Hearn Says Saudi Boxing Offers Supply Alternative, Danger

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Eddie Hearn says working with Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh brings massive opportunity, but no expectation of loyalty or long-term protection, reinforcing the reality that the sport now operates on pure business.

His comments describe how boxing works now compared to before. Saudi money has sped everything up. Fighters can now leave one situation and land somewhere else almost overnight if the offer is big enough. Promoters no longer control careers the way they used to, because someone else can always come in with more money.

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn described Saudi involvement as direct but emotionally detached. He said everyone entering those deals knows what they are getting into.

“With Turki, no problem,” Hearn said. “You know where you stand because you could get [messed over] tomorrow and you could get a great opportunity the day after, but you don’t have any emotion because you know what you’re dealing with.”

Hearn said that environment means nothing is guaranteed. He said everyone knows the deal when entering those relationships and can make decisions without expecting permanence.

“As long as you have an honest conversation, it doesn’t really matter what comes out of it,” Hearn said. “You know what you’re dealing with.”

The numbers involved have also exposed how differently fighters are paid across combat sports.

“If you’re a UFC fighter you’re looking at this going, ‘What the [expletive], I’m being absolutely ripped off here,’” Hearn said. “I’m generating more revenue than these guys and I’m getting a tenth of the money.”

Saudi Arabia’s involvement has already produced several of boxing’s biggest events and helped finalize fights that previously stalled over money. Fighters who once stayed tied to one promoter now operate in a system where bigger offers can change their direction overnight.

Hearn said he does not expect the system to change. Boxing has always been driven by money, and Saudi backing has made that reality impossible to ignore.