Nobody ever claimed that a boxing event had to be a raucous affair. Nor did anyone assert that a boxing event needed to be held in a packed venue to be financially successful and bring joy to those seated at ringside. In fact, ticket sales are increasingly becoming less crucial as a revenue source, and the sound of silence is now accompanying world-class fighters in their battles. This is largely due to the growing influence of Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Season, which has transformed boxing in numerous ways. Now, boxers have different aspirations, promoters have distinct roles, and the events themselves take on a whole new look and feel.

Empty Seats and Low-Key Presentations

It is not uncommon these days to witness a large fight card filled with exciting matches taking place in an arena with empty seats. The atmosphere during rounds is often so quiet that one can hear the conversations of corner teams and commentary teams. For instance, on Saturday, the junior welterweight fight between Jose Ramirez and Arnold Barboza was presented in a timid and low-key manner. During the referee's instructions, every sound made by every person in the arena could be heard clearly. And when the camera pulled back, it became evident that there were very few people in attendance in Riyadh, despite it being a significant support contest.The main event between Chris Billam-Smith and Gilberto Ramirez also suffered from a lack of noise and appreciation. Billam-Smith, who won his WBO cruiserweight belt in a football stadium with thousands of fans last year, must have found the Saturday atmosphere quite unusual. Where there were once people, there was now an emptiness, and where he once heard the roar of the crowd, he now only heard his own breathing and racing pulse.

The Watching Experience

Watching a boxing event in an empty arena is similar to sitting in an empty cinema watching a highly anticipated film. The experience remains the same to a certain extent and can still be enjoyable, but certain jokes or scenes do not have the same emotional impact as they would in a crowded setting. The presence of other people not only provides warmth but also energy.With Riyadh Season, the main events are often of high quality, and it doesn't matter too much who is watching or how many are present. However, the fights beneath the high-profile main events, especially in the early shows, seem to lack early interest. In the arena, no one shows up, while at home, one sits down with a sudden sense of sadness, as if entering an empty car park to watch a couple of homeless people fight over a bottle of beer. It takes us back not to boxing's glorious days but to the challenging times of 2020 and 2021 when the global pandemic stripped the sport back to its basics and made us realize the fragility of its foundation and the significance of fans.

The Impact on Fighters

Fighters have to deal with the reality of empty seats and dead atmospheres. They suck it up and understand that the deal they have struck helps them more than it harms them in the short term. As long as they are well-compensated, the number of people in attendance on fight night becomes less important. This shares some similarities with the book industry, where platforms like BookTok have boosted book sales but also affected the attention spans of future readers.However, it is still a shame for all those involved. These are not mismatches or small-hall fights; they involve some of the world's best boxers who have experience of fighting in sold-out venues elsewhere. The sight of a fight like Billam-Smith vs. Ramirez playing out to an empty crowd is an unusual and, in some ways, depressing sight.

Touring and Home Turf

Riyadh Season events have fared better when on tour. For example, at Wembley Stadium when Daniel Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua in September, and Terence Crawford in Los Angeles also had a decent turnout. But at home, where boxing culture is not well-established, Riyadh Season may struggle to maintain long-term interest in boxing events, especially those not featuring the biggest names. It is also important to consider the financial viability for those behind Riyadh Season. Keeping everything on home turf is easier and less stressful, with lower overheads and a more straightforward purpose. Fighters, promoters, and content creators will still happily make the trip when they receive the right incentive.