Saudi Arabia will again host a showmatter sporting event, while Jeddah will host the Spanish Super Cup.
However, the kingdom of the Middle East continues to be mauled by human rights activists such as Amnesty International.
Here, the PA story Agency takes a look at the events that led to Saudi Arabia and the “sport wash” controversy that surrounds it.
Joshua v Ruiz II – ‘Clash on the Dunes’
Briton Anthony Joshua has recovered the titles of the IBF, WBA and WBO truck associations with an elegant victory in his action rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr in Riyadh in December 2018.
However, the aim of this flagship – called “Clash on the Dunes” – has drawn review from Amnesty International, which cited human rights violations, the Finish of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the ongoing war in Yemen.
Joshua had been called to use this platform to speak against the Regime. Promoter Eddie Hearn, however, defended the decision, as boxing followed other top sports in the region.
“We understand some of the review, but we also understand the people who were there before us – organizations that are much bigger than us,” Hearn said as he prepared for the action.
“There’s time for change out there-and they’re trying to make that change through sports.”
McIlroy takes moral high ground
Rory McIlroy ruled out participating in the next event of the Saudi international European Tour 2020 and confirmed that “morale” was behind his decision.
“You could say about so many countries, not just Saudi Arabia, but many countries we play in, that there is a reason not to go there, but for me I just don’t want to go there.”
McIlroy added: “one hundred percent there is also morality.
“I think the atmosphere seems to be better at events on the West Coast (USA), and I’d rather play in front of big golf fans and participate in a tournament that really inspires me.”
Khan on the money
Prior to the “Clash on the Dunes”, Saudi Arabia had won the WBC title of Amir Khan’s welterweights against Billy Dib in July 2019.
The British Boxer overtook a lower opponent who had intervened on short notice and increased the weights, while DIB’s corner finally threw in the towel at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Amnesty International said the country was under ” widespread repression against government critics “and implored Khan to go there with his”eyes firmly open.”
However, Khan claimed that Saudi Arabia had undergone a major social change. “Maybe they’re changing now to make it this new place where people can have fun, and it’s only for women,” he said.
The Briton, who is said to have received a million scholarship, added: “They throw a lot of money on the table, and at the end of the day we are Prize hunters. For me, I would be silly not to take this opportunity.”
Gypsy King’s ‘Crown Jewel’
Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury traveled to Saudi Arabia to make his WWE debut at the Crown Jewel event in October 2019.
The British relievers supported his trash talk Hype by parking Braun Strowman with a large right hand to “win” by being counted outside the stadium of King Saud University.
