Saudi Arabia to open first alcohol store in 72 YEARS in Riyadh as boxing fans say ‘open casinos and Vegas is finished’

FIGHT-LOVERS are dreaming of Saudi Arabia rivalling Las Vegas for boxing as the country prepares to open its first alcohol store since 1952.

Only diplomatic staff can use the new Riyadh shop – but fans wonder if the change will eventually filter through to ring nights and transform the atmosphere.

Getty

Anthony Joshua beat Otto Wallin in Riyadh last month[/caption]

Getty Images - Getty

Only a select band of diplomats will be allowed to buy alcohol from the Riyadh store, which is set to open within weeks[/caption]

Saudi officials are launching the store for a small group of non-Muslim expats to combat “the illicit trade of alcohol” – as drink is currently often imported in diplomatic pouches.

But one boxing fan joked: “Open some gambling establishments and Vegas is finished BIG time BOXING.”

Another added: “Anybody know any diplomats out there for Fury v Usyk?”

And a third posted: “The silent crowds at the new home of boxing, might only be a short term issue…”

But many fans were surprised by the development, with one saying: “Wow controversial”

And others pointed out that, as the shop was for diplomats, any effects on boxing might take ages to filter through.

Saudi Arabia’s keenness to become a superpower for mega bouts reached new heights in Riyadh on December 23 last year.

On a heavyweight card hailed as one of the greatest ever, Anthony Joshua beat Otto Wallin and Joseph Parker stunned Deontay Wilder.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

It comes as Saudi chiefs block YouTube boxing – which is a blow to social media stars like KSI, Jake Paul and Tommy Fury.

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi, controls boxing in the region.

And he told DAZN: “Please, we don’t want any YouTuber fight again. I don’t talk about names.

“I want fighters, I want fighters, this is what I support.”