The Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney fighters were leg by Turki Alalshikh for boxing season in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia has become the new epicenter of boxing, and much of this transformation is driven by Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority. His leadership has brought some of the biggest boxing events to Riyadh, attracting top-tier fighters and massive financial backing.
Now, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney have become the latest stars to join Riyadh Season, entering multi-fight agreements that could reshape the boxing landscape. With both fighters set to compete under Alalshikh’s banner, the stage is set for a blockbuster season of high-stakes fights in Saudi Arabia.
The Garcia-Haney Rivalry Takes Center Stage
The rivalry between Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs, 1 No-Contest) and Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) is one of the most heated in modern boxing. Their first clash in April 2024 ended in controversy, fueling the demand for a high-profile rematch.
Alalshikh’s involvement in boxing has ensured that both fighters remain on a collision course. They will first compete in separate bouts in May, with the expectation that they will meet for a rematch later in the year in Riyadh.
- Ryan Garcia will take on Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) at welterweight.
- Devin Haney will fight Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) in another significant welterweight clash.
Both fights will serve as the launching point for Riyadh’s boxing season, leading to even bigger events later in the year.
Turki Alalshikh’s Growing Influence in Boxing
Turki Alalshikh is not just hosting major boxing events—he is actively reshaping the sport. His recent purchase of The Ring Magazine and its components gives him greater control over boxing narratives, rankings, and fight promotions.
His partnerships with elite fighters, promoters, and organizations have created a new powerhouse in boxing, drawing comparisons to major promoters like Eddie Hearn and Bob Arum. Unlike traditional promoters, however, Alalshikh has the financial muscle of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector, allowing him to stage fights with unmatched prize money and global spectacle.
The Road to Riyadh: A Defining Year for Garcia and Haney
For both Garcia and Haney, 2024 will be a defining year in their careers.
- Ryan Garcia is looking to prove that he is an elite-level fighter after facing criticism for his inconsistentness outside the ring. A strong performance in Riyadh could cement his status as a legitimate contender.
- Devin Haney, still undefeated, aims to maintain his dominance and silence any critics who doubt his ability to remain at the top.
Winning their May fights is crucial, as it sets up a potential Garcia vs. Haney rematch in one of Riyadh Season’s biggest events of the year.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Boxing’s Future
With Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, and now Garcia and Haney all competing in Saudi Arabia, it is clear that Riyadh has become the sport’s most powerful new hub. Fighters are drawn not only by the lucrative paydays but also by the global exposure and prestige that come with fighting under Turkey’s promotions.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Boxing Under Alalshikh
The Riyadh Boxing Season is shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting spectacles of the year. With Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney now under the leadership of Turki Alalshikh, their rivalry—and their futures—will be defined by the Saudi Arabian boxing scene.
All eyes are now on May’s fights, as Garcia and Haney look to take their first steps toward a blockbuster rematch in Riyadh.
