In the aftermath of the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, Saudi Arabia’s boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh has broken his silence, offering his perspective on the controversial bout and hinting at exciting developments for both fighters in the coming year.
Alalshikh, the driving force behind Riyadh Season and the man responsible for bringing this mega-fight to fruition, took to social media to share his thoughts on the closely contested battle. In a lengthy statement, he emphasized his role as a fan rather than an organizer, providing a nuanced view of the fight’s outcome.
According to Alalshikh, his personal scorecard aligned more closely with the official judges’ 116-112 verdict in favor of Usyk than with the AI judge’s controversial 118-110 score. This revelation adds an interesting dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding the fight’s scoring, particularly given the introduction of AI judging as a novel element in this high-profile event.
The Saudi boxing chief’s comments come amidst a storm of controversy, with Fury vehemently disputing the decision and his promoter, Frank Warren, expressing bewilderment at the scorecards2. Alalshikh’s measured response serves as a counterpoint to these heated reactions, offering a more balanced perspective on the closely fought contest.
Looking ahead to 2025, Alalshikh has unveiled ambitious plans for both Usyk and Fury, signaling that their rivalry may not be over just yet. For Usyk, the options appear plentiful. A potential rematch with Daniel Dubois looms on the horizon, following Dubois’ audacious post-fight challenge. Additionally, Usyk has expressed interest in returning to the cruiserweight division, where he previously reigned as undisputed champion.
As for Fury, despite his recent setbacks, Alalshikh seems keen on keeping “The Gypsy King” in the spotlight. One intriguing possibility floated is a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, which would offer the aging Ukrainian legend a chance to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history, surpassing George Foreman’s record.
These plans underscore Alalshikh’s commitment to delivering blockbuster boxing events in Saudi Arabia. His vision extends beyond just Usyk and Fury, with talks of bringing other top-tier talents like Naoya Inoue to the Kingdom in 2025.
Alalshikh’s influence in the boxing world continues to grow, as evidenced by his ability to orchestrate major fights and attract top talent. His approach, combining deep pockets with a genuine passion for the sport, has reinvigorated boxing, breaking down financial barriers and paving the way for dream matchups.
As the dust settles on the Usyk-Fury rematch, all eyes now turn to what 2025 might bring. With Alalshikh at the helm of Riyadh Season, fight fans can expect more high-stakes battles and potentially landscape-altering events in the world of boxing.
The coming months will be crucial as negotiations unfold and plans solidify. Whether it’s Usyk’s potential cruiserweight return, Fury’s next move, or the introduction of new stars to the Saudi boxing scene, one thing is certain: Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season will be at the center of boxing’s biggest stories in 2025.
