Riyadh, December 10, 2024 – In a prestigious event held Monday evening in Hamburg, Germany, the World Boxing Council (WBC) honored the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Advisor Turki Alalshikh, with the distinguished "Man of the Year" title. This esteemed award recognizes Alalshikh's outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of the sport of boxing on a global scale.
During the ceremony, Alalshikh expressed his gratitude and humility upon receiving the award, dedicating the accolade to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. Alalshikh acknowledged the pivotal role the Crown Prince has played in fostering an environment conducive to achieving remarkable milestones in the boxing world, stating, "HRH the Crown Prince has been our inspiration and primary supporter in achieving this unprecedented accomplishment."
The "Man of the Year" award, one of the highest honors in boxing, has been bestowed upon several renowned figures in history, including former South African President Nelson Mandela in 1999, former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, and Pope Francis in 2019. Established in 1963, the WBC is one of the premier organizations in the world of professional boxing, known for setting high standards for the sport, enhancing safety measures, and organizing world championships. The green belt, awarded by the WBC, is considered one of the most iconic symbols in the boxing industry.
Alalshikh’s receipt of this award reflects not only his individual achievements but also Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in global sports and entertainment, with the Kingdom continuing to position itself as a hub for international events, and an advocate for the development of various sporting disciplines, including boxing.