Turki Alalshikh is part of one of the biggest powers that exist on Saudi Arabia’s soil. Alalshikh is the chairman of the General Authority of Entertainment, which is the leader in managing the bigger shows taking place on Saudi Arabia’s land.
To exert a similar level of influence, Turki Alalshikh once again stepped forward, issuing an ultimatum to all promotions seeking to organize fights under his authority. The outstanding performances of numerous boxers have instilled hope among a majority of fighters.
Turki Alalshikh plans to end YouTube boxing in Saudi Arabia
On this occasion, the 42-year-old issued an ultimatum to boxers primarily known for their social media presence and lacking sufficient professional fight experience. Boxing reporter Michael Benson delivered shocking and surprising news for fans, revealing that Turki Alalshikh aims to attract an audience interested in witnessing high-quality fighters competing against each other. The real surprise is reserved for those who gained boxing fame solely through their social media presence.
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has said he will not bring any more YouTube boxing to Saudi Arabia: “Please, we don't want any YouTuber fights again. I want fighters, this is what I support. For me, inside my heart, I want the fighters.” [@DAZNBoxing]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) January 17, 2024
Michael Benson conveyed to Turki Alalshikh the directive to explicitly inform all YouTubers turned boxers that their fights will no longer be promoted on Saudi Arabian soil. It’s essentially a ban for all of them to compete in the country unless they acquire substantial experience in professional boxing.
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh said, “Please, we don’t want any YouTuber fights again. I want fighters; this is what I support. For me, inside my heart, I want the fighters.” Alalshikh is making sure that this time onwards, fighters are from the boxing ring, not YouTubers.
Turki Alalshikh wants Gervonta vs. Haney bout
This year, fans may witness yet another showdown between undefeated fighters in the boxing ring of Saudi Arabia. Turki Alalshikh has confirmed that he already communicated with Gervonta Davis’ manager, proposing to host the bout between Haney and Davis on their soil.
‼️ His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has said he wants to bring Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney to fight in Saudi Arabia: “I want him [Davis] and I send message now to Al Haymon – let's do the job brother. I want to see Haney in my country. I will try to do it in 2024.” [@DAZNBoxing]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) January 17, 2024
Turki Alalshikh said, “I want him [Davis] and I send message now to Al Haymon – let’s do the job brother. I want to see Haney in my country. I will try to do it in 2024.”
Beyond conveying the message about the Haney vs. Davis bout, the 42-year-old also expressed his desire for a Fury vs. Usyk fight, a Joshua vs. Fury match, and highlighted the anticipated bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, which is expected to take place soon in the boxing ring.
𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗙𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 🤝 𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 🤩 @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/mchyrXeRDT
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 17, 2024
In a social media post, the chairman said, “The people need to see Fury vs. Usyk and the rematch between Fury and Usyk. Joshua vs. Fury, Fury vs. Joshua, if Joshua wins. And I sent a message to you now about the result of Artur (Beterbiev) and Dimitri (Bivol) playing against Jai (Opetaia). And the fans want to see this fight.”
The initial two fights scheduled to occur in Saudi Arabia are set for February 17, featuring Tyson Fury against Oleksandr Usyk. Subsequently, another bout is slated for March 8th, pitting Anthony Joshua against Francis Ngannou.
Do you think the statement by the Chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment, Turki Alalshikh, seems to justify a future trend of bouts featuring only legitimate fighters rather than YouTubers?
