Times Square first, Alcatraz next in strange Saudi saga?

This evening, one of the strangest events in boxing history will play out in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

- ALEX PATTLE COMBAT SPORTS EDITOR

Three of the sport’s biggest Stateside stars will compete in Times Square, all in testing match-ups, as Ryan Garcia fights Rolly Romero, Devin Haney faces Jose Ramirez, and Teofimo Lopez takes on Arnold Barboza Jr.

It is an intriguing idea and an alluring event, yet while “heart” applies to the matter of location, that might be the extent of the soul involved. The latest details suggest that this fight card will be invite-only, so expect the boxers, their teams and select media, but very few fans – if any.

In that sense, the atmosphere might mimic those at Saudi Arabian events in recent years: subdued. Fittingly so, too, given this card will be staged by The Ring magazine, which was recently purchased by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh. Saturday’s epic between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in London was also organised by The Ring, apparently meaning Alalshikh put up his own money; still, these events are part of the same Saudi boxing drive, which has naturally drawn accusations of sportswashing.