Turki Alalshikh tops Boxing Newsâ list of the sportâs most powerful figures
Turki Alalshikh tops Boxing Newsâ list of the sportâs most powerful figures/node/2613422/saudi-sport
Turki Alalshikh tops Boxing Newsâ list of the sportâs most powerful figures
Second successive year that chairman of șÚÁÏÉçÇűâs General Entertainment Authority has claimed award. (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 29 August 2025
Arab News
Turki Alalshikh tops Boxing Newsâ list of the sportâs most powerful figures
Second successive year that chairman of șÚÁÏÉçÇűâs General Entertainment Authority has claimed award
Updated 29 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of șÚÁÏÉçÇűâs General Entertainment Authority, has claimed the No. 1 spot on Boxing News magazineâs annual ranking of the 50 most powerful and influential figures in the sport.
It is the second successive year that Alalshikh has claimed the accolade after also topping the list last year.
Boxing News, the UKâs oldest boxing publication, highlighted Alalshikhâs selection as part of its annual ranking of the â50 most influential in global boxing.â
The achievement of the Saudi official, who also serves as an adviser at the Royal Court, underscores his growing impact on the international sports stage.
The recognition is also an acknowledgment of the strides that boxing has taken as part of the Kingdomâs Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy through sports and entertainment.
The Kingdom has increasingly been seen as a global boxing force in recent years and has hosted events which have included Tyson Furyâs heavyweight showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, and Riyadhâs âDay of Reckoningâ in 2023.
DP World ILT20, Saudi Cricket Federation forge landmark partnership
The collaboration will see the ILT20 work closely with SACF and its commercial arm, the Cricket Investment Company
Season 4 of the DP World ILT20 will kick off on Dec. 2, with six teams competing across 34 matches
Updated 30 September 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The DP World International League T20 has joined forces with the șÚÁÏÉçÇűn Cricket Federation in a landmark agreement aimed at accelerating the growth of cricket in the Kingdom and Gulf region.
Under the partnership, announced in Dubai on Tuesday, the SACF officially licensed the DP World ILT20 as a recognized Twenty20 league for both men and women. The move paves the way for ILT20 matches to be staged in șÚÁÏÉçÇű, while also creating new development pathways for the Kingdomâs cricketers.
The collaboration will see the ILT20 work closely with SACF and its commercial arm, the Cricket Investment Company, to nurture local talent, enhance infrastructure and build stronger engagement with cricket fans in the Kingdom.
Significantly, Saudi players will now have a direct entry point into the competition. Each franchise in the upcoming ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, scheduled for Oct. 1, will have to sign at least one Saudi player.
âWe are very proud to announce our partnership with the șÚÁÏÉçÇűn Cricket Federation. șÚÁÏÉçÇű is a key part of the Gulf region, and its commitment to developing cricket is inspiring,â said Khalid Al-Zarooni, chairman of the ILT20.
âThis partnership is built on our shared vision of growing the game beyond borders. The DP World ILT20 will create opportunities for players and hopefully bring world-class cricket closer to the fans.â
Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, SACF chairman, said the agreement aligned with the Kingdomâs ambitions under Vision 2030 to expand sporting opportunities and community engagement.
âThis collaboration reflects our commitment to developing cricket in the country and providing our players with opportunities to grow and succeed on an international stage,â he said.
âIt also provides a platform for fan engagement and opens further avenues for developing the game across infrastructure and tourism.â
David White, ILT20 CEO, described the partnership as a âsignificant stepâ in strengthening the game across the region.
âWith șÚÁÏÉçÇűâs dynamic growth in sport and entertainment, this partnership provides a tremendous opportunity for Saudi cricketers to develop,â he said.
âIn the coming years we will be hosting DP World ILT20 tournament matches in șÚÁÏÉçÇű. From next year, a development tournament will also be staged there, which will provide an excellent opportunity to the local talent to make a claim for the main event. The league will also help șÚÁÏÉçÇű in cricketing infrastructure development.â
Season 4 of the DP World ILT20 will kick off on Dec. 2, with six teams competing across 34 matches before the final on Jan. 4, 2026.
Al-Ittihad sack coach Laurent Blanc after 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr
Updated 28 September 2025
Reuters
Al-Ittihad have sacked manager Laurent Blanc, the Saudi Pro League club said on Saturday following their 2-0 defeat against Al-Nassr a day earlier.
âAl-Ittihad announces the termination of its contractual relationship with the first teamâs head coach Mr.Laurent Blanc and his coaching staff,â the club said on X.
Al-Ittihad added that they were also looking for ânew technical staff that matches the clubâs ambitions.â
Blanc took charge of Al-Ittihad in July last year and led the team to a domestic double, winning both the league title and the Kingâs Cup.
However, the team began the new season by exiting the Saudi Super Cup in the semifinals following a loss to Al-Nassr, before suffering a second defeat to the Riyadh-based side in the league on Friday. They are third in the standings, three points behind Al-Nassr.
Alaqraa dispatches Galal in 21 seconds in PFL MENAâs âChampions Collideâ fight night at The Arena Riyadh
Alaqraa will next meet with Moroccoâs Diani, who beat Lebanonâs Fazli in the other welterweight semifinal match
Saudi MMA fighter Hattan Alsaif announces decision to turn professional after a flawless 4-0 amateur career
Updated 28 September 2025
Aisha Fareed
RIYADH: Kuwaitâs mixed martial arts fighter Mohammad Alaqraa defeated Egyptâs Ayman Galal by technical knockout in the PFL MENA Welterweight Semifinal Saturday night at The Arena Riyadh, earning his way to a final match with Moroccoâs Badreddine Diani.
The fight ended in just 21 seconds after Alaqraa (9-1) landed a powerful kick to the thigh of Galal (4-2), sending the âMaestroâ down, apparently injured.
Alaqraaâs victory concluded an action-packed âChampions Collideâ fight night featuring Professional Fighters League combatants from the Middle East and North Africa, which also saw Saudi fighter Hattan Alsaif announcing her decision to turn professional after a flawless 4-0 amateur career.
âI knew heâs gonna think Iâm gonna grapple and shoot in the beginning,â Alaqraa told Arab News after the fight.
âAs a fighter, we try our best to prepare for the fight. We do our best to see how the fight could go, but by the end of the day, itâs all about God and he plans it,â he said.
Alaqraa will next meet Diani, who earlier defeated Lebanonâs Amir Fazli via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2) in a fight marred by a judging controversy earlier in the night. Diani was initially announced as the loser, but the result was corrected to confirm his victory.
In the Lightweight semifinals, Salah Eddine Hamli forced to submission Souhil Tairi in the third round via arm-triangle choke. Hamli will face the undefeated Mohammad Fahmi (6-0), who opened the night by subduing Mohsen Mohammadseifi in the first round.
The Featherweight bracket also shaped up as Islam Reda dominated Taha Bendaoud via unanimous decision. Reda will face Yanis Ghemmouri, who earned his semifinal victory over Izzeddine Al Derbani by unanimous decision.
In Bantamweight action, Islam Youssef defeated veteran Xavier Alaoui by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) to advance to the final against Nawras Abzakh, who beat Moktar Benkaci via unanimous decision.
Saudi rising star Malik Basahel remained unbeaten, crushing Ahmed Mostafa with a second-round rear-naked choke. Meanwhile, Hassan Ahmed Moustafa edged Abdulaziz Bin Moammar in a split-decision amateur showcase.
Adding to the eveningâs excitement, Hattan Alsaif announced she will make her professional debut on Dec. 5 after a perfect 4-0 amateur career.
Hattan Alsaif made history when she became the first female from șÚÁÏÉçÇű to sign a contract with a major MMA promoter â the PFL, now backed by Saudiâs public investment fund. (Instagram photo)
Reflecting on her journey, Alsaif told Arab News: âThis type of sports are new to us. Itâs true for, but Saudi people are really strong, they have really strong hearts, and they are brave.â Her announcement marks a milestone moment for womenâs MMA in the Kingdom.
The âChampions Collideâ event highlighted Riyadhâs growing status as a premier global destination for combat sports. Fighters from across the region left it all inside the cage as they chased glory and a shot at the inaugural PFL MENA crowns.
Runners celebrate Saudi national day at Jeddah historic district
Event organized in collaboration with Historic Jeddah Program, Masafat Club, Saudi Sports for All Federation and Ministry of Sportsâ Makkah region branch
Updated 20 September 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Professional runners, amateurs, families and children of all ages took to the streets and alleys of Jeddahâs historic district early Friday morning for the Jeddah Green Spirit Run, part of the cityâs 95th National Day celebrations.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Historic Jeddah Program, the Masafat Club, the Saudi Sports for All Federation and the Ministry of Sportsâ Makkah region branch.
Offering 2km and 5km distances for all ages and skill levels, the run provided a patriotic community experience, encouraging participants to celebrate unity while staying active.
Runners followed a course winding through Historic Jeddahâs most iconic landmarks, giving them an opportunity to explore the cityâs rich heritage. Key points along the route included Bab Jadid, the historic Hajj Route, Bab Al-Bunt, Beit Nassief and Al-Falah School.
Thirty-year-old Muhanad Abdulaziz, who participated alongside his wife, told Arab News: âRunning is more than just a physical activity â itâs a way of connecting with our country and with each other. I insisted that my wife and I take part in this special day with all the runners who came from everywhere to enjoy the race and celebrate our National Day.â
An estimated 1,000 runners of various nationalities took part, including a significant number of Filipino participants. Jon Abella said: âIt is a special day for Saudis, and we are here to share this happy occasion with them by running through this historic area.â
Meanwhile, 69-year-old Ahmed Al-Hamdan, who completed the 5km race, expressed his joy at participating alongside fellow veteran athletes.
He said: âWe are here to show our spirit, enthusiasm and patriotism for our beloved country. At the same time, we want to prove that age doesnât matter â we can do it just like the young runners.â
Riyadh Season hosts âRing V: Night of the Samuraiâ. supplied
Updated 18 September 2025
Arab News
Naoya Inoue to headline Riyadhâs âNight of the Samuraiâ
Japanese superstar Inoue will fight for the first time in șÚÁÏÉçÇű on Dec. 27, against Mexicoâs Alan Picasso Romero
Updated 18 September 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, has announced that Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) will defend his WBC super-bantamweight title against Mexicoâs Alan Picasso Romero (32-0-1, 17 KOs) on Dec. 27.
The fight will headline Riyadh Seasonâs âRing V: Night of the Samuraiâ at the Mohammed Abdo Arena, according to reports on Thursday.
This marks Inoueâs first fight in șÚÁÏÉçÇű, following his dominant title defense last weekend against Murodjon Akhmadaliev.
Ring Magazine has ranked Inoue third in boxingâs pound-for-pound ratings, with Terence Crawford first and Oleksandr Usyk second.
The card includes Junto Nakatani (31â0, 24 KOs), the unified bantamweight champion, who will make his superâbantamweight debut against Mexicoâs Sebastian Hernandez Reyes (20â0, 18 KOs), a 24âyearâold rising star.
The card will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN and Lemino in Japan.
