as much as they can. It's a short career and a very dangerous profession. But the boxing fans from the UK who go to the big events regularly or even if it's the ones who just go to Joshua fights, the Matchroom FC casuals, if you like, they are the ones who are getting the raw end of the deal. The ones who make up Joshua's fanbase and have supported him, spending their hard earned on going to watch him, they can feel aggrieved I suppose. Since I'll be watching it on the telly anyway, I selfishly don't feel to strongly about where it is. I would still rather it be in the UK as that's where it should be, but if it's in Saudi then at least it's on at a reasonable time. If it's in Vegas then I won't grumble too much much about having to stay up til the wee hours to watch a mega fight such as this. Staying up til yon time to watch big fights is part and parcel of being a boxing fan here as we all know. That's just how it's always been!

 

Once you get to that stage of your career though, World Title Fights, huge World Title Fights, how much money do you actually need? You're probably already likely to be a multi millionaire, the two in question certainly are, there's loads of opportunities for them after boxing, just do what's best for the sport, for the fans and for your legacy. Joshua v Fury in the UK would be absolutely massive, they could easily fill Wembley and hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, public transport would rake it in. The interest would be bigger than any fight in this country for years, possibly ever, they're both celebrities after all. Something like this just shouldn't be held in Saudi Arabia, it was horrendous when Smith and Groves fought out there and it was just as bad when Joshua set things straight against a bloke who was just there to pick of his Saudi millions. I love hearing the noise of the crowd when a big punch or beautiful combo lands, you don't get that in Saudi Arabia, you get a load of rich people half halfheartedly watching it, maybe gasping a bit, maybe a few claps from them, you'd get a roar at Wembley.

 

You ask how much money you need. The answer is obviously less than a lot of people have. But consider this. If you had a fortune of, say, a hundred million, would you rather do a job for another hundred million, or half that?

I know they’re all rich beyond the dreams of people on here. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t an incentive to earn more. Would you rather be rich or super rich?

As for legacy, the venue won’t be a factor. Ali beat Foreman in an upset which became arguably the most iconic sporting moment in the history of professional sport. It was held in a country ruled by a brutal dictator and the money was stumped up by Colonel Gaddafi! The latter factors are barely mentioned today.

 

I get your point but I'd like to think if I was in that situation id fight in the UK. Boxers get overruled alot by sponsors, promoters, broadcasters to the point where it's hardly their choice anymore.

 

I’d like to agree with you but it’s easy to say that from our position I guess. As you progress you naturally become aware of how much more is out there. There are things in this world that AJ can’t afford (e.g. superyachts) and if you’re that way inclined it’s easy to not be content with what you have and yearn for more, no matter how many millions you have. And even if you are content, you can use that money to bring more friends and family up with you.

 

Unless they're stupid, lazy or both, the likes of AJ and Fury can earn millions long after they retire from boxing. Think of the opportunities out there for them. It's not a Rocky 2 scenario for them when they retire. Joshua v Fury would be a fight for the fans, for the sport, it should be too, that means it should be hosted that way. Apparently Joshua is humble and Fury give his money away so they obviously don't need to be fighting in Saudi Arabia to earn that bit extra......

 

Whats disappointing to me is that this might be the first time two Brits go head to head for the undisputed title and its in....Saudi

This kind of thing could inspire a next generation of kids to take up sport if handled well(Brits)

Im looking at it from a purely selfish pov as a fan however and understand the money side of it and id probably take the cash too if push comes to shove


Just ....disappointing

 

Is it even selfish though? Boxing without the fans is nothing, if nobody watches it nobody sponsors it, if nobody sponsors it and nobody watches it nobody is getting paid. yes they're risking their lives but they're not soldiers, they're athletes entering into something where the rewards are huge. My uncle once sad to me "take what you need, the rest is greed", you don't need millions upon millions, I'm sure Joshua and Fury have earned enough for the next two generations of their family to never have to work. If you're stupid with your money then you're just stupid.

The fight shouldn't be held in Saudi Arabia.

 

Even if that was the case, their handlers are very much greedy ****s and they call the shots.

 

Screw the pair of them, frankly.

 

This content is protected

Eddie clarifies the Saudi comments

 

Yeah pretty much that last point you make. Just make the fight happen when possible.

 

Joshua's profile would be nothing without the public's backing and endorsement and buying tickets and PPV's out of their hard earned cash. Eddie and Joshua both took this line during 'phase 1' of the career. Working people. And there some on here trying to justify pulling the rug from under these peoples feet for an extra few tax free mil? Disgusting. For the fans.

 

Couldn't agree more.