On May 4, 2025, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, announced the launch of TKO Boxing under TKO Group Holdings, with UFC CEO Dana White as a key promoter. The debut event, set for September 12, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, will feature undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez defending his Ring Magazine title against two-division undisputed champion Terence Crawford.
Alvarez, holding a 63-2-2 record with 39 knockouts, reclaimed the IBF super middleweight belt on May 3, 2025, defeating William Scull in Riyadh. Crawford, undefeated at 41-0 with 31 knockouts, last fought in August 2024, retaining his WBA super welterweight title against Israil Madrimov.
Alalshikh’s reveal followed a quiet boxing weekend, amplifying anticipation. White, who joined Alalshikh and TKO in March 2025 to create a boxing league, aims to unify the sport by ensuring top fighters compete, inspired by UFC’s structure. The broadcast platform remains unconfirmed, with speculation pointing to Netflix, a prior partner for Alalshikh’s events like Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois.
Turki Announces Dana White as Promoter for First TKO Boxing Event
Alalshikh shared on X:
“We will deliver the fight of the century with Riyadh Season on Sept. 12 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. The legend Canelo defends his Ring Magazine title vs. the great Terence Crawford. The TV platform will be announced soon with a big surprise. My brother Dana White will promote this first TKO boxing event with me. It will be something crazy.”
We will deliver the fight of the century with @RiyadhSeason on Sept. 12 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. The legend @Canelo defends his @ringmagazine title vs. the great @terencecrawford. TV platform will be announced soon with big surprise. My brother @danawhite will promote… pic.twitter.com/00c6Lv2c7C
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) May 4, 2025
The statement highlighted White’s promotional role and the event’s ambition.
Supported by Saudi Arabia’s Sela and led by White alongside WWE president Nick Khan, TKO Boxing plans to develop talent through combines and academies, utilizing UFC Performance Institutes in Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Shanghai. White, critical of boxing’s fragmented belts and promoters, seeks a streamlined ranking system. Alvarez endorsed the project, telling CBS Sports it could transform boxing, while Alalshikh predicted swift dominance.
The Alvarez-Crawford fight emerged after Alalshikh rejected an Alvarez-Jake Paul bout, securing Alvarez for a four-fight Riyadh Season deal. White, dismissing Paul’s claims, emphasized Alalshikh’s influence, stating at UFC 312’s press conference, “They control the sport of boxing right now.” The undercard is pending, but Alalshikh’s track record suggests competitive bouts.
