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Eddie Hearn breaks silence on Saudi royalty Turki Alalshikh trying buy all boxing promotions

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Ameetosh Dash | Last updated Jun 28, 2024 10:51 AM ET

The boxing world is expected to undergo massive changes in the future, courtesy of Turki Alalshikh. With the help of Saudi money, Alalshikh wants to revolutionize boxing. Currently, speculations exist among fans and athletes on the sport’s future. As such, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn is seen to support Alalshikh’s proposal.

Eddie Hearn recently spoke with popular MMA reporter Ariel Helwani , where he was asked about the latest developments. While talking about Turki Alalshikh potentially buying all the top boxing promotions, Hearn gave a rather positive response. According to Hearn, only Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia can do something like this.

I think His Excellency’s plans for the sport are incredibly exciting, incredibly ambitious and also very smart. I think he sees a world where boxing can come together to make the best fights more consistently…There’s a lot of work that goes into something like this, but if anyone’s capable of doing it, it’s his excellency and Saudi Arabia. Eddie Hearn via The MMA Hour

According to reports, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is interested in owning all the top promotional businesses. It also includes Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, Queensberry Promotions, Premier Boxing Champions, and Top Rank. The ultimate goal is to establish a new boxing league supported by the Gulf state’s vast wealth.

Eddie Hearn is asked about reports that said Turki Alalshikh was trying to buy all the boxing promotions.#TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/ASXrLgGH2S
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) June 26, 2024

Under Alalshikh’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a prominent participant in the sport in recent years. This includes Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk‘s heavyweight unification fight last month, as well as many Anthony Joshua fights. The suggested Saudi-run league would have 200 competitors divided into 12 weight groups, similar to how the UFC functions. However, not everybody is happy with these potential changes.

Turki Alalshikh hits back at Gervonta Davis for his criticism of the grand plans of Saudi Arabia

Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, the WBA lightweight champion, has openly expressed his skepticism and lack of enthusiasm for a fight in Saudi Arabia. Recently, Davis defeated Frank Martin via knockout but his enthusiasm for the new league in Saudi Arabia remains questionable. When asked about His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Tank went on a rant and talked about Alalshikh abusing his financial power.

Things took a wild turn when Turki Alalshikh responded to Davis’ demands to buy him two Ferraris. During his interview with Ariel Helwani, Alalshikh gave a befitting reply to the undefeated American champion.

I heard Davis said, 'Send to me two Ferraris.' I say to him - we will send you two gloves if you want, that's it. Turki Alalshikh via The MMA Hour Show

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh on Gervonta Davis saying he wants two Ferraris sent to his door to get him to discuss fighting in Saudi Arabia: “I heard Davis said, 'Send to me two Ferraris.' I say to him – we will send you two gloves if you want, that's it.” [@MMAFighting]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 3, 2024

The history of boxing has always been shaped by its promoters, and a single league might reshape the established system. Although some have perceived this as a development, Davis obviously sees it as a challenge to the promoters’ position in the industry. Nevertheless, the debate around it continues as the boxing world yearns for nothing but consistent and better fights.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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