Sat Oct 12 18:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Saudi Arabia to Host First Women’s World Title Fight in Boxing History
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – This Saturday, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will make history as it hosts its first-ever women’s world title fight. Australian boxer Skye Nicolson will defend her WBC featherweight title against British contender Raven Chapman on the undercard of the highly anticipated Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol bout.
This event marks a significant step forward for women’s boxing, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, who sees it as a crucial boost for the sport. “This is the first time we’ve put forward a women’s fight to the Saudi organizers,” Hearn told BBC Sport. “They wanted that first female fight to be in Riyadh, not in Wembley or Los Angeles, because that happens all the time.”
Despite ongoing criticism from human rights organizations regarding Saudi Arabia’s treatment of women and minority groups, Nicolson, who will earn a career-high payday, expressed her excitement at being part of this historic moment.
“They’re trying to westernise the culture while keeping it respectful,” said Nicolson. “They do want to move with the times and the Western world. I think this is a big part of that movement. I’m in such an empowering position to inspire women who will be at the show, women in Saudi Arabia who will think ‘that can be me, I can fight or I can do what I’m passionate about.'”
While the event is seen by some as a sign of progress for women in Saudi Arabia, human rights group Amnesty International remains skeptical. “For all the likely talk about how this fight might show that Saudi Arabia is ‘opening up’ and ‘changing’, we should bear in mind that Saudi human rights activists who call for greater women’s rights risk immediate arrest, torture and a long jail sentence,” said Felix Jakens, Amnesty International’s spokesperson.
This landmark fight comes amidst a growing trend of Saudi Arabia’s investment in boxing, with high-profile bouts attracting numerous British boxing stars like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. This investment, which is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy, has drawn criticism, with some accusing the country of “sportswashing” to distract from its human rights record.
Regardless of the controversy, this fight promises to be a momentous occasion for women’s boxing, showcasing the talent and dedication of these athletes on a global stage.
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