Source Credit: Arab News
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has announced a partnership with TKO Group Holdings and Saudi-based events company Sela to promote boxing and create a global platform for top fighters.
GEA Chairperson Turki Alalshikh emphasized that the collaboration aims to develop talent and deliver world-class boxing events. “This landmark partnership between industry powerhouses sets the stage for an unparalleled experience for boxers and fans,” he stated.
Under the agreement, TKO, the parent company of UFC and WWE will oversee daily operations, with UFC President Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan leading the promotion.
Mark Shapiro, TKO’s CEO, described the initiative as a strategic move to “reimagine the sport of boxing globally” in partnership with Alalshikh and Sela.
Sela, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has been instrumental in hosting major boxing events, including Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles and Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Sela CEO Rakan Alharthy predicted the partnership would mark a new era for boxing. “Together, we will elevate the sport to new heights and redefine the fan experience for a global audience,” he said.
The initiative will also include boxer development programs, academies, and access to the UFC Performance Institute’s state-of-the-art training centers in Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Shanghai.
