In the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a monumental boxing event dubbed the "Fight Card of the Century" is set to unfold this Saturday night. The main attraction features the rematch for the undisputed light-heavyweight championship between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, alongside an IBF heavyweight title bout between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker. However, the absence of women's bouts on this prestigious card has sparked significant concern among female boxers and advocates. This article delves into the implications of this exclusion and examines the broader context of women's boxing in Saudi Arabia.
The Grand Stage of Men's Boxing in Riyadh
On a vibrant Saturday evening inside the newly constructed Kingdom Arena, the world will witness a series of high-stakes boxing matches. Among them, the highly anticipated rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol takes center stage. Additionally, the IBF heavyweight title fight between Dubois and Parker promises to be another thrilling encounter. Despite the star-studded lineup, the notable omission of women's bouts has raised eyebrows and sparked debate within the boxing community.
Raven Chapman, a featherweight boxer from Norfolk, expressed her disappointment over the lack of representation for women in this major event. She highlighted the recent positive momentum in women's boxing, noting that its growth could be hindered by such exclusions. Chapman, who previously fought in Saudi Arabia last October, emphasized the need for continued visibility and opportunities for female fighters.
American boxer Claressa Shields also voiced her concerns on social media, urging Turki Alalshikh, the chair of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, to include more women in these high-profile events. Historian Malissa Smith added to the chorus of voices, questioning why prominent female champions like Skye Nicolson are not featured on the card, especially given the involvement of major promoters from the UK and USA.
Reflections on Progress and Challenges
Despite the setback, Chapman remains optimistic about the future of women's boxing. She praised the facilities and accessibility she experienced during her time in Riyadh, particularly noting the presence of young girls training at the Mike Tyson Boxing Club. However, challenges remain, including the lack of shared training spaces for male and female fighters, which posed logistical issues for her team.
Since 2018, Saudi Arabia has made strides in advancing women's rights, allowing them to drive and granting greater autonomy in healthcare and education. Yet, the country still faces scrutiny from international organizations like Amnesty International regarding the legitimacy of these reforms. The case of Salma al-Shehab, a PhD student arrested for advocating women's rights, underscores the ongoing struggles.
Chapman believes that while fighting in Saudi Arabia offers financial benefits and exposure, it is not the only path forward. She looks forward to her next bout at the Royal Albert Hall, financed by the Riyadh Season, as a platform to gain more recognition and attention for women's boxing.
A Call for Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity
From a journalist's perspective, the exclusion of women's bouts from this landmark event highlights the persistent challenges faced by female athletes in gaining equal representation. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women's boxing receives the same level of support and visibility as its male counterpart. The voices of Chapman, Shields, and Smith serve as a powerful reminder that inclusivity and equality should be at the forefront of any sporting event, regardless of its scale or prestige. It is crucial for organizers to recognize and address these disparities to foster a truly inclusive and diverse sporting landscape.