The resumption of alcohol sales in Saudi after 72 years could be a game-changer for sports

Boxing lovers are dreaming of Saudi Arabia rivaling 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.

Saudi officials are launching the store for a small group of non-Muslim ex-pats to combat "the illicit trade of alcohol" - as the 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"

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.

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."