- The anthem was played ahead of Anthony Joshua’s defeat by Daniel Dubois
- Dubois dominated and knocked AJ down four times in front of 98,000 fans
- A host of celebrities – including Conor McGregor – were in attendance
A selection of boxing fans have criticised the decision to play the Saudi Arabian national anthem at Wembley prior to Anthony Joshua’s defeat by Daniel Dubois.
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, a member of the Saudi royal court, was instrumental in arranging the highly-anticipated heavyweight bout on Saturday night.
The two British stars went toe-to-toe at Wembley stadium in front of a record-breaking 98,000 fans as part of the first Riyadh Season card to be held in the UK.
Dubois retained his IBF heavyweight title by knocking out Joshua in the fifth round of a sensational affair under the Wembley arches.
Fans thoroughly enjoyed the event but expressed their surprise at the decision to perform the Saudi Arabian national anthem before the first bell.
A selection of boxing fans have criticised the decision to play the Saudi Arabian national anthem at Wembley prior to Anthony Joshua ‘s defeat by Daniel Dubois
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh was key in arranging the fight between Joshua and Dubois
Dubois dominated and knocked AJ down four times in front of 98,000 fans on Saturday night
Many believed that the English national anthem, which followed the Saudi anthem, would have been more appropriate to play first.
One fan took to social media to write: ‘How do you sing the Saudi Arabia national anthem BEFORE the host nation’s — and both fighter’s anthems.’
Another added: ‘Can anyone explain to me why the Saudi national anthem was played before the British national anthem at the British national stadium with two British nationals fighting in front of a British crowd just asking.’
While one wrote: ‘No disrespect or anything but why is the Saudi anthem being played before the British anthem when it’s two British boxers fighting? Surely should have been the other way round.’
Joshua tried to get up after being knocked down for the final time against Dynamite Dubois
Another social media user agreed, writing the following statement on Twitter (now known as X): ‘This is so embarrassing, how can they play that first?’.
While some fans took to social media to joke that the Saudi national anthem was actually better than Liam Gallagher – who performed on Saturday night.
One fan wrote: ‘That Saudi anthem was 100x better than Liam Gallagher butchering his songs.’ Another added: ‘Best vocals on the AJ v Dubois card tonight’.
From the opening bell, ‘Dynamite’ Dubois put on a sensational display as he showcased his immense power and scored a knockdown in the opening round.
A stunned ‘AJ’ returned to his corner to seek the guidance of trainer Ben Davison and, in the second round, he did manage to hang on Dubois pushed forward.
However, Joshua never looked as though he’d recovered from the early blow and was on the canvas once again in the third round, just seconds before the bell rang.
It was all over two rounds later after Joshua caught Dubois and charged forward before the IBF heavyweight champion delivered a brutal hook that sent his rival to the canvas.
Joshua attempted to get back to his feet for the third time in the fight but stumbled over and gave the referee a simple decision to call off the bout.
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