THE eyes of the world will be on Riyadh once again TONIGHT – when some of the world’s top boxers meet on the ‘Fight Card of the Century’.
The massive rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dimitry Bivol tops the bill, but there are two more world title fights taking place, as well as four eliminators.
Daniel Dubois was meant to be defending his IBF heavyweight title against Joseph Parker, but was forced to withdraw because of illness – Martin Bakole has stepped in to fight the Kiwi.
Saudi Arabian royalty Turki Alalshikh has been instrumental in making some of the biggest fights in the sport over the 18 months.
SunSport can give fans a rundown on who he is.
Who is Turki Alalshikh?
Born on August 4, 1981, Turki Alalshikh is the mastermind behind the huge boxing battles that take place in Saudi Arabia and worldwide.
Read more on AJ vs Ngannou
He is a member of the Saudi Royal Court.
His Excellency graduated from King Fahd Security College in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in security sciences before receiving certificates in criminology, investigation, risk management and general management.
Alalshikh then worked in several sectors including the Interior Ministry, the Emirate of Riyadh and the office of the Defence Minister and the Crown Prince.
But his big break came in September 2017 when a royal decree was issued to appoint Alalshikh as the new chairman of the General Sports Authority before becoming chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).
In his role as the General Minister for Entertainment, Alalshikh and the GEA have been tasked with developing, promoting and expanding tourism and entertainment in the Kingdom.
Why is Turki Alalshikh referred to as His Excellency?
‘His Excellency’ is an official title that is given to members of the extended Royal Saudi family – similar to ‘Your Highness’ for the British monarchy.
Turki Alalshikh is known for being key to bringing boxing to Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Royal adviser was key in making tonight’s fight, which is part of Riyadh Season – a series of events hosted and funded by the Gulf state.
And his name began to ring bells within the sporting industry when he posted a stunning photo featuring a host of greats earlier this year.
1
Among them were several icons such as Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, Conor McGregor, Amir Khan, Lennox Lewis, Ricky Hatton and Evander Holyfield.
Oscar De La Hoya and Frank Bruno posed for the picture too.
He is also the mastermind behind the World Masters of Snooker, where Ronnie O’Sullivan and Co battled for a huge prize pool.