Turki Alalshikh sought to reassure boxing industry insiders regarding his forthcoming, still-unnamed boxing league, saying that the new venture is designed to collaborate with, rather than supplant, existing promoters and sanctioning bodies. In a live Spaces broadcast on X, the head of Riyadh Season explained that the league’s chief executive, Dana White, will eventually announce further specifics. Alalshikh stressed his project is “not against anyone,” emphasizing that the four major belts, as well as established commissions and promoters, would still have a place as his league comes to fruition.
Alalshikh also mentioned his ongoing relationships with promoters like Matchroom and Golden Boy, noting that they’ll continue working together for at least the next one or two years. He alluded to major negotiations across the globe involving their respective stables. According to Alalshikh, the key goal remains hosting top-tier fights that benefit both fans and fighters, while pointing out there’s room in boxing’s ever-growing market for everyone.
He then highlighted several upcoming events under “The Ring” banner, starting with Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn on April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, followed by the Ryan Garcia-Rolando Romero headliner at Times Square on May 2. Alalshikh also plans to return to New York on July 12 and eventually stage a card at Alcatraz Prison in March 2026. Among the future bouts discussed were potential dream match-ups, including Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani, a Garcia-Devin Haney rematch (should both prevail in May), and Teofimo Lopez potentially facing Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
Perhaps the biggest piece of news Alalshikh teased involves Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford. The deal, he claims, is nearly done but will remain unofficial until after Alvarez defends his undisputed super-middleweight title against William Scull on May 3 in Saudi Arabia. Undercard details for that event are expected soon, although Alalshikh maintained that the official announcement of the Crawford fight – and who will promote or broadcast it – will arrive only after Canelo-Scull is wrapped up.
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