Top Ranking in Boxing Influence: Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh, Chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, was named the most influential figure in boxing for 2024 by Sports Illustrated, ahead of top boxers like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Riyadh, December 26, 2024 – In a remarkable achievement, Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), has been named the most influential figure in the world of boxing for 2024, according to the prestigious Sports Illustrated (SI) ranking. The ranking, released by one of the leading sports magazines in the United States, recognizes Alalshikh’s profound impact on the sport, highlighting his significant contributions to boxing and his role in raising Saudi Arabia’s profile on the global sports stage.
Alalshikh’s ascent to the top of the SI list is a reflection of the unwavering support for sports initiatives in Saudi Arabia, spearheaded by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This recognition aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the development of a healthy, active lifestyle, the advancement of sports infrastructure, and the attraction of global sporting events. These efforts contribute not only to sustainable development within the Kingdom but also to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing internationally as a key player in the global sports arena.
The Sports Illustrated annual ranking, a highly respected and historic list that spans over 70 years, placed Advisor Alalshikh ahead of notable figures in boxing, including Tyson Fury, the world heavyweight champion from Britain, and Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian heavyweight champion. Also ranking high on the list was Rakan Al-Harthy, Managing Director of Sela Company, a major player in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment industry. The list further recognized influential boxing promoters such as Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren of the UK, along with Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the World Boxing Council (WBC).
Sports Illustrated lauded Alalshikh’s extraordinary efforts in advancing boxing globally, stating, "His efforts in 2024 reached new heights, earning him recognition as one of the most influential figures in sports, alongside the best boxers." The magazine highlighted his crucial role in facilitating major boxing events, some of which were considered nearly impossible due to entrenched rivalries between top boxing promoters. His ability to overcome these obstacles has made a lasting impact on the sport. Furthermore, his innovative promotional strategies have played a key role in captivating boxing fans worldwide, particularly through his work with the Riyadh Season brand.
Alalshikh's successful organization of high-profile boxing matches, including historic bouts held in Los Angeles and London, brought global attention to the Kingdom’s growing role in international sports. These events were not only landmarks in the world of boxing but also positioned Riyadh as a vibrant global hub for entertainment. The 2024 Riyadh Season, which featured these historic boxing matches, stood out for attracting large crowds both domestically and internationally, marking a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s sporting and entertainment calendar.
This latest accolade follows a series of prestigious recognitions for Alalshikh in 2024. He was named first on the list of the 50 most influential figures in boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) by The Independent and also topped ESPN's list of the most influential figures in MMA and professional wrestling. Additionally, Alalshikh received the "Man of the Year" award from the World Boxing Council (WBC) during its annual awards ceremony, further cementing his status as a transformative force in the global boxing community.
These honors underscore Alalshikh’s role as a key architect in the development of Saudi Arabia’s sports sector, particularly in the realm of boxing, and reflect the Kingdom’s ambition to establish itself as a leading player in the global sporting arena. Through his tireless efforts, Alalshikh continues to shape the future of sports in Saudi Arabia, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, and to inspire the next generation of sports leaders worldwide.