Are cracks beginning to form in the relationship between boxing promoters and Saudi Boxing Chief Turki Alalshikh? Matchroom Boxing, one of the biggest names in British boxing promotion led by Eddie Hearn, doesn’t think so. However, Hearn has admitted that he disagrees with His Excellency’s view that boxing is broken.
UFC CEO Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, recently announced the launch of a new boxing league. While the league’s official name hasn’t been revealed, it will operate under the TKO Group banner, the parent company of both WWE and UFC. WWE’s Nick Khan is also said to be involved in the promotion, but the understanding is TKO would run day-to-day.
It’s also worth mentioning that Sela, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and sponsor of Newcastle United, is also part of the partnership. Regardless, White took to X a few days ago, sharing a video to break the news. In the video, Alalshikh expresses his excitement about this new venture, while stating, “I give the flag of boxing to the best man who can handle it.”
“We have a tough job now, but I am sure he will be delivering to the people and the fans a magnificent league and get boxing great again.” To make something ‘great again,’ it has to be broken at the moment, something Hearn doesn’t seem to be on the same board with. While appearing in an interview with Fight Hub TV recently, he shared his thoughts on the partnership.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 23: Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Saudi General Authority for Entertainment, looks on prior to the Day of Reckoning: Fight Night at Kingdom Arena on December 23, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
“I think that there’s a couple of comments from His Excellency and Dana White that probably rattled a few feathers and cages…,” Hearn said during the interview. “For me, I’m pretty chilled really… any time that someone like Dana White and TKO want to move into the sport… it shows you where the sport’s at. I disagree with Dana and Turki that boxing’s broken.”
As far as Hearn is concerned, Boxing is at a great place despite long-time broadcasters shutting down and viewership at an all-time low for boxing as a whole. “I think actually boxing’s in a great place, it’s always been in a great place but it has peaks and troughs. Boxing’s always been hot but his excellency’s come in shaking it up and made it much hotter.”
Hearn further highlighted that while he doesn’t know whether he will be involved in the league, he has a great relationship with both Turki Alalshikh and Dana White. However, the question is, what if the new partnership spells the end of Hearn’s relationship with the Riyadh Season?
Eddie Hearn claims Turki Alalshikh doesn’t run his business after deal with Dana White
Eddie Hearn has downplayed concerns over his future with Turki Alalshikh following the Saudi advisor’s new partnership with Dana White and TKO. Despite working closely with Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season since 2024, Hearn insists his business remains independent. “We don’t rely on Saudi Arabia to run our business,” he said.
“But we enjoy it. And it’s also been very productive and fruitful for Matchroom and our fighters.” Alalshikh’s recent announcement hinted at a dramatic shift in boxing’s power balance, with the plan favoring one champion per division. However, Hearn questioned the viability of a single-belt system. “The four belts do provide opportunities for great fighters to become world champions,” he noted.
Boxen: 62nd WBC Annual Convention, , Hamburg, 11.12.2024 Eddie Hearn Matchroom Hamburg Germany *** Boxing 62nd WBC Annual Convention, , Hamburg, 11 12 2024 Eddie Hearn Matchroom Hamburg Germany
“But I also understand the fascination with one belt.” Responding to Alalshikh’s playful remark about locking up promoters on Alcatraz Island during the launch of the agreement, Hearn laughed it off. “That’s His Excellency. And that’s the kind of f**kery that he likes,” he joked. While the future of boxing promotions remains uncertain, Hearn remains confident.
“If we shook hands today and never worked again, we’d still be the biggest in the world.”
That being said, it appears Eddie Hearn and Turki Alalshikh aren’t enemies yet following the boxing league deal with Dana White. However, they are clearly throwing subtle shade at each other. While it could just be playful banter, things can change at a moment’s notice. What are your thoughts on the matter?
The post “I Disagree”: Eddie Hearn Shatters Dana White & Turki Alalshikh’s False Illusions on Boxing After Game-Changing Move appeared first on EssentiallySports.
