Chris Eubank Jnr works out in traditional Arab dress as boxing’s ‘Saudification’ continues

Chris Eubank Jnr said he looked “incredible” as he started his open workout wearing traditional Arab dress in the latest sign of the Saudification of boxing.

Eubank Jnr returns to the ring this Saturday for the first time in 13 months as he goes up against Kamil Szeremeta on the undercard to Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s undisputed light-heavyweight bout, which is being held in Saudi Arabia under the Riyadh Season promotion.

The sight of Saudi Arabia’s official national dress for men, called a thawb or a thobe, has been common ringside for many years since the Arab state started hosting the sport’s biggest fights when they decided to pour in millions into boxing.

However, fighters have steered clear of wearing the country’s traditional dress until Eubank Jnr opened his workout wearing a thawb and started carrying out pad work while still wearing the robe.

“This is the traditional outfit of the Saudis, this is called a thobe,” Eubank said when asked about his decision to work out in the garment.

“And it is a privilege to be here and I’m respecting the community and the culture. And it’s actually a perfect way to get a sweat out here in this heat.

“I’ve got to cut these extra pounds at the end of this camp so here we are. I look incredible in this outfit. In fact, I might just wear this for the rest of this trip.”

Saudi Arabia has invested an estimated £5 billion into sports over the past five years after setting up a rival golf league, LIV, to rival the PGA Tour, buying Premier League side Newcastle United and investing heavily into their own football league by signing superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

Eubank, who has been a supporter of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in boxing, has not fought since avenging his shock knockout defeat by Liam Smith in September of last year.

Ahead of fighting Polish veteran Szeremeta, Eubank added: “This is the most important fight of my career.

“Because a flat performance or, God forbid, a defeat means I don’t get all the mega fights I’ve been hunting for and talking about for so long.

“So I have to go out there and make a statement, I have to perform, I have to take this guy out. That is the mission at hand and so Szeremeta has to go.”