Veteran boxing promoter Barry Hearn has delivered a bombshell assessment of his son Eddie's deep financial ties to Saudi Arabia, suggesting the lure of petrodollars has overtaken the sport's traditional heartlands.
In a remarkably candid interview, the Matchroom Sport founder did not hold back in his analysis, stating bluntly that the driving force behind the high-profile deals is simple: "It's all about the money."
Father vs Son: A Clash of Boxing Philosophies
The 75-year-old patriarch, who built Matchroom into a global sporting powerhouse, expressed concerns that the pivot to the Middle East could alienate the loyal British fanbase that formed the foundation of their success.
"I worry about the British fight fans because they're being starved of the big events," Barry revealed. His comments highlight a growing tension within the sport, pitting traditional grassroots support against the immense financial power of Saudi investors.
The Saudi Takeover: Turki Alalshikh's Billions Reshape Boxing
At the centre of this seismic shift is His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority. His vast financial resources have enabled him to stage unprecedented events, such as the historic undisputed heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
While Barry acknowledges the undeniable quality of these spectacles, he questions the long-term strategy. "They're putting on great shows, there's no criticism from me on the product," he conceded, before adding his significant caveat about the motivation behind them.
A Warning From a Boxing Legend
Barry Hearn's warnings carry significant weight given his decades of experience in navigating the complex business of boxing. His apprehension centres on a potential fan backlash if major fights consistently bypass the UK in favour of Saudi paydays.
This public airing of differing views between father and son offers a rare glimpse into the high-stakes decisions shaping modern boxing's future, where tradition and immense new wealth are on a collision course.
