Turki Alalshikh responded to a social media post questioning whether he is “too busy” and “losing interest in boxing.” Saudi Arabia’s Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and Royal Court adviser with the rank of Minister outlined this year’s events, upcoming fight cards, and plans for the rest of 2026.
This year’s events have included Shakur Stevenson defeating Teofimo Lopez in New York and Ryan Garcia defeating Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. Upcoming bouts include Tyson Fury versus Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 in London, with Conor Benn facing Regis Prograis in a co-feature, and Oleksandr Usyk facing Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Giza, Egypt.
Canelo set for Riyadh return, two Joshua fights, bouts for Garcia and Fury
The social media post on Wednesday from boxing reporter Michael Woods read: “Turki has been busy with other stuff? Losing interest in boxing? The momentum
From last year has been absent [sic]”
Alalshikh reposted Woods’ post with a comment highlighting the events he has overseen in 2026 and the fights scheduled and planned for the rest of the year. This includes the previously reported return of Canelo Alvarez in September in Riyadh, plans for two fights for Anthony Joshua, and additional bouts for Fury and Garcia.
“Yes, I am very busy with other stuff,” the post reads. “Thank God my country is safe and we are happy, even when we are close to war. Thank you for asking. Missile and drones coming to my country each day.”
“And to prove your point that I am too busy and not interested in boxing anymore, we just did Shakur-Teo, the biggest fight in MSG history, Garcia-Barrios in Vegas, one of the biggest fights this year. Next week I will be in London for the legend Tyson Fury vs. Makhmudov at Tottenham Stadium. And we have Usyk-Rico heavyweight title fight at the Pyramids. And that’s just the first half of 2026.”
“We are finalizing Canelo in Riyadh Season for September, planning to do two fights for Joshua, another for Tyson and another for Garcia in the second half.”
“This is my schedule this year when I am busy and not interesting
imagine if I not [sic]”
Canelo has not fought since his defeat to Terence Crawford last September, while Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in his previous bout last December.
Further details are expected to follow shortly.