Boxing’s ‘Fight Card of the Century’ has a glaring omission: women

As Riyadh becomes the de facto home of big-time boxing, the women’s code risks being left behind.

The light-heavyweight rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol headlines this Saturday's card in Riyadh. Pic: Richard Pelham/Getty Images

On Saturday night in Riyadh, an evening of boxing dubbed as the “Fight Card of the Century” will take centre stage inside the 15-month-old Kingdom Arena. Headlining is the undisputed championship light-heavyweight rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, chiefly supported by the IBF heavyweight title contest involving Great Britain’s Daniel Dubois and New Zealander Joseph Parker.

There are five other bouts – including an all-British light-heavyweight fight between Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith – but all of them will be contested by men, raising concern among a number of prominent voices in women’s boxing.