Cristiano Ronaldo’s Unexpected Absence from Boxing Event
Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic Portuguese footballer, disappointed fans and boxing enthusiasts last night by not attending the highly anticipated Last Crescendo boxing event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 40-year-old superstar, who has become a frequent attendee at various high-profile gatherings since his move to the Gulf nation, was expected to be ringside for the rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. A seat marked "CR7" had been prepared for him, adding to the buzz and anticipation surrounding his presence. However, as the night’s action unfolded, it became clear that Ronaldo had chosen to be elsewhere.
A Night at the Saudi Cup Horse Race
While the boxing world was in the throes of excitement, Ronaldo was seen in a different light, sharing a picture on social media with Saudi Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The image showed the football legend wearing a traditional Saudi thawb, a long white robe, as he attended the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race. In the caption, Ronaldo expressed his joy at celebrating the Founding Day with the Crown Prince and his honor at attending the prestigious event. The race featured a thrilling duel between Forever Young and Romantic Warrior, with Forever Young ultimately edging out the competition in the £16 million contest.
The Magnitude of the Boxing Event
The Last Crescendo show, which Ronaldo missed, was a spectacle in its own right. The main event saw Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev clash in a rematch that lived up to its billing. Bivol emerged victorious with a tight majority points decision, further cementing his status as a formidable force in the light heavyweight division. Additionally, the event featured a stunning second-round knockout by Joseph Parker against Martin Bakole, adding to the night’s drama and excitement. The absence of Ronaldo, a global sports icon, was keenly felt by many who had hoped to see him in the audience, sharing in the thrill of the fights.
Ronaldo’s Recent Emotional Turmoil
Ronaldo’s absence might have been a strategic choice to distance himself from recent emotional turmoil. Just 24 hours before the horse race, the former Manchester United star was visibly upset during Al-Nassr’s 3-2 home defeat to Al-Ettifaq. The match was marred by frustration as Al-Nassr found themselves trailing in the closing stages, largely due to a double from former Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum. The situation worsened when Al-Nassr’s new £64 million signing, Jhon Duran, was sent off for a light slap on rival player Abdulelah Almalki. Ronaldo vehemently contested the decision, even kicking a ball away in anger. This temperamental display was a stark contrast to his jovial appearance at the Saudi Cup.
Al-Nassr’s Current Standing
The result of the match against Al-Ettifaq left Al-Nassr in a challenging position. They are now fourth in the Saudi Pro League table, trailing 11 points behind the leaders, Al-Ittihad, after 21 matches. This setback has undoubtedly put pressure on Ronaldo and his teammates to perform better in upcoming fixtures. The Portuguese forward, known for his unrivaled work ethic and competitive spirit, will be keen to help his team climb back to the top of the league. His absence from the boxing event, while disappointing for fans, might have been a strategic move to focus on the team’s next match and restore his composure.
A Glimpse into Ronaldo’s Personal Life
Ronaldo’s decision to attend the Saudi Cup with Mohammed bin Salman highlights the extent of his integration into Saudi culture and the high regard in which he is held. The image of the footballing great in traditional Saudi attire, sharing a moment with the Crown Prince, underscores the significant influence and social standing he enjoys in his new home. Such moments provide a humanizing glimpse into the life of a star often seen only on the pitch or in headlines, showing him engaging with local traditions and enjoying the diverse cultural experiences Saudi Arabia has to offer. Despite the recent setbacks on the field, this appearance at the Saudi Cup suggests that Ronaldo remains a positive and engaged presence off the pitch.
