Latest news with #RiyadhSeason
Forbes
4 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Stevenson Vs. Zepeda Headline Massive NY Fight Card, Here's How To Watch
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: William Zepeda (L) and Shakur Stevenson face off during a press ... More conference ahead of the fight between Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz at The Palladium on May 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/) Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season has delivered again. On Saturday, July 12, the boxing world will get to see another strong fight card with multiple intriguing matchups. Shakur Stevenson will defend his WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda in a fight some believe will be the toughest of the champion's career. Also, Edgar Berlanga takes on Hamzah Sheeraz in a fight that could determine the next title challenger at 168 pounds. Here's how you can watch the event along with the full card: Fight Card: While this event is being billed as a dual main event, there's no debate over which fight truly stands at the top. With all due respect to Sheeraz and Berlanga, that matchup simply isn't on par with Stevenson vs. Zepeda. Stevenson is one of the best fighters in the world. He's undefeated—as is Zepeda—and this could be the most dangerous assignment of the champ's career. That's the main event. And the implications don't stop at the final bell. If Stevenson wins, the talk of him and Gervonta Davis will only get louder. That said, Davis needs to defeat Lamont Roach Jr. in their rematch. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 08: Edgar Berlanga (L) and Hamzah Sheeraz (R) face off prior to their ... More fight at the grand arrivals at Hard Rock Cafe - Times Square on July 08, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/) The winner of Berlanga-Sheeraz should be in a position to fight the winner David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde or even to face the winner of Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford. In any case, there is a lot on the line. Stevenson is seemingly being pressured to fight an action style. Quite honestly, I hate to see him being pushed to compete in a style that gives his opponent the only path to victory. He may still come out on top, but if he loses, it would be better for him to take his L his way rather than falling because he tried to appease fans and even Alalshikh. That's my two cents, but the dynamic is part of the intrigue for the fight. This pressure around Stevenson isn't just media hype—it's baked into the promotion. In his own words, Stevenson has acknowledged Zepeda's intensity early in fights and has said his conditioning has been pushed to new levels in training. He knows that Zepeda's punch volume starts hot and fades late, and plans to turn the tide down the stretch. But getting there will require clean, powerful counters—something he emphasized repeatedly in our interview. According to Stevenson, stylistically, this could resemble a Floyd Mayweather vs. Emanuel Augustus-type bout more than a strategic chess match. Zepeda will look to press, while Stevenson must decide whether to meet that fire with fire or try to ice it with timing. The concern is whether the outside forces—not just Zepeda, but expectations—will push him to abandon what's worked his entire career. On the Sheeraz side, this is about redemption and elevation. Coming off a draining fight at middleweight against Carlos Adames, he's entering the super middleweight division for good. And instead of easing into the new class, he's chosen to leap into a 50-50 fight with Berlanga. He's honest about the lessons learned in the Adames bout, and his willingness to fight the best—even after adversity—speaks volumes. Berlanga, despite criticisms about matchmaking and weight issues, remains a major draw with knockout power. In our interview, Sheeraz called him an underrated boxer, which is rare praise from a rising British star, and one that suggests this won't just be a slugfest. All eyes will be on this card on a strong boxing weekend that begins on Friday with the all-women's show in Madison Square Garden. For Stevenson, it's a chance to affirm his greatness against a tough stylistic matchup. For Berlanga and Sheeraz, it's a bid to climb into the sport's elite tier.
Leaders
4 days ago
- Sport
- Leaders
GEA Chairman Unveils ‘The Ring IV' with 4 World Title Fights for Riyadh Season
Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, has officially announced the return of the global boxing spectacle, The Ring IV . Scheduled for Friday, November 22 at ANB Arena in Riyadh, the event will be a centerpiece of this year's Riyadh Season celebrations. This highly anticipated edition will feature four major world title fights, showcasing elite international talent in what is expected to be one of the most electrifying nights in boxing history. 4 Title Fights Featuring Global Boxing Stars The main event of the night features an all-American showdown for the WBO welterweight title between undefeated stars Devin Haney and Brian Norman Jr. Haney enters the ring with an impressive 32-0 record (15 KOs), while Norman boasts 28 victories (22 KOs). Both fighters are coming off dominant performances—Haney with a decision win over Arnold Barboza Jr., and Norman with a knockout victory against Jin Sasaki—setting the stage for a high-stakes clash. The co-main event sees American powerhouse David Benavidez defend his WBC light heavyweight crown against British contender Anthony Yarde. Benavidez remains unbeaten at 30-0 (24 KOs), while Yarde brings a formidable record of 27 wins (24 KOs) and 3 losses. Their bout promises explosive action and intense competition. Rising Stars, Technical Battles In the lightweight division, undefeated American prospect Abdullah Mason will face off against Britain's Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO title. Mason holds a record of 19 wins with 17 knockouts, while Noakes carries 17 wins with 15 knockouts—making this a battle of power, precision, and emerging talent. Closing the event is a Super Bantamweight fight between Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez of the U.S. and Argentina's Fernando Martinez. Moreover, the Ring title on the line, fans can expect a technical masterclass from both fighters, marked by speed, skill, and strategic finesse. Saudi Arabia's Global Sporting Ascent Finally , The Ring IV continues Saudi Arabia's ambitious efforts to position itself as a major global player in sports and entertainment. As part of Riyadh Season, this event not only brings world-class boxing to the Kingdom but also highlights its growing influence in the international sporting arena. Related Topics: Tickets Available Now for WWE 'SmackDown', 'Night of Champions' in Riyadh via Webook Unforgettable Night at Riyadh Season with Hans Zimmer Riyadh Season 2025 Shatters Records with 20 Million Visitors Short link : Post Views: 27
The Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Hamzah Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Reito Tsutsumi – who are Turki Alalshikh's favoured fighters?
Arguably the most influential man in modern boxing, Turki Alalshikh, has the ability to change a boxer's life. The Riyadh Season mogul's involvement has seen the sweet science receive rich financial backing, leading to many impressive matchups and cards over the last few years. A passionate boxing fan, Alalshikh's love for the sport has been a key driving force in the increased investment for events and shows. The Saudi Arabian's influence on the sport has grown stronger and stronger, with Alalshikh keen to see exciting fights. Not afraid to voice his opinion about aspects of the sport on social media, it is no surprise that Alalshikh hardly keeps his cards close to his chest when it comes to his favourite boxers. Growing up, he was enamoured with the styles of Larry Holmes and Roberto Durán, but there are plenty of modern fighters Alalshikh roots for. Hamzah Sheeraz Brit Hamzah Sheeraz begins life as a super middleweight this weekend, when he takes on Edgar Berlanga as the co-main event of The Ring III show, live on DAZN. The 26-year-old had received a title shot at middleweight, but was unable to take advantage when he faced WBC champion Carlos Adames on the undercard of the second Beterbiev-Bivol fight. Outclassed and seemingly well beaten, Riyadh Season international ambassador Sheeraz was happier of the two fighters when a controversial split decision draw was read out. Further eyebrows had been raised when Alalshikh stepped up from his ringside perch midway through the bout to personally tell Sheeraz that he was losing the fight, leading to outcry on social media. Some suggested that Alalshikh had seen the judges' scorecards, but this claim has been refuted by officials, including WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán. Sulaimán told 'I don't think he knew the scores but was instead expressing his opinion that Sheeraz was behind. The scores are handled by the BBBoC and the WBC supervisor. I was just behind them and never saw anyone approaching to see or inquire about the scores.' Still unbeaten, Sheeraz continues to receive backing from Alalshikh, who has included the Londoner on another show arranged by the Saudi Arabian. Alalshikh clearly has big plans for Sheeraz, as evidenced by his tweet in the build-up to this weekend's fight. I will be very upset if Berlanga and Zepeda knock out Sheeraz and Shakur. We have big plans for Sheeraz and Shakur, and this result would be a complete disaster...! — TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) June 25, 2025 Sheeraz's upcoming opponent, Berlanga, clearly feels that the Brit is favoured, claiming that the plan is for the Briton to take on Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez in the near future. The bout between Berlanga and Sheeraz serves as a WBC title eliminator for one of the four belts undisputed champion Álvarez holds. American Berlanga, who lost to Canelo in 2024, is keen on preventing Alalashikh's plans for Sheeraz. Berlanga told Fight Hub TV: 'I'm going to make an offer to him fight week. I don't care about his plans. I'm a chosen one for a reason. I'm not really pressed with what he's saying because he's not going in there fighting for his fighter.' Mark Chamberlain Sheeraz may be Turki Alalshikh's current favourite, but boxing's kingmaker used to be very vocal about his support of Portsmouth fighter Mark Chamberlain. Nicknamed 'Thunder', Chamberlain was spotted by Alalshikh fighting at York Hall, a breeding ground for future world champions. Out of nowhere he was called by the Saudi Arabian royal advisor, leading to his inclusion on multiple Riyadh Season shows. Just as he was establishing himself as a staple on Saudi Arabian cards, Chamberlain featured on the undercard of Daniel Dubois ' win over Anthony Joshua. He took on Josh Padley, a previously unbeaten lightweight who was supposedly a level below Chamberlain. However, that proved not to be the case, with Padley pulling off the shock with a unanimous decision victory under the Wembley arch. Since that 2024 defeat, Alalshikh's interest in Chamberlain has cooled, with Queensberry left to rebuild their fighter's profile on domestic shows. Josh Padley Perhaps Turki Alalshikh could be accused of dropping a fighter after finding a new shiny toy. Josh Padley's aforementioned defeat of Mark Chamberlain caught the attention of Alalshikh, who remembered the Yorkshireman's name when a lightweight was needed at the last-minute against Shakur Stevenson in February. With just days to make weight, it was no surprise that WBC champion Stevenson stopped Padley, but the heart and quality shown led to Matchroom Boxing offering the 29-year-old a contract. That enabled the electrician to put down the tools and take up boxing full time, highlighting the life-changing impact Alalshikh can have on a fighter's career. Reito Tsutsumi I am thrilled to welcome Reito Tsutsumi as our newest brand ambassador for The Ring. He will make his pro debut on May 2nd in Times Square and is it is just the beginning for this rising star. I will always make sure to support him personally and through the ring and stay behind… — TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) April 19, 2025 There are plenty of big names that serve as Riyadh Season ambassadors, with stars selected from countries all over the world. Future opponents Terence Crawford and Canelo are representatives, as well as heavyweight Anthony Joshua and two-division undisputed champion Naoyo Inoue. It is perhaps a surprise then to see a prospect with the same distinction, but Japanese featherweight Reito Tsutsumi has been highlighted by another one of Turki Alalshikh's organisations. A gold medallist at the 2021 World Youth Championships, Tsutsumi is backed to have a successful professional career, with The Ring magazine – owned by Alalshikh – frequently pushing the Japanese fighter as their ambassador. The 22-year-old made his pro debut as the opening bout of The Ring's first event held at Times Square, Tsutsumi's duel with Levale Whittington the only non-world title fight of the night. He will return to action again on The Ring's next card this weekend, when he faces American prospect Isiah Rodrigues, 3-3 (1). In the build up to the bout, Tsutsumi has trained with WBC flyweight champion Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez, who will feature on The Ring's fourth show later this year. Mohammed Alakel The world will be watching Riyadh Season's Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford fight of the century on Netflix. And for that, I want to load the undercard with young, hungry fighters who deserve the chance to perform under the bright lights. These are some of the names I hope to see… — TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) June 11, 2025 Part of Turki Alalshik's remit as head of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia is to improve his country's profile, explaining why numerous shows have been staged in the Middle East. Alalshikh has also been keen to highlight Saudi Arabia's own boxers, with Mohammed Alakel clearly standing out as a prospect. Since making his debut on the undercard of the first Beterbiev-Bivol fight, 'Might Mo' has featured on four shows in his homeland, picking up four straight shutouts via decision and points wins. Trained by The Ring's 2015 trainer of the year Joe Gallagher, Alalshikh is not the only high profile name in Alakel's corner. Former women's welterweight world champion Natasha Jonas trains with the 21-year-old, and has been seen helping out during fights. Alakel will fight outside Saudi Arabia for the first time this weekend, when he faces Placido Hoff on the undercard of The Ring III show in New York City. Alalshikh clearly has Alakel in mind for another fight later in the year, with Turki naming the Saudi Arabian - alongside the aforementioned Reito Tsutsumi - on a list of boxers he would like to see on the undercard of Canelo-Crawford. Watch the very best boxing with a DAZN subscription DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tyson Fury offered huge title fight days after announcing boxing return
Fury has been offered the chance to compete for the IBA heavyweight title after the two-time world champion announced his return to boxing Tyson Fury has received an invitation to compete for the IBA heavyweight championship after confirming his return to boxing. The 'Gypsy King' shocked the boxing world after announcing his retirement from the sport following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. However, in recent months, he's been spotted keeping fit and training, sparking whispers of a potential comeback. Recently, it was revealed that Fury is set for a return to the boxing scene next year. Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh took to social media announcing: "The 'Gypsy King' will be back!!! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in have a rabbit to hunt!" Fury echoed Alalshikh's post on his Instagram story, teasing fans with the note: "Let's see what 2026 brings," accompanied by a string of dollar sign and laughing face emojis. IBA President Umar Kremlev recently welcomed Fury with the two boxing powerhouses discussing future plans for the returning Brit. "We are happy to see you here, supporting and promoting boxing," Kremlev told the former unified heavyweight king. Fury replied: "It's a big event. When you see all of these fighters and special people, it attracts a lot of eyes to boxing — and boxing brings people together," reports All Out Fighting. With fans desperate to see Fury back in action, Kremlev took the opportunity to make an audacious bid to have the former lineal champion see out his career on an IBA show - with a bout for the IBA heavyweight title on the cards. "We would love to make a professional fight for you [Fury] — a farewell bout, as the king of boxing. One final, beautiful fight to say farewell. You started your career with the IBA, so you have to complete your career with IBA!" In an exciting development, Fury recently unveiled the details of his trilogy fight with Usyk, announcing via Instagram that it will take place on April 18, 2026, at Wembley Stadium, United Kingdom. Usyk responded promptly, indicating his willingness to engage in a third fight against Fury, but emphasised his team's primary focus remains on the upcoming showdown against Daniel Dubois. In a subsequent statement, Sergey Lapin, CEO of Ready To Fight and head of Team Usyk, said: "The idea of a third fight with Tyson Fury has been on the table between our teams ever since their second bout. And I have never had any doubt that, together with Goldstar Promotions, we could turn it into a reality. "Right now, both Oleksandr Usyk and our team are fully focused on the upcoming fight with Dubois on July 19 and on achieving the historic goal of becoming a three-time undisputed world champion. As you've probably noticed, focus and total commitment are at the core of the champion's and the team's strategy. When this goal - three-time undisputed - is accomplished, and the dust settles, we'll be open for the next round."
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Conor Benn contradicts himself over Chris Eubank Jr fight ahead of rematch
Conor Benn took on Chris Eubank Jr in a hotly-anticipated grudge match back in April, with the latter getting his hand raised on points - but the Destroyer is adamant he won the fight Conor Benn has claimed he still hasn't watched any footage of his fight with Chris Eubank Jr, despite initially saying he had reviewed the bout immediately after it took place. The British boxing rivals clashed in an epic middleweight contest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London in April, with Eubank Jr ultimately emerging victorious on points. The pair are set to face off again in a highly anticipated rematch on September 20, as part of the Riyadh Season event promoted by Sela, Boxxer, and Matchroom. As both fighters begin their training for the sequel, it's likely they'll scrutinise the first fight to identify areas for improvement. However, Benn's claim that he's yet to watch the fight footage contradicts his initial statement made just a day after the bout, where he said: "I watched the fight back. I personally had me up by a point I would not have moaned at a point either way. Four points is a bit wide in my opinion." During a chat with Carl Froch, Benn now claims he hasn't yet rewatched their earlier bout: "I have not watched it back. I cannot... not at the minute! I want to enjoy my summer," he said. Their initial bout was nothing short of a blockbuster 'Fight of the Year' candidate in north London. The upcoming rematch is set to line their pockets even more than before, reports All Out Fighting. Reports surfaced prior to their first face-off, suggesting the total purse stood at £15m with a 50/50 division, which meant they pocketed a cool £7.5m each—making it the heftiest payday of their careers so far. But now, it appears they're set for an even fatter paycheck. In his conversation with Boxing King Media, Benn appeared to spill the beans on the fight's financial terms. Addressing whether Eubank Jr's weight cut concerned him, Benn dismissed it with blunt indifference: "I do not care about him. I do not care about him cutting weight. He is getting paid an absolute fortune. People do that for ten grand, he is getting paid 10 million." Ahead of the eagerly anticipated second showdown, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn spoke of venue prospects, hinting at possibly using Tottenham or Wembley. Hearn shared his thoughts: "Spurs is contracted - it's a fantastic stadium and it worked extremely well the first time. Obviously, it was sold out and this fight's even bigger, so you could possibly look at Wembley to increase the capacity, but that will be a decision for His Excellency and Ring Magazine to make the final call."
