Boxing
LIV Golf uncertainty weighs on boxing as Saudi investment looks on
The potential withdrawal of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund from LIV Golf has created an early warning sign for boxing, even as the sport continues to benefit from hefty investment related to the season’s events in Riyad.
Reports from The Recent York Times indicate that PIF is close to withdrawing financial support for LIV Golf – a project that has received multi-billion support since its launch. The event immediately attracted attention from all sports, including boxing, where Saudi funding helped facilitate several major fights that had previously been stalled in negotiations.
Dan Rafael reacted to the news by posting, “Let’s hope boxing isn’t next,” reflecting concerns shared by industry observers watching how aggressively the fund chooses to allocate resources going forward.
Boxing’s recent growth has been linked to event-related expenses rather than long-term league building, with gigantic venue fees and purses used to cluster fighters into promotional lines. This structure made it easier to finalize fights that would otherwise have been delayed due to revenue sharing and network adjustments.
There are signs that boxing could be treated differently. Recent collaboration with TKO Group holdings points to a more organized approach rather than financing one-off events, which could extend the sport’s run.
Any change in spending approach will likely come first in the negotiations. Without the same financial cushion, deals may take longer to complete and the number of large-scale events may decline, especially if investment priorities begin to favor national infrastructure, technology and artificial intelligence initiatives around the world.
Nothing has changed in boxing for now, but the signal is strenuous to ignore. LIV Golf remains dynamic, although still under review, which in itself has brought other Saudi-backed sports investments under closer scrutiny.
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Last updated: 15/04/2026 at 19:28
The WBO champion quickly accepted a fight with Davis after the challenger rose to the top of the rankings
Devin Haney wasted no time reacting after Keyshawn Davis was elevated to No. 1 in the WBO welterweight rankings. The champion publicly welcomed the matchup, posting a low message on social media shortly after the updated rankings were released.
Let’s do it KEYSHAWN.. https://t.co/plq9hqQpBP
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) June 3, 2026
This is absolute theater and to look at it like everything else is to succumb to the promotional machine. The moment the WBO rankings dropped and Keyshawn took the No. 1 spot, Haney knew the clock was ticking.
Had he remained still or tried to minimize Keyshawn’s 147-pound inexperience, the boxing world would have immediately labeled him a shirker. By jumping on X and immediately matching the energy, he completely obfuscates this narrative. He begins to look like a fearless champion who is ready for everyone, knowing full well that posting on social media doesn’t cost a penny or require a contract.
The reality of the situation suggests that this is a calculated public relations move rather than a genuine desire for several different reasons:
- Financial reality: Haney always strives for the highest possible bottom line. While the Keyshawn fight is in high demand among die-hard fans, it doesn’t compare to the massive payday of a potential rematch with Ryan Garcia or the other blockbuster pay-per-view opportunities that are likely at the top of his wish list.
- Mandatory timeline cushion: Haney knows how bodywork mechanisms turn. Even with the WBO expected to order a mandatory challenge this summer, negotiations, price offers and promotional extensions could add months to the schedule. He has plenty of time to consider other options before the real pressure comes.
- Risk versus reward: Fighting a adolescent, hungry and highly skilled fighter like Keyshawn, who has never even fought at welterweight, is a hazardous proposition in a title defense when there are much more lucrative, established names on the market.
Haney’s quick response was a great defensive move outside the ring to protect his brand. He gave fans an exhilarating quote they wanted to see, but when it comes to actual network deals, promotional arrangements and guarantees, the energy will likely change. On social media it’s uncomplicated to say “Let’s do this”; it’s a completely different story when the contract is sitting on your desk.
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Last updated: 2026/06/03 at 1:58
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