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Looks like they're whatever on the fight and location. Haven't bought the rights to the fight yet. They're focused on Canelo to grow their US business.
To be clear, DAZN had “no say – zero”*in the decision to host the fight in the KSA. Our source within the company explained “the promoter*puts on the fight and they choose the venue – we just get to stream it.” While it has not been formally announced that DAZN will carry the fight, Hearn’s relationship with the company makes it all but certain.
DAZN obviously would have preferred the fight be held in the U.S., but our source said “after that, every city is just about the same. London may be some percentage better than Diriyah, but now you’re fighting over details; and you can make the argument that the controversy surrounding Saudi Arabia will bring more attention [to the fight] than had it been held in London.” It’s worth noting that DAZN will end up paying less to stream the fight from the KSA than they would have had it been in the U.S.
The truth is, from the DAZN POV too much is being made about the location of Ruiz-Joshua II. Their marquee attraction is Canelo Alvarez and as we were told “the most important thing to [DAZN’s] U.S. business is his next fight. Canelo is the LeBron of boxing in this country. A.J. is the Durant. Durant is amazing, but he’s not LeBron. There is only one superstar and it is Canelo Alvarez.”
Andy Ruiz Jr. is contractually obligated to take the rematch and the $9 million he’s guaranteed, but that doesn’t mean he’s showing up in Saudi Arabia under those terms. The Athletic is reporting that Ruiz has refused to sign-off on the fight unless he receives “a significantly higher purse.” There’s certainly a case to be made that he deserves more, but I don’t believe he has much leverage. Ruiz loses much of his marketability without those four belts.
Fan Marino: The DAZN executive we spoke to was uncomfortable with the idea of attending an event where female colleagues may be uncomfortable or unwelcome. Others oppose going out of concern the Saudi authorities are using the event to “sportswash’ their severely tarnished image.” When asked if I would be willing to attend if invited, I said yes; that as a sports business processional and sports fan, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a heavyweight championship fight outdoors in the middle east
DAZN obviously would have preferred the fight be held in the U.S., but our source said “after that, every city is just about the same. London may be some percentage better than Diriyah, but now you’re fighting over details; and you can make the argument that the controversy surrounding Saudi Arabia will bring more attention [to the fight] than had it been held in London.” It’s worth noting that DAZN will end up paying less to stream the fight from the KSA than they would have had it been in the U.S.
The truth is, from the DAZN POV too much is being made about the location of Ruiz-Joshua II. Their marquee attraction is Canelo Alvarez and as we were told “the most important thing to [DAZN’s] U.S. business is his next fight. Canelo is the LeBron of boxing in this country. A.J. is the Durant. Durant is amazing, but he’s not LeBron. There is only one superstar and it is Canelo Alvarez.”
Andy Ruiz Jr. is contractually obligated to take the rematch and the $9 million he’s guaranteed, but that doesn’t mean he’s showing up in Saudi Arabia under those terms. The Athletic is reporting that Ruiz has refused to sign-off on the fight unless he receives “a significantly higher purse.” There’s certainly a case to be made that he deserves more, but I don’t believe he has much leverage. Ruiz loses much of his marketability without those four belts.
Fan Marino: The DAZN executive we spoke to was uncomfortable with the idea of attending an event where female colleagues may be uncomfortable or unwelcome. Others oppose going out of concern the Saudi authorities are using the event to “sportswash’ their severely tarnished image.” When asked if I would be willing to attend if invited, I said yes; that as a sports business processional and sports fan, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a heavyweight championship fight outdoors in the middle east
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