Brunch Boxing Exclusive: Backlash Against Turki Alalshikh’s Saudi Boxing Takeover Plan

Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi sports promoter and advisor to the Saudi Royal Court, has recently unveiled an ambitious plan that aims to revolutionize the world of boxing. His vision includes the establishment of a new boxing league comprising 200 male fighters, spread across 12 weight divisions with about 16 fighters per division. This proposed league, if realized, would significantly alter the landscape of professional boxing, offering a fresh platform for fighters and potentially drawing substantial investment and global attention to the sport.

However, the proposal has not been without controversy. Alalshikh’s plans have sparked significant backlash from established promoters and stakeholders within the boxing community, particularly in the United States and other major boxing markets. The criticism revolves around concerns over Alalshikh’s methods and the potential impact of his initiative on the existing boxing ecosystem.

One of the most vocal opponents, behind the scenes, of Alalshikh’s plan has been Top Rank Boxing, one of the premier boxing promotions in the United States. According to sources who spoke to Brunch Boxing on the condition of anonymity, Carl Moretti, a senior executive at Top Rank, dismissed the Saudi Boxing League as a “pipe dream.” Moretti’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within Top Rank, which has categorically rejected any notion of selling the company or collaborating with Alalshikh’s initiative.

A specific incident that has fueled this animosity involves the World Boxing Association (WBA) ordering a mandatory title bout between Japan’s Naoya Inoue and Uzbekistan’s Murodjon Akhmadaliev for Inoue’s super bantamweight title. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum was particularly incensed by this development, telling BoxingNewsED, “No chance. Who is this guy? Nobody’s ever heard of him… We’re not gonna fight a no-name guy in Wembley. Inoue means so much to Japan. It’s the same Inoue with three titles as with four.” Arum’s sentiments were echoed by Inoue’s Japanese promoter, Ohashi, who also dismissed the bout, highlighting the challenges Alalshikh faces in gaining acceptance from established promoters.

Alalshikh’s attempts to engage with fighters directly have further compounded tensions. Promoters associated with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) have accused Alalshikh of bypassing traditional channels and reaching out to their fighters without prior consent. This practice is considered highly unethical within the sport and has led to allegations of misconduct.

One prominent example involves boxing superstar David Benavidez, who revealed in an interview with Brunch Boxing that he was approached by Alalshikh with a proposal to drop down to middleweight for a lucrative fight against Terence Crawford. Benavidez ultimately rejected the offer, but the incident underscores Alalshikh’s aggressive approach to securing top talent for his league.

Benavidez is not an isolated case. Other promoters, preferring to remain anonymous, have voiced similar complaints about Alalshikh’s tactics. The growing frustration has prompted these promoters to unite and attempt to organize major fights in defiance of Alalshikh’s plans. A notable bout being discussed is a highly anticipated matchup between Gervonta Davis and Vasyl Lomachenko, a fight that fans have been clamoring for over the years.

Another unintended consequence of Alalshikh’s controversial methods has been a heightened scrutiny of fighter contracts by promoters. According to sources, many promoters are now meticulously reviewing the language in their contracts to ensure they are airtight, thereby preventing any potential poaching or direct approaches by Alalshikh or other external parties. This increased vigilance reflects the deep-seated concern within the boxing community about maintaining control and protecting their fighters from unsolicited offers.

Turki Alalshikh’s proposed Saudi Boxing League represents a bold and potentially transformative vision for the sport of boxing. However, the backlash from established promoters highlights the significant challenges and resistance he faces in realizing this vision. The strong opposition from major entities like Top Rank and PBC underscores the complexities of navigating the traditional structures and practices that have long governed professional boxing.

As Alalshikh continues to push forward with his plans, the boxing world watches with a mix of skepticism and intrigue. Whether his initiative will succeed in reshaping the sport or falter in the face of entrenched resistance remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the controversy surrounding his methods and the fierce backlash from promoters have already made a significant impact, setting the stage for a contentious and potentially transformative period in the history of boxing.