Born on 4 August 1981, Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh is a high-ranking Saudi official and key figure in the sports world. A graduate of King Fahd Security College, he rose quickly through government ranks to become a Royal Court adviser. In 2018, he was appointed Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).
In April 2025, he took over as President of the Saudi Boxing Federation (2024-28), consolidating his control over boxing in Saudi Arabia. Known by many as “His Excellency,” Alalshikh is now the mastermind of Saudi Arabia’s boxing revolution.
Vision 2030 and the Rise of Saudi Boxing
Vision 2030 is the Kingdom’s plan to diversify its economy through tourism, entertainment, and sport. Turki Alalshikh plays a central role in Vision 2030. Riyadh Season, the six-month mega-festival curated by the General Entertainment Authority, has become a launchpad for global boxing events.
Alalshikh’s passion for boxing is no secret and he wants “To make boxing great again!” From heavyweight clashes to crossover fights, Riyadh is now competing with Las Vegas, London, and New York as the premier boxing destination.
All Major Saudi Arabia Boxing Events Curated by Turki Alalshikh
Battle of the Baddest – Fury vs Ngannou (Oct 2023)
This crossover spectacle introduced Riyadh as a fight capital, featuring a Hollywood-style build-up, massive paydays, and global buzz. The first fight of its kind; a crossover between an ex-ufc heavyweight champion against a boxing heavyweight champion.
Day of Reckoning – Joshua vs Wallin and Wilder vs Parker (Dec 2023)
One of the most stacked cards in modern heavyweight history. The event showed Saudi Arabia was ready to fund high-risk, high-reward boxing events. Pushing the heavyweight division back on top, how it used to be, showing the raw knock-out power the big boys have.
Knockout Chaos – Joshua vs Ngannou (Mar 2024)
Anthony Joshua’s two-round destruction of former UFC champion Francis Ngannou went viral, surpassing Vegas in terms of digital reach and mainstream attention. The second crossover event this time finished quickly and swiftly by Anthony “AJ” Joshua, who didn’t take his time like Fury did with Ngannou, who is still yet to return to the ring or the octagon after his defeat to AJ.
Ring of Fire – Fury vs Usyk Undisputed (May 2024)
After UK negotiations collapsed, Alalshikh rescued the deal and delivered boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight championship fight in over two decades. The aftermath of this fight is still being talked about today and shifting the heavyweight division, with talks of a third fight between Usyk and Fury looming, or does AJ deserve a chance after Dubois.
Queensberry vs Matchroom 5-vs-5 (Jun 2024)
Alalshikh united rival promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren for an unprecedented 5-on-5 event, showing Saudi Arabia’s unmatched promotional power. Another night of boxing that didn’t let us boxing fans down, with the first of its kind promoter v promoter type of battle, with amazing theming behind it.
Beterbiev vs Bivol II and More – February 2025
The Riyadh Season finale in 2025 featured three world title fights and reinforced Alalshikh’s pledge: “Every Saudi boxing event will feel like a once-in-a-lifetime night.” This is not the end either, with big fights announced all the way till September such as Canelo V Crawford and before that Usyk v Dubois 2.
The Business Power Behind Saudi Arabia Boxing
Media Expansion – Ring Magazine
In November 2024, Alalshikh purchased the ‘Ring Magazine’ for $10 million. Plans include a print relaunch and an annual red-carpet boxing awards show in Riyadh.
New Promotion with Dana White and TKO Group
In March 2025, Alalshikh and UFC’s Dana White announced a joint venture to create a new cross-market boxing promotion capable of disrupting the current model.This first cross venture fight will be Canelo V Crawford with the press tour expected to kick off early summer, so we will see what the partnership actually entails then.
Sportswashing or Smart Strategy?
Critics call Saudi Arabia’s boxing boom “sportswashing,” but Alalshikh and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman disagree. If boxing boosts national GDP and tourism, they argue, it is an investment worth every dollar. His excellency has already pushed the boundaries in boxing and made fights that boxing casual fans and fanatics alike have been waiting for years to see.