Saudi Arabia Hosts First Women’s World Title Fight: A New Era for Boxing in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia is set to host its first-ever women’s world title fight as part of a historic boxing event in Riyadh. Australian boxer Skye Nicolson will defend her WBC featherweight title against Britain’s Raven Chapman, marking a significant moment in women’s boxing. This milestone fight will take place on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev’s clash with Dmitry Bivol in what has become a growing trend of high-profile boxing events held in the Kingdom.

Promoter Eddie Hearn described the event as “a big shot in the arm for women’s boxing,” as it aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to raise its profile in the world of sports, particularly during the popular Riyadh Season. Although Saudi Arabia has hosted several major boxing events in recent years, this will be the first time a women’s bout is featured.

Nicolson is excited about her career-high payday and proud to be part of what she calls a “women’s movement” in Saudi Arabia. She sees this opportunity as a chance to inspire young women in the Kingdom. The boxer met with local female athletes earlier in the week and hopes to encourage more women to pursue their passions, especially in sports like boxing.

Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in sports has been accompanied by criticism from human rights organizations, especially concerning its treatment of women and minorities. While the country has introduced social reforms, such as allowing women to drive and attend football matches, critics argue that its investments in sports are part of an effort to divert attention from ongoing human rights issues. Amnesty International points out that restrictions on women in Saudi Arabia remain severe, with activists facing the risk of imprisonment.

Despite these concerns, Nicolson believes the Kingdom is making efforts to modernize while respecting its culture, and she feels empowered to be part of that change. The match is a significant step forward for women’s boxing, which has often struggled to secure main event status, even in countries with more established sporting traditions.

Promoter Eddie Hearn remains optimistic about the future of women’s boxing, particularly with Saudi Arabia’s financial backing. The inclusion of Nicolson and Chapman on such a major card is expected to boost their profiles, and Hearn hopes to bring more prominent female boxing bouts to the Middle East in the future.

As Saudi Arabia continues its heavy investment in sports, with a reported £5 billion spent since 2021, the country’s role in shaping the future of women’s boxing could be pivotal. While there are still significant challenges ahead, the inclusion of female fighters in major events like this is a step toward greater visibility and opportunities for women in the sport.