"It's a Great Idea" – Usyk on the Creation of a New Boxing Promotion

WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) has voiced his support for the new boxing promotion being launched through a partnership between Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh and TKO Group Holdings, with UFC president Dana White leading the project.

"It’s a great idea. I support any new initiatives that help develop the sport. A lot of people think something might not work, but it's important to always try new things," said Usyk.

Alalshikh, Dana White, and WWE president Nick Khan have signed an agreement to establish a new boxing organization designed to reshape the sport. Key elements include:

– Talent development through academies and scouting events.

– Access to the UFC Performance Institute—a cutting-edge training, research, and rehabilitation facility.

– Leverage of TKO Group’s media expertise to enhance production, marketing, and event quality.

Unlike traditional boxing organizations, this new promotion will not collaborate with the WBA, WBC, WBO, or IBF. Instead, it will operate similarly to the UFC, featuring:

A single champion per weight class—eliminating the current four-belt system. A structured ranking system with mandatory title defenses. White has emphasized that the league’s goal is to bring organization and clarity to professional boxing, providing a more structured, fan-friendly approach to championship fights.