Dana White, Turki Alalshikh announce new boxing league under TKO banner

Dana White has officially taken a huge step into the world of boxing.

On Tuesday, the UFC CEO alongside Saudi Arabian combat sports promoter Turki Alalshikh announced they have officially signed a deal to start a new boxing league under the TKO banner. WWE President Nick Khan is also part of the executive board.

“We have just done a deal to start a new boxing league with Turki, who absolutely loves the sport of boxing,” White said in a video on social media.

“I am very happy today,” Alalshikh said. “I am very happy today. I give the flag of boxing to the best man who can handle it. We have a tough job now, but I am sure he will be delivering to the people and the fans the magnificent league and get boxing great again.”

“The model is proven to deliver the fights that the fans want to see,” White said. “The best will fight the best and the fighters will continue to move up the rankings and become world champions. We will continue to make announcements on where you can watch and all the rest of the details on the business as we get closer to the launch.”

Saudi entertainment conglomerate Sela is also a partner in the deal, according to a press release. Sela was also involved in the recent Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois event at Wembley Stadium in London, as well as Terence Crawford’s title defense against Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles.

The announcement was a formality at this point, with TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro recently saying the organization was in negotiations with Saudi Arabia to fund a new boxing promotion. Shapiro also teased the possibility of two major cards that could take place in 2025 and 2026 as part of the deal.

““This is a strategic opportunity to reimagine the sport of boxing globally,” Shapiro said in Tuesday’s press release. “TKO has the deep expertise, promotional prowess, and longstanding relationships. Turki Alalshikh and Sela share our passion and vision for evolving the current model. Together, we can bring the sweet science back to its rightful place in the forefront of the global sports ecosystem.”

Alalshikh’s The Ring magazine shared the announcement, which featured more details of the agreement.

The new promotion will feature:

A highly structured system to develop new talent from around the world, including athlete combines and academies.

Access for all boxers to the UFC Performance Institute, the world’s leading combat sports performance training, research, rehabilitation, and nutrition center.

TKO’s production, media, and promotional expertise, to deliver both in-arena experiences and top-tier, state-of-the-art broadcasts to fans around the world.

In the past, White has frequently criticized boxing cards for being top heavy with little attempt to build compelling undercards for the fans, which he has always seen as a strength of the UFC business model.

Alalshikh dabbled in creating a more MMA-esque card with an event on Feb. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that was dubbed “The Last Crescendo.” The lineup featured multiple title bouts, headlined by a thrilling undisputed light heavyweight championship rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

It is not yet known what the new venture will be titled and fighter signings, dates, and locations are pending, with the announcement stating details are to “be revealed in the coming months.”