Latest news with #RiyadhSeasonWBCBoxingGrandPrix
Gulf Insider
21-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Boxing's New Capital? Saudi Arabia Channelling Don King Legacy
Saudi Arabia's vast investments are restoring boxing to the glamour and profile it enjoyed during the era of legendary promoter Don King, according to a senior official at one of the sport's main governing bodies. 'The biggest money is paid here and has been for two years now,' World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman said in an interview in Riyadh. 'The way things are now, it's like when boxing arrived in Vegas. They are bringing back the Don King era,' Sulaiman added, referring to the promoter behind some of boxing's biggest names, including Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Driven by Turki Al Sheikh — a royal court adviser and chairman of the General Entertainment Authority — Saudi Arabia has poured millions into staging blockbuster fights over the past two years. That includes Tyson Fury's two bouts against Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, with combined prize pots well exceeding $100 million. The first of those fights — dubbed the Ring of Fire — was hosted at a glitzy event in Riyadh, attended by football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and rapper Eminem, and generated 1.5 million pay-per-view buys. For comparison, one of Don King's most iconic promotions, the 1997 rematch between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, drew nearly 2 million pay-per-view purchases. Riyadh's foray into boxing is part of a broader strategy under Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to position Saudi Arabia as a global sports hub. The push aims to diversify the kingdom's economy, enhance quality of life and attract tourism. Saudi Arabia is also backing the creation of a new boxing promotion venture with TKO Group Holdings Inc., the parent company of WWE and the UFC. The kingdom has already shaken up sports like golf and football by luring top talent with lucrative deals and will host major events over the next decade — culminating in the Fifa World Cup 2034. Sulaiman was in Riyadh to attend the Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix, a multiphase tournament scheduled throughout the year. These events could pave the way for deeper collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the WBC, one of boxing's four major sanctioning bodies. According to Sulaiman, the WBC and Saudi authorities are exploring future tournaments in the country, joint international events, and even the construction of a boxing museum. Talks are still in the early stages and outcomes remain uncertain, he said. The WBC chief expressed hope that Saudi Arabia's investments could eventually lead to greater unification within boxing — a fragmented sport with multiple titles and promoters — 'if it's correctly handled.' However, he acknowledged the challenge that promoters elsewhere will struggle to match the prize money on offer in the kingdom. That could force them to cooperate more, boost ticket sales, and explore streaming partnerships to stay competitive. Still, Sulaiman remains optimistic about the future of the sport.
Gulf News
21-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Boxing's new capital? Saudi Arabia channelling Don King legacy
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's vast investments are restoring boxing to the glamour and profile it enjoyed during the era of legendary promoter Don King, according to a senior official at one of the sport's main governing bodies. 'The biggest money is paid here and has been for two years now,' World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman said in an interview in Riyadh. 'The way things are now, it's like when boxing arrived in Vegas. They are bringing back the Don King era,' Sulaiman added, referring to the promoter behind some of boxing's biggest names, including Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Big fights, big money Driven by Turki Al Sheikh — a royal court adviser and chairman of the General Entertainment Authority — Saudi Arabia has poured millions into staging blockbuster fights over the past two years. That includes Tyson Fury's two bouts against Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, with combined prize pots well exceeding $100 million. The first of those fights — dubbed the Ring of Fire — was hosted at a glitzy event in Riyadh, attended by football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and rapper Eminem, and generated 1.5 million pay-per-view buys. For comparison, one of Don King's most iconic promotions, the 1997 rematch between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, drew nearly 2 million pay-per-view purchases. Sport as strategy Riyadh's foray into boxing is part of a broader strategy under Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to position Saudi Arabia as a global sports hub. The push aims to diversify the kingdom's economy, enhance quality of life and attract tourism. Saudi Arabia is also backing the creation of a new boxing promotion venture with TKO Group Holdings Inc., the parent company of WWE and the UFC. The kingdom has already shaken up sports like golf and football by luring top talent with lucrative deals and will host major events over the next decade — culminating in the Fifa World Cup 2034. Future plans with the WBC Sulaiman was in Riyadh to attend the Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix, a multiphase tournament scheduled throughout the year. These events could pave the way for deeper collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the WBC, one of boxing's four major sanctioning bodies. According to Sulaiman, the WBC and Saudi authorities are exploring future tournaments in the country, joint international events, and even the construction of a boxing museum. Talks are still in the early stages and outcomes remain uncertain, he said. Push for unification The WBC chief expressed hope that Saudi Arabia's investments could eventually lead to greater unification within boxing — a fragmented sport with multiple titles and promoters — 'if it's correctly handled.'
Arab News
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
‘A new era for boxing begins in Riyadh,' says WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman
RIYADH: In a sport steeped in tradition, disruption rarely comes gently. Yet the Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix has done just that – reimagining professional boxing through a groundbreaking global tournament and an unprecedented collaboration of fighters, promoters, and nations. In an exclusive interview with Arab News, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman described the Grand Prix – whose initial stage took place from April 17 to 20 – as 'a dream come true.' 'This Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix is the first event of this magnitude ever in the history of boxing,' said Sulaiman. 'Never done before in professional boxing. Fighters from all over the world in four different categories with limited experience or years of age. It is for the talent of the future.' Sulaiman added: 'It has been such a great success, and we always expect this to be groundbreaking, because so many fighters are getting the opportunity to show their skills on this world stage here in Riyadh.' 'It is the dream come true of my father – he always wanted to have an opportunity for those who don't have an opportunity in life.' At the heart of this transformation is Turki Alalshikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority, whose leadership has united the boxing world in ways few thought possible. With long-standing promotional and broadcast rivalries bridged, the sport has entered an era of collaboration and spectacle. 'Riyadh Season, with the leadership of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, has changed the boxing world in only two years,' Sulaiman explained. 'Riyadh and Jeddah have shown some of the most important fights in the last 20, 30 years – fights that were not being put together because promoters were fighting each other, networks fighting each other.' 'And his excellency came in, invited everyone to sit down and negotiate, and made this happen,' said Sulaiman. 'I believe that a new era has begun. A new era that will change forever the way boxing is featured.' While the Grand Prix has drawn international headlines, Sulaiman is particularly energized by local and regional talent. 'I have seen two Saudi fighters – not in this tournament – but in the Riyadh Season events, and they have talent. They have good skill which you need when you're born. 'You cannot teach that, you have to be born with it … The Middle East is known for having courageous, brave fighters. It is just a matter of getting the boxing technique and experience.' He also praised an emerging fighter competing in the tournament. 'I saw a fighter from Jordan yesterday. He was sensational. And I believe that he will be advancing in the tournament and that could be a great, great talent.' To young Saudis hoping to one day hold a world title, Sulaiman offered candid and heartfelt advice. 'Boxing is a sport that is very demanding. You need dedication, you need passion, you need patience, and a lot of hard work,' he said. 'You have to be in perfect shape, working every day, running, and then going to the gym and learning the skills. You cannot be a boxer in one year, just as you cannot be a doctor.' 'Boxing is a great sport. It teaches you discipline, brings opportunities, and gives an open door for many things in life.' With the Grand Prix setting the stage, Sulaiman said the WBC is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia's long-term development as a global boxing hub. 'This is the first step. Ever since His Excellency Turki Alalshikh came into the picture two years ago, the WBC welcomed him with open arms,' said Sulaiman. 'Because what we have seen is something never done before.' He emphasized the importance of grassroots investment and consistent activity for young fighters. 'You need to have local tournaments for young talent. 'Ten fights every year, 12 fights every year. Then go find opportunities abroad. I am certain that the Saudi boxing program will emerge.' With follow-up Grand Prix events scheduled for June, August, October, and a grand final in December, the foundation for a new boxing powerhouse is being laid brick by brick. 'The result has shown the greatness of the concept. I am hopeful that next year we will be doing another tournament and give continuity. This is what is needed.' According to Sulaiman, Saudi Arabia is no longer just a host but becoming a home for elite boxing. 'Saudi Arabia had some fights in 2018 and 2019. Then the pandemic came, and it seemed to be finished,' he said. 'And then his excellency came in, brought technology, brought Tyson Fury, the heavyweights … and the talent started coming.' Next on the calendar is Canelo Alvarez, boxing's biggest superstar, who will fight in Riyadh on May 3 under a two-year contract. 'It all looks like it's going to be a continuous effort, continuous promotion,' said Sulaiman. 'The world knows Saudi Arabia and boxing together is a great combination.' Despite the high stakes and elite production, Sulaiman reminded Arab News that boxing's core identity as a sport of the people remains as powerful as ever. 'Boxing is a sport of poor people. They come from difficulties. They come from opportunities to take a wrong life in the streets,' he said. 'And boxing gives them a change of life – for them, their family, their friends, their neighborhood, their country.' 'Every person that visits Saudi Arabia for a boxing event goes back home as an ambassador of Saudi,' Sulaiman said. 'Because the hospitality, the respect, the beauty of the country – it stays in your heart. It's a beautiful country with beautiful people.'
