https://arab.news/568tz
- The partnership is with TKO, the American sports entertainment group, and PIF's subsidiary company
- It 'will turn the page on a new chapter in boxing history'
RIYADH: Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, launched a new boxing promotion partnership on Wednesday with TKO Group Holdings and Sela.
The partnership with TKO and Sela, a company owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, will promote world-class boxing matches and establish a platform for leading boxers and talents in the sweet science.
Alalshikh said that the trio will work to develop talent in boxing and deliver world-class boxing matches. "This landmark partnership between industry powerhouses sets the stage for an unparalleled experience for boxers and fans," he said.
TKO, the American owner of the UFC mixed martial arts and WWE wrestling companies, is set to serve as the managing partner. It will provide daily administration and oversight of the promotion, led by UFC President Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan.
"This is a strategic opportunity to reimagine the sport of boxing globally," said Mark Shapiro, the president and CEO of TKO. "Turki Alalshikh and Sela share our passion and vision for evolving the current model," he added.
Sela has a track record of promoting some of the biggest boxing matches in recent years, including Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles in August 2024 and Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. Both matches were part of the Riyadh Season Card, a series of sporting events in Saudi Arabia, with some competitions held abroad.
The company has served as the lead sponsor for Newcastle United FC. It has also delivered the Riyadh Winter Wonderland, Formula E, and the Italian Super Cup.
Rakan Alharthy, the CEO of Sela, said the partnership with Alalshikh's General Entertainment Authority and TKO "will turn the page on a new chapter in boxing history."
"Together, we will elevate the sport to new heights and redefine the fan experience for a worldwide audience," he said.
Additional aspects of the partnership will involve fostering new boxing talents through academies and providing all boxers access to the UFC Performance Institute, a premier combat sports training center with hubs in Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Shanghai.