Saudi Arabia Chairman Turki Alalshikh has defended the Fury vs. Usyk undercard following a backlash from boxing fans.
As World Boxing News pointed out, the card leaves much to be desired. The bill is considerably underwhelming for the accompaniment to an undisputed heavyweight title fight.
Most comments on the Fury vs Usyk undercard agreed with this notion.
“This is dreadful. The undercard is terrible,” said one. Another added: Awful. I won’t watch until Opetaia fights.”
A third said: “This Card [is three poo emojis]. They are going to lose a lot of money on this one!”
A fourth stated: “This is diabolical bar the co-main [Opetaia].”
Alalshikh fought back. He pointed out: A powerful card for all boxing fans, featuring a minimum of three to four fights that could easily be main events. Anyone searching for lower quality or bizarre “clown” fights should look elsewhere. We are committed to delivering exceptional cards for boxing fans!
‘Ring of Fire’ will include two world title fights on Saturday, May 18, at Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, as part of the Riyadh Calendar schedule. The bill is live on DAZN PPV and Sky Sports Box Office on May 18.
Jai Opetaia faces Mairis Briedis in a rematch for the vacant IBF world championship, which he should have never lost outside the ring. They first fought in July 2022, with Opetaia defeating Briedis for the title. The Latvian star wants revenge after the IBF ordered the fight on the back of stripping Opetaia for taking a warm-up.
Further action sees Joe Cordina defend his IBF super featherweight belt, Anthony Cacace, with the heavyweight theme continuing with Agit Kabayel going up against unbeaten, highly-rated WBC contender Frank Sanchez.
The pair have Riyadh form following their knockout victories on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card in December. They will battle it out in a WBC final eliminator that won’t see the victory fighting for the title until at least 2025.
Mark Chamberlain vs. Joshua Oluwaseun, Isaac Lowe vs. Hasibullah Ahmadi, Moses Itauma vs. Ilja Mazencev, and David Nyika vs. Michael Seitz are the four other contests, bar one.
That extra fight will see former unified light-heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev make his comeback. “Krusher” will go up against the undefeated Robin Sirwan Safar at cruiserweight.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis II
Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace
Agit Kabayel vs Frank Sanchez
Sergey Kovalev vs Robin Sirwan
Mark Chamberlain vs Joshua Oluwaseun
Isaac Lowe vs Hasibullah Ahmadi
Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mazencev
David Nyika vs Michael Seitz
Read all articles and learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor Phil Jay.
Follow WBN: X.com, Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, and Threads.
