If anything pays testament to the fact that nothing quite beats the feel of a big fight – then last night’s boxing exhibition between current World Heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury, and former UFC World Heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou proved it, as mega stars from around from across the world flew into Riyadh for the spectacle.
Hosted in Riyadh’s 26,000 Boulevard Hall stadium, the packed out event (part of the on-going ‘Riyadh Seasons’) had all the electric atmosphere you would expect from a big boxing event featuring two decorated fighters from different sports coming together – but made even more special with a sprinkling of serious star power in the crowd.
Fans in and around the arena for got their fill of stargazing with the likes of Kanye West, Manny Pacquiao, Ronaldos (both CR7 and and the Brazilian ‘Fenomeno’) attending the fight, and a whole lot more. Here’s a quick breakdown as to who was there:
Kanye West
Producer-rapper-designer-mogul, regardless of whatever title you want to give him, ‘Ye’ showed up for a ringside wearing one of his own designs, an all-black outfit with a black hood and cap.
Mike Tyson
The one-time ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ was part of Francis Ngannou’s training team in the lead up to the fight. The former boxing World Champ was in the ex-UFC fighter’s corner during the fight.
Eminem
Cutting a low-key figure, the US rapper has long been a fight sports fan and made the trip to Riyadh to check out the cross-codes fight.
Amir Khan
As you can see in the picture above, former British world champ boxer Amir Khan was also in attendance – and also reveling in a ‘selfie’ moment with Eminem.
Manny Pacquiao
Filipino living legend Manny Pacquiao knows the feeling of a big fight better than most. Though he is now retired, the boxing icon couldn’t stay away from a ring-side seat.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Major events in Riyadh rarely don’t feature an appearance from the country’s most famous expat. But what is made more remarkable, is that earlier in the night the 5-time world’s best footballer, was part of the Al Hilal team that beat Al-Feiha 3-1 in the Saudi Pro League. Good effort.
Georgina Rodriguez
Looking characteristically impeccable, Cristiano’s partner took her place next to the footballer at ringside (see above).
Conor McGregor
Retirement from the fight game has seemingly done wonders for McGregor – the two-weight UFC champ looked better than ever, grinning away with his long locks and leather jacket.
Ronaldo
Before the reign of CR7, the name ‘Ronaldo’ was synonymous with only one man – the Brazilian footballer. Fans of a certain age would have been thrilled to see the ex-Madrid and Inter Milan star in Saudi – as was Cristiano.
Salman Khan
What big-level event is complete without an Indian film industry icon? Salman Khan (who took his seat alongside Georgina Rodriguez) is also in town as part of other Riyadh Season events.