Turki Alalshikh tells ESPN he has plan to fix ‘broken’ boxing

Turki Alalshikh tells ESPN he has plan to fix ‘broken’ boxing

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, holds significant influence in boxing and aims to overhaul a sport he describes as “flawed,” according to an exclusive interview with ESPN. This interview occurred following the formal announcement of Alalshikh’s inaugural boxing event outside Saudi Arabia, featuring a lineup headlined by ESPN’s top pound-for-pound boxer, Terence Crawford, challenging Israil Madrimov for the WBA junior middleweight title on Aug. 3 in Los Angeles. Alalshikh outlined his vision for boxing and outlined an upcoming series of high-profile events.

The Crawford vs. Madrimov bout is presented by Riyadh Season, an annual sports and entertainment festival managed by the state, which commences in October in Saudi Arabia’s capital. This title fight is poised to underscore the kingdom’s commitment to the type of promotion, grandeur, and spectacle that Alalshikh believes has been lacking in boxing.

“We have meticulously planned our activities over the past six months,” Alalshikh stated. “We are investing in our season to commercialize it and, simultaneously, to gauge the market and understand all its intricacies. Based on our extensive testing and research over the last six months, we believe there is significant potential in boxing. … However, improvement is needed in the market. All issues must be addressed.”

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, is determined to elevate boxing by introducing competitive undercards akin to those seen in the UFC. The upcoming Aug. 3 event exemplifies this commitment with a stacked lineup of undercard fights.

In addition to the headline bout between Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov, the card features Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz defending his WBA junior welterweight title against Jose Valenzuela, and Tim Tszyu facing Vergil Ortiz Jr. in a highly anticipated matchup. Former heavyweight champions Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz are also scheduled to compete, along with other top talents like David Morrell and Andy Cruz.

Acknowledging boxing’s current challenges, Alalshikh emphasized the need for improvement and innovation to revive the sport’s prominence. Saudi Arabia has already hosted significant boxing events, including bouts featuring Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, and Tyson Fury. Alalshikh’s strategic vision aims to capitalize on untapped opportunities in the market and enhance the overall boxing experience for fans.

Upcoming events, such as the Fury-Usyk undisputed heavyweight championship fight on May 18 and the potential rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, further demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to boxing. Alalshikh’s plan involves creating interconnected events, with each card’s outcome influencing future matchups.

Despite boxing’s fragmented landscape, Alalshikh has successfully brought together fighters from various promotions for the Aug. 3 event, fostering collaboration among rival organizations. This approach reflects his dedication to promoting unity within the sport and delivering compelling matchups to fans worldwide.

Looking ahead, Alalshikh intends to continue hosting high-profile boxing events, including Joshua’s anticipated bout at London’s Wembley Stadium in September. These efforts underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the boxing world and its commitment to revitalizing the sport on a global scale.

The IBF has mandated that Hrgovic’s overdue mandatory title shot must proceed, resulting in the winner of the May 18 bout facing him for the vacant IBF title ahead of Hrgovic-Dubois on June 1. Consequently, only three of boxing’s four recognized titles will be up for grabs in the Fury-Usyk 2 rematch in October.

Despite the outcome of the first fight, Alalshikh affirmed that the Fury-Usyk rematch will proceed as planned. Additionally, he aims to arrange the long-anticipated Fury-Joshua bout by the end of March, considering Usyk’s prior victories over Joshua. In the event of a split outcome between Fury and Usyk, a potential trilogy match could occur after Fury-Joshua, likely in 2025.

Fury expressed his commitment to delivering an unforgettable spectacle in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing his role as a showman and ambassador for the country. Alalshikh disclosed plans for the final event of the year, featuring American fighters against their British counterparts, showcasing international talent.

Looking ahead, Alalshikh envisions staging a blockbuster matchup between boxing icons Canelo Alvarez and Crawford in the U.S. in December or January. He emphasized the significance of delivering a high-profile bout for Crawford, indicating ongoing discussions with the boxer regarding potential opponents.

Despite initial plans for Crawford to face Tszyu in August, Alalshikh adapted to unforeseen circumstances, opting for Madrimov as Tszyu’s replacement following his defeat in March.

Crawford expressed his appreciation for the respect shown by Turki and himself, recognizing the journey he had to undertake to reach his current position in the sport. He acknowledged the honor of being chosen by Alalshikh for such high-profile events, emphasizing his gratitude for the opportunity.

Looking ahead to the first half of 2025, Alalshikh plans to expand boxing events to Shanghai and Berlin, identifying these markets as untapped potentials. He highlighted the success of a Chinese film centered around a female boxer, indicating the significant box office revenue it generated upon its release in March.

By the conclusion of 2025, Alalshikh aims to unveil a comprehensive schedule for 2026, marking a groundbreaking initiative for the sport. Each boxing event organized in Riyadh has been preceded by elaborate promotional trailers reminiscent of major Hollywood productions.

Alalshikh emphasized the strategic approach taken to commercialize boxing events, recognizing the competitive nature of the market. He underscored the commitment to long-term success in the industry, stressing the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders to advance the sport and optimize market opportunities.

Alalshikh emphasized the significance of Las Vegas in the boxing world while asserting Saudi Arabia’s right to host major events. He stressed the importance of executing these events with excellence, aiming to capture global attention through meticulous planning and execution.

With a series of boxing events already underway and more planned for the future, Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia are making a concerted effort to reclaim boxing’s former prominence. Highlighting the sport’s decline in popularity, he expressed determination to elevate Saudi Arabia as a key hub for boxing worldwide, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the endeavor.