Questions over Turki Alalshikh’s broader boxing information took one other hit this week because the Saudi Chairman went in opposition to two legends.
Alalshikh picked Daniel Dubois over Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in one other case of leaning in direction of a British heavyweight. In the identical week Alalshikh brazenly needed Tyson Fury to beat Oleksandr Usyk, the Riyadh Season figurehead performed ‘Winner Stays On’ with the Every day Mail.
Throughout the fantasy match-up sport, Alalshikh selected Dubois to defeat Tyson and Holyfield regardless of the latter People holding celebrity standing. Unsurprisingly, Alalshikh then selected Fury over all people.
It appears His Excellency has a penchant for British top-division punchers after aligning himself with UK promoters.
WINNER STAYS ON with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh 👀 The Ring Journal Celebration | The Bible of Boxing Relaunch pic.twitter.com/JKvm82DOAW
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) December 19, 2024
He additionally confronted criticism on social media for dealing with the aftermath of Usyk’s victory over Fury. After the Ukrainian defeated Fury for the second time in two months, Usyk was shunned primarily within the ring following his post-fight interview.
Releasing an announcement on Monday, Alalshikh assured followers of his respect for Usyk.
“I wanted time to appreciate what occurred final night time, and I’ll communicate from my coronary heart as a fan, not as an individual from the Riyadh season crew,” he mentioned, “Within the combat between Usyk and Tyson, I counted that Usyk has 4 rounds extra [116-112]. That doesn’t imply Tyson was performing badly, no, no, no – he gave us every part, however let’s be sincere, Usyk is likely one of the biggest boxers on this era, and he proved it with huge names.
“Tyson has a component in my coronary heart, and he is likely one of the essential causes boxing nonetheless retains its legacy. After the combat, I heard nice phrases from the champion Usyk about Riyadh, my nation, my leaders, the Crown Prince, god bless him, and the Saudi folks.
“It’s enterprise, after all, however they’re from inside their coronary heart and respect the chance and the help. I look to the fighters as brothers and family members.”
On what’s subsequent for Usyk, he added, “Usyk advised me he is able to do any combat sooner or later. We agreed he relaxation for now and nothing earlier than the outcome between Dubois and Parker. About Tyson, I’m ready for him to relaxation and find time for his resolution. I’ll perceive if he retires; if not, I will likely be glad to do fights with him.
“About some outcomes yesterday, I believe Itauma has nice potential sooner or later. I hope to see him change into the youngest heavyweight champion of the world. I counted the combat between Fisher and Allen in a different way [had Allen winning], and it’s my opinion, so it shouldn’t be thought of judgment.”
Confirming plans for one more UK present, Alalshikh concluded, “There’s something private I wish to say. I plan to do a Ring Journal card in London and the USA to advertise the journal. You’ll be able to watch it whenever you subscribe to the journal.
“I say it’s private as a result of I personal it as Turki, and it’s unrelated to Riyadh season. I hope you loved final night time’s occasion, and I’m excited to [stage] the cardboard in February. The Followers are in my coronary heart.”
The followers profit from Alalshikh being within the sport, and particular occasions are being organized. Nevertheless, a few of these judgments relating to fights proceed to be questioned.
Examples of this are Gervonta Davis vs Naoya Inoue, Terence Crawford vs Canelo Alvarez, and favoring younger champions with no legacy over seasoned superstars of the game.
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The views expressed on this article are the opinions of Phil Jay. Be taught extra, learn all articles from the skilled boxing author, and observe on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
