Saudi Arabia is setting its sights on transforming the world of boxing with an audacious £4 billion plan to unify the sport's fragmented factions. The kingdom's Public Investment Fund, already known for its ownership of Newcastle United, is engaging in discussions with major boxing promoters and sanctioning bodies to bring everyone under a single umbrella.

Saudi Arabia's Vision for a Unified Boxing World

The vision starts with streamlining the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO into one cohesive boxing body with a singular world title belt. This consolidation aims to simplify the current convoluted system, where up to 64 world champions exist across 16 weight classes and multiple sanctioning bodies.

Promoters to Work Hand-in-Hand

The second part of the plan involves uniting rival promoters like Matchroom's Eddie Hearn and Golden Boy's Oscar De La Hoya. Historically, these promoters have fiercely competed against each other, but Saudi Arabia's initiative seeks to foster collaboration for the greater good of the sport.

Reducing Weight Classes for Clarity

Lastly, the proposal includes reducing the number of weight classes from 16 to a more manageable number. The introduction of additional divisions, such as the WBC and WBA's bridgerweight class, has only added to the confusion for fight fans. Simplifying the weight categories aims to make the sport more accessible and comprehensible.

Bringing Boxing Back to Its Glory Days

"Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and close advisor to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is a boxing super-fan dedicated to returning the sport to its former glory."

Alalshikh has already brought high-profile fights to Saudi Arabia, featuring stars like Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Oleksandr Usyk. His commitment to the sport is evident as he bankrolls an upcoming show in Los Angeles on August 3, complete with an Eminem concert, and plans for a Wembley Stadium event in September.

A Centralized Future for Boxing?

The ultimate goal is to centralize boxing in a manner similar to the UFC, which has become the premier league of mixed martial arts. By consolidating the best aspects of the sport, Saudi Arabia hopes to create a more unified and thrilling experience for boxing fans worldwide.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk