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Turki Alalshikh Heel Turn Signals Promoter Changing the power setting in boxing

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Turki Alalshikh attends a major boxing event, standing ringside in front of a packed arena crowd.

Turki Alalshikh’s relationships with key boxing promoters in the UK are under recent scrutiny after Ring magazine reported sedate internal conflicts involving Queensberry.

The situation escalated when the platform attached a community note to the post, increasing scrutiny over the claims.

Ring Report Describes ‘Unrepairable Fissure’

Ring Magazine claimed that Alalshikh and Sela were informed that rumors of litigation had been leaked from Queensberry, causing what was described as an “irreparable rift”.

The report also referred to what it described as cordial public communication, while alleging volatility behind the scenes.

If this account is exact, this is more than just routine friction in the boxing industry. It suggests the Saudi-led operation is poised to redefine who controls boxing’s biggest nights.

Simon Jordan predicted that promoters would become disposable

Years before the current dispute, talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan questioned how long established promoters would remain necessary if the money and matchmaking opportunities were located elsewhere.

“We’re in a special time; these guys are making these fights specifically for them. They just show up, and for me it’s not a huge skill set.”

He added: “I wonder if the end game for the Saudis will be to say, ‘Why do we need these guys? These are glorified agents; we can get the fighters’.”

Jordan’s most direct statement got to the heart of the promoter’s question: “If I was the money in the room, unless there was a damn good reason why I would hang out with Hearn and [Frank] Warren? If I can economically turn off the lights, why do I need it?”

At the time, Jordan’s comments sounded confrontational. This week’s news sounds like a warning that’s starting to sink in.

From early praise to growing opposition

When Alalshikh first came to the fore, many fans and sections of the media praised him as a savior who was able to finance fights that boxing was unable to consistently fight on its own.

Over time, this goodwill was shattered. The incidents, messaging and the feeling of tighter control irritated some audiences who had initially welcomed the purchasing power.

As boxing enters this phase, credibility debates are already heating up, with Alalshikh’s latest moves fueling what many are now calling a heel turn.

The situation of Conor Benn moving to Zuffa Boxing remains a dominant topic of conversation in the UK and has helped create a wider atmosphere where fans are questioning governance and accountability across the sport.

Why British promoters were vulnerable

The UK promoter model has long been the strongest at home. Beyond their own country, both Warren and Hearn would be the first to admit they needed a partner to shift the burden of finance and platforms overseas.

Saudi Arabia offered profuse facilities and guaranteed scale that made cooperation a no-brainer. But as Alalshikh began signing contracts with “Ring Ambassadors” and establishing direct relationships, it became increasingly tough to ignore where this leverage was heading.

In boxing, promoters rarely disappear overnight. First they become less crucial.

The bigger question: is this model hard-wearing?

There is also a longer view that cannot be pushed aside. A model built around centralized financing can quickly transform boxing, but it also creates dependence on a single power center, and that always carries risks.

If attention turns and funding begins to boost, the sport may find itself vulnerable. This is the problem of any system that becomes too dependent on one center of power, no matter how productive the initial results seem.

The problem is no longer theoretical – it is playing out in real time.

Jordan’s quotes explain why some saw this moment coming – even if few believed it would come so bluntly.


About the Author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.

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Joshua vs Fury Confirmed for December 11 in Cardiff on Netflix

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"Joshua vs Fury Confirmed for December 11 in Cardiff on Netflix"

Principality Stadium secures the British heavyweight fight, with a London press conference next week and the undercard to follow.

Anthony Joshua (30-4, 27 KOs) and Tyson Fury (36-2-1, 25 KOs) will fight at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Friday, December 11. Netflix will broadcast the full event exclusively after organizers secured a British venue for the heavyweights’ first professional meeting.

Turki Alalshikh announced the fight, and Joshua and Fury are scheduled to attend a London press conference next week. The supporting card will be announced later; no undercard opponents were named in the supplied announcement.

The December date replaces the November plan discussed earlier in negotiations. Wembley had been Joshua’s preferred destination, but Cardiff secured the event following talks over whether the fight would remain in Britain or move to the United States.

Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn insisted on a UK venue. His contract included that requirement, and their position held despite discussions involving New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Dana White said: “For more than a decade, boxing fans have been clamoring for the heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Together, they bring 66 wins, 52 knockouts and multiple heavyweight world titles into the ring. On December 11, two of the biggest heavyweights of this generation finally collide and the winner will take a significant place in heavyweight history.”

Netflix to broadcast the full Cardiff card

Netflix’s preference for an evening American broadcast drove the push to stage the fight across the Atlantic. Madison Square Garden emerged as the leading US option before negotiations returned to Britain.

Cardiff keeps the contest on British soil, with a late opening bell expected to accommodate viewers in the United States.

The main event is expected around 1 a.m. UK timealthough the exact time has not been confirmed. If that schedule holds. A 1 a.m. GMT start would put the main event at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 11 for viewers on America’s east coast.

The fight is expected to take place beneath Principality Stadium’s retractable roof.

London press conference scheduled for next week

Alalshikh welcomed the agreement after months of negotiations over the event.

“Two of the best heavyweights of this generation, finally in the ring together. This will be one of the biggest fights in boxing history, I am very happy to make this fight happen for the fans,” he said.

Joshua and Fury previously signed a two-fight agreement in 2021. That booking collapsed after an arbitration ruling required Fury to face Deontay Wilder again.

Their December meeting now has a confirmed date, venue and broadcaster. Next week’s press conference will bring both fighters to London, with the remaining card and precise event timetable still to follow.

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Manny Pacquiao and Shakur Stevenson Discuss Potential Fight in Cardiff

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"Manny Pacquiao and Shakur Stevenson Discuss Potential Fight in Cardiff"

Manny Pacquiao against Shakur Stevenson remains under discussion for the proposed Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury card in Cardiff. It would give the event a second major fight, but neither Pacquiao nor Stevenson has received a bout agreement.

BoxingScene’s Lance Pugmire reports that two people connected to the talks say Netflix wants the matchup as part of a “double main event.” December 11 is the date under consideration at Principality Stadium, with December 18 also possible. Pacquiao adviser Jas Mathur told BoxingScene that Pacquiao’s financial terms are still being negotiated.

That leaves a great deal to settle before anyone can call this a fight. The Cardiff show itself has yet to be formally announced, and moving Joshua-Fury from the previously discussed Madison Square Garden setting means assembling the rest of the card around a different venue and date.

Pacquiao-Stevenson would bring two very different attractions to that card. Stevenson, 29, is coming off his January win over Teofimo Lopez and has since signed with Zuffa Boxing. Pacquiao, 47, drew with Mario Barrios in his July 2025 return. His name would draw attention far beyond the usual boxing audience, though the long layoff and age difference would become part of the conversation as soon as the fight was announced.

The proposed pairing also raises a practical question: what weight would they fight at? Pacquiao’s return came at welterweight, while Stevenson’s recent work has been at lighter weights. No weight, number of rounds, or title terms have been announced.

For now, the news is that Pacquiao-Stevenson has survived the reported switch to Cardiff and remains in Netflix’s plans, according to BoxingScene. The decisive development would be agreements reaching both fighters. Until then, it belongs on the list of fights being negotiated, rather than the Joshua-Fury undercard.

Pacquiao turns 48 on December 17. If the fight lands on December 18, Shakur would face him one day after his birthday. Pacquiao won his first world title in 1998, before Shakur turned two.

That age difference makes the matchup a hard sell as a competitive fight. If Shakur wins easily, how much credit does he get for beating a man nearly two decades older? If he boxes his way to a quiet decision, Pacquiao’s name may bring viewers to Netflix, but the fight may give them little reason to watch Shakur again.

Pacquiao’s fame can make this a major event. Turning it into a fight that helps Shakur is another matter. First, both men need to agree to terms; neither has received a bout agreement.

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BoxingNews24.com has delivered independent boxing coverage since 2007, including original news, fight analysis, schedules, and results. Our experienced boxing writers cover major fighters and events worldwide, with published content reviewed by editors for accuracy.

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Teofimo Lopez Set to Defend World Title on Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua Undercard – Boxing News

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"Teofimo Lopez Set to Defend World Title on Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua Undercard - Boxing News"

Teofimo Lopez has been offered a slot on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua card, which is set to take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11.

‘The Takeover’ comes off a majority decision victory over Rolando Romero, who he dethroned last month after surviving a genuine scare in round five.

In reality, though, it was a far more convincing win than the scorecards suggested and, despite suffering a one-sided defeat to Shakur Stevenson in January, Lopez proved that he remains a highly-skilled operator at world level.

But while he has expressed an interest in unification matches at 147lbs, particularly one against WBC champion Ryan Garcia, the 29-year-old must first make a mandatory defence and retain his WBA title.

He has, in other words, been ordered to face Jack Catterallwho claimed his WBA ‘Regular’ title by producing arguably a career-best performance to unanimously outpoint Shakhram Giyasov in May.

Lopez, meanwhile, had attempted to swerve his mandatory duty and, according to boxing journalist Dan Rafaelis considering vacating his welterweight belt in pursuit of more lucrative opportunities.

If he is to proceed with the Catterall fight, however, then the three-division world champion could end up featuring on the expected Fury-Joshua card later this year.

Equally, Catterall has taken to social media and acknowledged that, as the champion, Lopez can choose to defend his title on home soil.

“Hey mate [Lopez]you fancy scrapping on the [Fury-Joshua] card? If not don’t worry, I’ll come to America and get my belt. Either way I’ll see you soon champ.”

According to WBA president Gilberto Mendoza, both parties have until October 22 to reach an agreement or risk a purse bid hearing being called.

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