TKO officially launches new boxing promotion with Saudi Arabian partner

TKO has officially launched a new boxing promotion.

After months of speculation that a deal was nearly complete, UFC President Dana White, WWE President Nick Khan, and Saudi Royal Advisor His Excellency Turki Alalshikh confirmed the news on Wednesday.

The promotion will be a joint project of TKO and Saudi Arabian entertainment and hospitality company, SELA, with TKO handling the “day-to-day operational expertise, management, and oversight.” A name for the promotion has yet to be announced. Further details on fighters and events will be announced in the coming months.

The news was first revealed by Ring Magazine, which was purchased by Alalshikh last year.

“ANNOUNCED: Turki Alalshikh and TKO have signed a multi-year partnership to establish a new boxing promotion with executive leadership anchored by UFC President Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan. 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
  • Further details about the new boxing promotion, including fighter signings, fight schedules, venues, and host locations, will be revealed in the coming months.”

TKO president and CEO Mark Shapiro said in a press release, “This is a strategic opportunity to reimagine the sport of boxing globally. TKO has the deep expertise, promotional prowess, and longstanding relationships. HE 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 said: “This landmark partnership between industry powerhouses sets the stage for an unparalleled experience for boxers and fans. Together, we are developing the next generation of talent and delivering world-class events at a time when the sport is primed for further disruption.”