Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is determined to work with all of the sport’s biggest stars. As the Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Alalshikh has played a pivotal role in organizing some of the most significant boxing events in recent years.
Alalshikh is the driving force behind the highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on May 18. He also funded the crossover clash between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou in March.
Despite these accomplishments, Alalshikh continues to strive for more. In a recent Reddit Q&A, he revealed his top three desired fights: Fury vs Joshua, Terence Crawford vs Canelo Alvarez, and David Benavidez vs Artur Beterbiev.
The Fury vs Joshua matchup has long been sought after by British boxing fans, but it has faced financial obstacles in the past. With Saudi Arabia’s involvement, however, that hurdle is unlikely to be a problem.
Crawford vs Canelo is a more unconventional choice, given their significant difference in weight class. Canelo is the undisputed super-middleweight champion, while Crawford previously held all four belts at welterweight. A catchweight would likely be necessary for this fight to materialize.
Beterbiev vs Benavidez is contingent on the outcome of Beterbiev’s upcoming four-belt showdown with Dmitry Bivol on June 1. Benavidez will face Oleksandr Gvozdyk in a WBC light-heavyweight final eliminator on June 15. Should he win, Benavidez will be well-positioned to challenge the victor of Bivol vs Beterbiev.
