By: Sean Crose
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh has become a leading figure in the world of professional boxing over the past few years. Now, Saudi authorities are introducing themselves to the American boxing world by promoting the Aug. 3 junior middleweight title fight between Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov. Round 12 is scheduled to take place at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, the first time Alashikh has made his mark in the US. Analysts are arguing that Alashikh could be changing the fighting game, and perhaps he is.
Not only does this man have a lot of money to arrange big matches, but he also has no qualms about spending that money on the types of matches and cards that fans often crave. For example, the August 3rd card has a loaded undercard that is uncommon in this era of contemporary boxing. Tim Tszyu, Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Andy Ruiz, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Jose Valenzuela will all compete at BMO Stadium that night. “The undercard has to be one of the best we’ve seen for a US card – get ready for an epic night on August 3 in Los Angeles,” said Eddie Hearn, headliner Head of Matchroom Promotions, said.
Crawford, who is now looking to conquer a whopping fourth weight class, is also clearly pleased with recent developments. “I am proud to partner with Riyadh Season and HE Turki Alalshikh on their first boxing event in the United States. I can’t wait to get back in the ring in my fourth weight class and remind the world why I’m the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world,” he said. “Israil Madrimov is an excellent and exciting fighter, but on August 3 he will be my next victim. This is the Terence Crawford era.”
Madrimov, who now has a chance to step into the limelight, is equally delighted. “Terence Crawford is one of my favorite fighters and one of the best in the world,” he said. “I am delighted to have this opportunity to make a statement and I will Inshallah.” Golden Boy Promotions’ honorary Oscar De La Hoya, like everyone else involved with the August 3rd card, was effusive in his praise.
“We are excited to be part of the stacked Los Angeles card in support of the Riyadh season. His desire to work with all promoters to deliver the best matches is completely in line with what Golden Boy has delivered for many years,” he said, “and I believe this will is the beginning of a great cooperation relationship in the future. If Vergil wins this Saturday, he will be ready to roll and prevail against Tim Tszyu in an unmissable fight of the year.
Suffice it to say, US fans will likely be excited to see more Turki Alalshikh-powered cards in the future if they resemble the quality of this summer. One of the biggest problems with boxing in recent years is its lack of excitement. If the main battle cards are presented regularly, that problem may disappear on its own
