Saudi TKO Boxing League: What is it, how will it work, dates, weight classes, titles & more

UFC owner Dana White has made a gargantuan splash into the world of boxing after agreeing a partnership with Turki Alalshikh to launch a 'game-changing' Boxing League - here's everything we know about the promotion.

For as long a Dana White has been in the public eye, he has proclaimed his love for boxing and his dismay at how the sport is run, in equal measures.

Now, after years of speculation, the CEO of UFC has confirmed that he is going to attempt to the replicate the model that has been so successful in the world of mixed martial arts with the sweet science.

On 5th March, 2025, it was announced that TKO Group Holding, Turki Alalshikh and Sela have joined forces to form a new league, with the intention to shake up the landscape of boxing.

TKO already has the WWE and UFC under its banner - the premier brands in their respective sectors - and are now looking to repeat the trick in another combat sport.

The landmark multi-year deal will see White take on the role of CEO, with, WWE president, Nick Khan on the executive board.

Here's everything we know about the new boxing promotion...

Saudi TKO Boxing League - Format

How will the Saudi TKO Boxing League work?

The new league will adopt a similar ethos to the one employed by White in MMA: fighters will have to face each other to earn the right to move up the rankings.

The current major sanctioning bodies in boxing: the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO have been criticised for the political nature of their ratings, where fighters could climb the ladder by paying fees to fight for, and defend, regional belts.

The proliferation of belts in boxing has contributed to diluting the mass appeal of the sport.

At any given time, four men can claim to be a world champion in a weight class, that is before you take into account ‘Regular,’ ‘Interim’ and ‘Diamond’ straps.

Dana White proclaimed: "The best will fight the best, and the fighters will move up the rankings to become world champions."

In boxing, promotional contracts and exclusive television deals have meant that the elite have not faced off as often as fans have desired.

The new streamlined structure could resolve such issues and crown a single, undisputed champion per division.

White has promised to deliver a highly-structured system to develop talent across the globe through academies.

Fighters will also have access to the UFC Performance Institute; offering state-of-the-art training facilities in Las Vegas, Mexico City and Shanghai.

Saudi TKO Boxing League - Boxers

Which fighters will feature in the Saudi TKO Boxing League?

At present, no boxers have been announced, however, it is clear that TKO will target the best names in business.

While such ambitions may seem fanciful, the involvement of Turki Alalshikh increases the likelihood of their mission being successful.

The Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority has been a pivotal player in bringing several super fights to fruition.

Without 'His Excellency' it is unlikely that we would have seen the epic clashes between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, or the undisputed battles that Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev treated fans to at light-heavyweight.

Alalshikh has the finances to make the improbable a reality.

It appears likely the organisation will also look to develop up-and-coming talent as they have committed to opening academies.

Details on signing are expected to be announced in the coming months as anticipation for the debut of the league builds.

Saudi TKO Boxing League - Start Date

When will the Saudi TKO Boxing League start?

While concrete dates are yet to be confirmed, it has been speculated the league will look to launch in 2026.

No locations have been announced, but it is logical to expect that Saudi Arabia will host marquee events given the players involved and the region becoming synonymous with major combat sport events, over the last couple of years.

TKO will bring their production and organisational skills to the table, hoping to make broadcasts must-see TV for fight fans.

Saudi TKO Boxing League - Belts

What titles will boxers fight for in the Saudi TKO Boxing League?

The league will aim to bring an end to the multi-belt era by having a sole champion, with a single belt in each division.

While details on what the strap may be have not been confirmed, Alalshikh appeared to indicate on X (formerly Twitter) that the Ring Magazine title (which he owns) could be at stake.

The belt has a rich history, having traditionally, been presented to the lineal champion in a weight class.

The combination of TKO’s production expertise, White’s promotional nous and Alalshikh’s resources is a formidable one.

His Excellency has already stated his ambitions for the project by declaring it will: “Crush everything,” laying down a significant marker to existing promoters.

Saudi TKO Boxing League - Weight Divisions

Which weight classes will fighters contest in the Saudi TKO Boxing League?

It's expected that all current operating weight classes will feature in the promotion, meaning 17 leagues would be staged.

There were previous suggestions that 200 male fighters could contest 12 weight classes, however, it's now expected that the Saudi TKO Boxing League will feature all 17 existing divisions.