The heavyweight world title fight between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua last weekend was organised by Riyadh Season and Turki Alalshikh - the chairman of the Saudi general entertainment authority - and the country's national anthem was played in the ring prior to the bout.

The Middle Eastern nation has faced criticism for human rights violations and accusations of using major sporting events to boost its global image but the promoter says that the finances involved have made some of the biggest fights possible.

Warren said: "Why is there criticism? A small minority complaining about the national anthem being played.

"These type of events would not be able to be made without financial input.

"It's for the love of boxing from His Excellency [Alalshikh] that has made that happen. The fans there, did you hear anyone moaning?"

Riyadh Season is working with Warren and Hearn's Queensberry and Matchroom promotion companies to stage bouts in both Saudi Arabia and the UK and the latter suggested that bringing Joshua's bout against Dubois to Wembley Stadium gave British boxing "a shot in the arm".

He said: "That shot in the arm was provided in the most unexpected way via Riyadh Season.

"With this event, [it] will mark one year since big-time boxing began in Riyadh Season. I still can't understand the negativity and moans from some people.

"Riyadh Season is a project that takes place in Riyadh. What we saw last week was a passion for sport that His Excellency has.

"A man who listened to the fight fans and went above and beyond to deliver for British fight fans who said they wanted to experience a Riyadh Season event."