TURKI ALALSHIKH has single-handedly changed boxing with some of the most exhilarating fights now taking place in Saudi.
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury’s duels in 2024 were both hosted in at a Saudi venue.
Turki Alalshikh has been instrumental in the boxing world[/caption]
Dave Allen‘s first bust-up with Johnny Fisher was also hosted in the Middle East.
While Moses Itauma‘s devastating 119-second KO on Dillian Whyte happened at the Riyadh ANB Arena.
And Saudi Arabian royalty Turki Alalshikh has been instrumental in making all of these fights happen, plus more.
SunSport can give fans a rundown on who he is.
Who is Turki Alalshikh?
Born on August 4, 1981, Turki Alalshikh is the mastermind behind the huge boxing battles that take place in Saudi Arabia and worldwide.
He is a member of the Saudi Royal Court.
His Excellency graduated from King Fahd Security College in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in security sciences before receiving certificates in criminology, investigation, risk management and general management.
Alalshikh then worked in several sectors including the Interior Ministry, the Emirate of Riyadh and the office of the Defence Minister and the Crown Prince.
But his big break came in September 2017 when a royal decree was issued to appoint Alalshikh as the new chairman of the General Sports Authority before becoming chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).
In his role as the General Minister for Entertainment, Alalshikh and the GEA have been tasked with developing, promoting and expanding tourism and entertainment in the Kingdom.
Why is Turki Alalshikh referred to as His Excellency?
‘His Excellency’ is an official title that is given to members of the extended Royal Saudi family – similar to ‘Your Highness’ for the British monarchy.
Turki Alalshikh is known for being key to bringing boxing to Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Royal adviser was key in making tonight’s fight, which is part of Riyadh Season – a series of events hosted and funded by the Gulf state.
And his name began to ring bells within the sporting industry when he posted a stunning photo featuring a host of greats earlier this year.
Among them were several icons such as Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, Conor McGregor, Amir Khan, Lennox Lewis, Ricky Hatton and Evander Holyfield.
Oscar De La Hoya and Frank Bruno posed for the picture too.
He is also the mastermind behind the World Masters of Snooker, where Ronnie O’Sullivan and Co battled for a huge prize pool.
What are the Turki Alalshikh’s Man Utd rumours?
Turki Alalshikh has offered an update on the proposed Manchester United takeover – confirming he is not the mystery bidder.
The Saudi boxing chief caused a stir with his claim on X that the club is close to being bought.
Rumours swirled with suggestions he was spearheading the takeover, having previously been linked to Bristol City and Millwall.
Alalshikh, 44, clarified Wednesday’s initial statement, stating he is not the interested party.
He wrote on X: “My yesterday’s post about Manchester United’s potential sale meant one thing: the club is in an advanced negotiation phase with a new investor.
“Just to clarify, I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation. I’m posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen, though it might not necessarily happen.”
