After what many consider a phase of slump, boxing has been witnessing a resurgence in popularity during the last few years. What could be the reason behind this sudden change? Fans are increasingly viewing some of the biggest matches. They make up not only in terms of legacy but are proving themselves big money spinners. One significant reason attributed to this transition could be the emergence of Saudi Arabia as one of the most important destinations on the boxing map. It is especially the vision of one person that has been instrumental in widening the Middle Eastern country’s reach in the sport.

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is widely acknowledged as the most influential figure in boxing today. Along with his team at the Riyadh Season, the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Saudi Arabia, has brought about some of the biggest boxing matches of recent times. However, as he revealed in an interview with ESPN, it appears that HE Turki Alalshikh’s inspiration goes beyond matches and fixtures. Instead, he reportedly wants to bring about changes that will revitalize boxing.

Dawn of a new era: HE Turki Alalshikh and his quest for sporting innovation

One of the major steps, as Mike Coppinger detailed it out in his coverage, the Chairman of General Entertainment Authority, Saudi Arabia, wants to take is to introduce an event where the undercards are as important and critical as the headline fight. The sort of thing that happens in the UFC currently. Probably that explains the line-ups decking the August 3 Los Angeles event, and the Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov fight headlines it. But it boasts other exciting cards, such as Isaac Cruz versus Jose Valenzuela or the one between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Jarrell Miller.

“Boxing is broken, but I don’t think we need to get everything back together,” said HE Turki Alalshikh. “We need to improve it with something else; we have a strategic vision where we have identified untapped opportunities and are committed to market improvement. Now, my strategy is that for each card, the result of it connects with another card,” he added further.

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He specified that he basically engages with everyone. Otherwise, as he saw it earlier, most of the promoters incessantly competed against each other. To prove the point, the August 3 show in Los Angeles has basically a boxer from each of the prominent promotions. According to the article, for 2025, HE Turki Alalshikh plans to hold boxing events in cities like Shanghai and Berlin.

Why? Because, according to him, the market has changed. “You see how much we sometimes [commercialize] the fight, and that’s because we understand that it’s a competitive market,” he said. “The market’s changed. Why’s it changed? Because we have a goal. We are committed to the long-term success of this industry; prepared to navigate challenges as we work towards our goal,” HE Turki Alalshikh pointed out.

He laid out that he and his team would work in partnership with all the stakeholders. Their sole aim would be to further boxing’s cause. Additionally, they will make the market more efficient and effective for the benefit of all participants. He shared how everyone now understands that they are treating the sport with the utmost severity and importance.

Outcomes tell the tale

Last year, Saudi Arabia played host to the Tyson Fury–Francis Ngannou clash. Later, the nation saw a big turnout for ‘The Day of Reckoning’. Then this year, the Kingdom Arena witnessed the knockout power of Anthony Joshua during the ‘Knockout Chaos’. Next week, the celebrated venue will walk into history. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will slug it for the coveted, undisputed title on May 18. The much-vaunted Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol clash received a big jolt. However, the chances of it coming by year-end remain high.

What’s more, an event sometime in September at London’s Wembley will follow the Los Angeles show. It might see Anthony Joshua return. He will take on the winner of the Flip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois fight for the vacant IBF title. Reportedly, HE Turki Alalshikh plans to bring back Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for a rematch by October to kick off the Riyadh Season.

Needless to say, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and his team are bringing about a paradigm shift in the sport of boxing. It will help the boxers and all the important stakeholders. But most significantly, it will bring umpteen joy to millions of fans. They will finally get to see the fights they’ve been eagerly anticipating.

What are your views on the direction boxing is taking? Do you have any suggestions on the same? Share your views in the comments below.