The upcoming “Fight Card of the Century” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been hailed as a monumental event in combat sports, featuring some of the biggest names in boxing on a single card. However, as excitement builds for this historic night, one glaring omission has sparked debate: the complete absence of female fighters from the lineup.
Despite the growing presence of women’s boxing and combat sports on the global stage, the decision to exclude female bouts has drawn criticism from fighters, promoters, and fans alike. Is this simply a business decision, or does it reflect deeper social and cultural challenges?
The Fight Card: A Spectacle Unlike Any Other
The Fight Card of the Century is set to take place in Riyadh’s state-of-the-art Kingdom Arena, featuring multiple championship fights and a blockbuster main event. The card is a who’s who of boxing’s elite, with names like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder all expected to appear.
Promoted as an event that will “change the landscape of boxing forever,” it aims to be a pay-per-view juggernaut and a defining moment for Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sport.
However, not a single women’s fight has been announced, raising questions about the commitment to gender equality in combat sports.
The Missing Fighters: Where Are the Women?
With women’s boxing experiencing unprecedented success, the lack of female representation at such a high-profile event has left many puzzled. Just last year, fighters like Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Claressa Shields, and Seniesa Estrada sold out arenas and headlined their own major cards.
Claressa Shields, was quick to express her disappointment:
“I would have loved the chance to showcase women’s boxing on such a historic stage. We’ve proven we can headline, sell out venues, and put on fight-of-the-year performances. So why are we being left out?”
Amanda Serrano, the reigning undisputed featherweight champion, took a more measured approach:
“I understand the cultural sensitivities in certain regions, but I also believe that change happens when we push boundaries. Women deserve a place on this card, even if it’s just one fight to start the conversation.”
Social & Cultural Factors at Play
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in recent years, hosting major sporting events including Formula 1, WWE, and boxing super fights. However, women’s sports remain a complex issue in the Kingdom.
While Saudi Arabia has gradually introduced more women’s participation in athletics, combat sports still carry cultural sensitivities. Public boxing events featuring women remain rare, and female athletes often face barriers related to dress codes, societal norms, and media representation.
Dr. Layla Al-Saadi, a Saudi sports analyst, acknowledges the progress but sees challenges ahead:
“Saudi Arabia has embraced international sports like never before, but combat sports with female participation remain controversial. There are cultural perspectives that see it as not traditionally appropriate, but these views are evolving.”
On the other hand, fight promoter Eddie Hearn believes business—not culture—is the main factor:
“This is about market demand. Promoters want to sell pay-per-views, and right now, they believe male-heavy fight cards generate the most revenue in this region.”
The Business of Boxing: Does Women’s Fighting Sell?
From a financial standpoint, some argue that men’s fights still dominate revenue generation.
While fighters like Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano have drawn record crowds, the majority of boxing’s top pay-per-view events are still driven by male headliners. Promoters argue that including female fights must make financial sense—but critics say this logic is outdated.
Boxing journalist Michelle Phelps countered this view:
“Every time women get a chance, they prove they can sell. The problem is, they don’t always get the chance. This event could have been a breakthrough moment for women’s boxing.”
What’s Next for Women in Saudi Combat Sports?
While this event won’t feature female fighters, discussions around inclusivity in combat sports are gaining momentum.
Saudi Arabia hosted its first-ever women’s boxing championship in 2023, and WWE’s first women’s wrestling match in the Kingdom in 2019 was a landmark moment. Advocates hope that as the country continues to embrace global sporting culture, women’s combat sports will eventually be part of the mainstream.
Will the next “Fight Card of the Century” include women? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: female fighters aren’t staying silent.
Katie Taylor summed it up best:
“We’ve already proved we belong. The question is, when will they catch up?”
What do you think? Should promoters push for female fights at events like this? Drop your thoughts below!
