Boxing fans are all in agreement over one thing about the Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury fight which took place on Sunday 26 February.
The much-anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury at the Diriyah Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has received criticism for its atmosphere.
While fans around the world are eager to witness the fight, some have expressed disappointment in the lackluster environment.
As the undercards commenced, several viewers took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with the crowd at the venue.
One Twitter user remarked, “The atmosphere in the arenas in Saudi are worse than when they were in Covid times with no fans. There was more noise in @EddieHearns back garden.”
Another user echoed similar sentiments, stating, “I know Saudi is where the cash is but f**k me, atmosphere is horrendous.”
A third added, “Saudi Arabia is a poxy spot for a boxing card, always dirt atmosphere.”
Others claimed that there was “zero atmosphere” and that the arena was half-empty. “Sounds like it’s empty,” one person added.
Despite the negative feedback, some fans appreciated the hype generated by Tommy Fury and Jake Paul in the months leading up to the fight.
“Tommy Fury Jake Paul got that BIG fight atmosphere. The build-up has been perfect,” one supporter wrote.
In recent weeks, the rivalry between the two camps has intensified. Jake criticized Tommy for not taking their fight seriously, calling him “disrespectful” to some of boxing’s biggest names.
Tommy missed a press conference in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, which Jake took as a sign of disrespect. However, Tommy wore a touching tribute to his daughter Bambi by having her name emblazoned on his ring walk outfit.
The younger brother of world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is Jake’s first opponent with a boxing background. During Thursday’s press conference, Jake offered a lucrative “double or nothing” contract, although it remains to be seen whether it will be accepted.
Eerily quiet inside Diriyah Arena as Tommy Fury is forced to wait for Jake Paul’s ring walk#PaulFury pic.twitter.com/ySXuwh1PlG
— Pro Boxing Fans (@ProBoxingFans) February 26, 2023