The boxing world is buzzing with the unveiling of TKO Boxing, a fresh venture introduced by UFC President Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Announced on March 5, 2025, this collaboration under TKO Group Holdings is set to redefine how boxing is perceived on a global scale.
TKO and Saudi Arabia Join Forces
This ambitious endeavor is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund along with entertainment giant Sela. It promises to offer a premier stage for seasoned fighters and upcoming talents alike. TKO Group Holdings, which includes the UFC and WWE in its portfolio, will spearhead the operations with Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan at the helm.
In terms of talent development, the initiative will leverage athlete combines and academies, alongside access to state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institutes in key locations like Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Shanghai. According to Mark Shapiro, COO of TKO Group Holdings, the goal is clear: to reimagine boxing and bring it back to the forefront of the sporting entertainment world.
This monumental announcement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to make a mark in global sports through the Vision 2030 initiative led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The kingdom’s portfolio already boasts investment in Formula 1, LIV Golf, WWE, and notable boxing match-ups featuring luminaries like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
The inaugural event from this new boxing promotion is slated for 2026, though details about fighter signings, venues, and schedules remain under wraps. Nonetheless, the expectation is to showcase new talents while delivering top-notch events, fueled by TKO’s production know-how.
As we look to the future, this partnership heralds a transformative era for boxing, combining cutting-edge innovation with wide-reaching global appeal. Fans around the world can anticipate a reinvigorated boxing experience, crafted to captivate and engage them like never before.
