Eddie Hearn addresses reports of a Saudi-backed global boxing league in development: "If anybody can make it happen, it's probably Turki Alalshikh"

Eddie Hearn has his full confidence in Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh. While the 42-year-old enthusiast has his sights set on a lofty goal, the Matchroom Boxing promoter believes that he is the one person who may accomplish it.

After reports surfaced stating Alalshikh's goal to buy out all major boxing promotions to create one unified platform, Hearn spoke to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated with his thoughts on the matter. Though Alalshikh's idea would potentially threaten his role in boxing, Hearn believes the plans Saudi Arabia has are "exciting."

Hearn said [via Michael Benson]:

"His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia are looking at a lot of opportunities within the sport. He has a great mind and vision around where he thinks boxing should be... I think a lot of the plans they have are incredibly exciting... If anybody can make it happen it's probably Turki Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia."

Alalshikh has publicly addressed his plan on several occasions, citing the UFC as his inspiration for desiring most of the top fighters to be under the same organization.

His Excellency was also a major part of mending the relationship between Hearn and Frank Warren to allow the milestone Queensberry vs. Matchroom co-promotion event.

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Is Eddie Hearn the founder of Matchroom Boxing?

At just 45 years old, Eddie Hearn has already been an established name in the boxing world for over a decade. Hearn is the chairman of the British-based Matchroom Sport and subsequent leader of Matchroom Boxing.

Hearn has become synonymous with the brand but the Matchroom Sport company was founded by his father, Barry Hearn. As of 2024, the 75-year-old is still the president of the company, though his son is widely recognized as the face of the organization.

Within Matchroom Sport, Eddie Hearn is credited for the start of Matchroom Boxing and its rise to prominence within the sport.