GEA Chairman Tops 2024 List of Most Influential Figures in Boxing
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh, topped the list of the most influential figures in the world of boxing for 2024, according to the Sports Illustrated (SI) ranking, one of the leading sports magazines in the United States.
This move continues the significant and unwavering support from His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. It aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030, which places exceptional emphasis on sports to promote a healthy lifestyle, develop sports infrastructure, and attract global events. This aims to contribute to sustainable development and enhance the Kingdom's position on the international stage.
The magazine released its annual list of the most powerful and influential figures of the year, a prestigious sports reference with a history spanning over 70 years.
Advisor Alalshikh ranked first, ahead of world heavyweight champions British Tyson Fury and Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, and the Managing Director of Sela Company Rakan Al-Harthy.
The list also included two of the most prominent boxing promoters in the world, Britons Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, and the President of the World Boxing Council (WBC), Mauricio Sulaiman.
The magazine praised Advisor Alalshikh's efforts in promoting boxing globally: "His efforts in 2024 reached new heights, earning him recognition as one of the most influential figures in sports, alongside the best boxers. His sporting goals are an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030."
It added that he played a pivotal role in negotiating and organizing major bouts that were believed never to happen, as well as his success in overcoming rivalries between top boxing promoters.
The magazine highlighted that his innovative promotional strategies successfully captured the attention of boxing fans worldwide, taking the "Riyadh Season" brand to the global stage by organizing major boxing matches in Los Angeles and London.
The magazine emphasized that 2024 will remain an exceptional year due to the achievements made through Riyadh Season events, which featured historic bouts between top boxing stars in front of large crowds both in the Kingdom and abroad.
This ranking adds to other accolades achieved by Advisor Alalshikh this year, including first place in the list of the 50 most influential figures in boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) by The Independent, as well as topping ESPN's list of the most influential figures in MMA and professional wrestling.
Moreover, the WBC awarded Advisor Alalshikh the "Man of the Year" prize during the awards ceremony held earlier this month in recognition of his significant contributions to the development and promotion of boxing globally.
