Saudi Arabia to Host Historic Women’s World Title Fight
Saudi Arabia to Host Historic Women's World Title Fight
- Saudi Arabia is set to make boxing history on Saturday
- Nicolson will defend her WBC title against Raven
- The fight takes place amidst ongoing criticism of Saudi Arabia's human rights record
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to make boxing history on Saturday, November 9th, as it hosts its first-ever women’s world title fight.
Australian featherweight champion Skye Nicolson will defend her WBC title against British challenger Raven Chapman on the undercard of the highly anticipated Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol bout.
Promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his enthusiasm for this significant development in women’s boxing, stating, “This is a much-needed and big shot in the arm for women’s boxing as it joins the Riyadh Season train which is moving to a greater destination for boxing.”
The fight takes place amidst ongoing criticism of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly concerning its treatment of women and minority groups.
Despite these concerns, the Kingdom’s growing investment and influence in boxing have attracted a number of prominent British fighters, including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Moses Itauma, and Hamzah Sheeraz, to compete in lucrative bouts in recent years.
However, female boxers have been notably absent from the seven ‘Riyadh Season’ boxing cards held over the past year, both in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
The upcoming Nicolson vs. Chapman fight marks a significant step towards greater inclusivity in the Kingdom’s boxing scene.
