Power Slap is a sporting promotion firmly on an upward trajectory and later this month, history will be made.
For the very first time, a live Power Slap event is to be held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with capital city Riyadh the chosen destination.
Power Slap 11 could well be the biggest show in the promotion’s short history after the huge success of the Abu Dhabi move for the ninth edition.
So, ahead of the Saudi switch, NetBet takes a look at how the Gulf State has changed the sporting landscape in recent times.
And in the build up to Power Slap 11, make sure to check out all the latest Power Slap odds, as well as our range of exciting features such as our Welcome Offer, available to all new customers!
The Boxing Revolution
Perhaps the biggest motivation behind Dana White’s eagerness for a Saudi show is the success of boxing in the country.
In recent times, pretty much every single big fight has been hosted in Riyadh, including both clashes between heavyweight superstars Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Turki Alalshikh, who is the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, has been credited with helping propel boxing back into the limelight after a few tough(ish) years in general.
Armed with fistfuls of cash and a nation willing to do whatever it takes to accommodate the world’s best athletes, Alalshikh managed to end the feud between promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren.
The squashing of this beef has in turn helped create some of the biggest boxing bouts of the modern era.
While Power Slap does not have an issue regarding promoters or a lack of fights between the top ranked competitors, the energy and efficiency of the Saudi combat sports model is clear for all to see.
The Ronaldo Effect
And, of course, if we are discussing sports in Saudi Arabia then it is only right that we mention football and the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Since the Portuguese legend’s move to Al-Nassr in early 2023, the Saudi Pro League has undergone a spectacular transformation.
Some of the best footballers on the planet have since swapped Europe for the Middle East.
Neymar, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves and Malcom are just a select few of the stars who now ply their trade in Saudi.
As well as the growth of the Pro League, Saudi has further enhanced its standing in the football world by hosting a number of all-European clashes.
The recent Italian Super Cup final between Inter and AC Milan was hosted at Al-Awwal Park, while the Spanish Super Cup will once again be held in Saudi this year after the success of the 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024 editions.
Oh and lest we forget, Saudi Arabia has won the rights to host the 2034 World Cup, which represents perhaps the biggest stride taken by the kingdom in sporting terms.
With all the above taken into account, it is no wonder Power Slap is heading to Saudi – and we cannot wait for the exciting action to get started!
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