WBO President: "This Isn’t the First Attempt to Erase Titles"

World Boxing Organization (WBO) President Gustavo Olivieri addressed the potential influence of Saudi General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh and his TKO promotion on the future of boxing’s championship titles.

According to Olivieri, history has shown that major players have tried to alter the traditional title system before, but the legacy of championship belts remains irreplaceable.

"This isn’t the first time a promoter, a promotional company, or a television network has attempted to eliminate titles. Undoubtedly, TKO and the Saudis have the money, resources, and network to become a powerful force. However, as governing bodies, we have strong ties and support from other promotional companies.

Moreover, there’s a history that simply can’t be replaced. Boxing legends—Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Tyson, Duran, Leonard, Hearns, and many more—all fought for championship belts," Olivieri stated.

The WBO president’s concerns stem from Alalshikh’s collaboration with UFC and WWE executives to introduce an alternative championship belt system, independent of traditional boxing organizations.

A similar structure already exists in the UFC, where titles are owned by the organization itself rather than independent sanctioning bodies. If implemented in boxing, this could drastically reshape the sport’s landscape. Additionally, the new promotion appears to have little interest in working with established promoters.

Previously, Eddie Hearn and Oscar De La Hoya shared their thoughts on Alalshikh’s partnership with Dana White, while WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán also weighed in on the formation of the new promotion.