By Ricardo Lezama 
Turki bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Sheikh better known as Turki Alishik, and in boxing circles, ‘his excellency’, is a Saudi minister of entertainment and sports that is expanding the brand of the country into Global Sports and Tourism. Among other goals, they want non-secular tourism into the region and, particularly, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Saudis Ingress Into Boxing
Most people do not typically associate Saudi Arabia with the controversial sport of boxing, but there is one key motivator: Turki bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Sheik who has professed his love of boxing, its principles and stated that his favorite fighter is Roberto Duran, a fighter who competed ferociously in multiple weight classes, and was even defeated, but valiant at all times.
As far back as the 2019, the Saudi government sponsored the Anthony Joshua versus Andy Ruiz Jr rematch in Riyadh. Both boxers have remained active, with Joshua essentially having a second career after becoming a two time heavyweight champion. He would, however, lose the title to Oleksander Usyk in Saudi Arabia later in 2021.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Takes Over Boxing – Civil War In LA
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season is now coming to the LA Coliseum. This will be the site of Terence Crawford’s debut at the 154lb division against Israel Madrimov, the current #1 ranked super welterweight from Uzbekistan. The tentative date is August 11, 2024.
Great meeting you Champ … big surprises coming ahead🥊❤️🤷🏻♂️🔥 pic.twitter.com/aS8Zgc4R5S
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) April 24, 2024
However, the fight being in Los Angeles, California appears to also be a play for the important Mexican audience in the region. As part of the main attraction, the main undercard appears to be stacked with Mexican talent.
Strategically, the Saudi Kingdom is looking to make its stamp with three Mexican style fights, with the exception of Andy Ruiz Jr who will not be fighting a Mexican, but is himself a Mexican from Imperial County, California. Ruiz Jr is coming off a long layoff and fighting Jerrel Miller, who last lost a wide decision against Daniel Dubois.
On that note, Andy Ruiz also took to twitter to announce his much-awaited return:
The wait is over 🥊🪜 pic.twitter.com/ERkTkva3MB
— AndyRuizJr (@Andy_destroyer1) April 23, 2024
As part of that Crawford-Madrimov undercard, in the super lightweight division, Rayo Valenzuela vs Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will fight for Cruz’s WBA lightweight belt. The opener will be an Abner Mares vs Leo Santa Cruz trilogy fight.
Rumors – Vergil Ortiz vs Tim Tszyu
While the fights on the undercard are already fun, there is a rumor that Vergil Ortiz will meet against the only once defeated Tim Tszyu who will likely avoid the weird head clashes that were inherent in his bout against Sebastian Fundora. The fact that ‘Timmy’ has lost his belt has not erased the luster his brand has with fight fans, who are more interested in a compelling match-up.
Mike Coppinger, who typically gets these fairly good scoops, revealed the info on Twitter:
Tim Tszyu-Vergil Ortiz is being planned for Aug. 3 in L.A., sources tell ESPN. Ortiz must first defeat major underdog Thomas Dulorme on Saturday and emerge uninjured. Terrific action fight on tap, part of a stacked Crawford-Madrimov undercard presented by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/AvyfLQrKrS
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) April 23, 2024