RIYADH: In a sport steeped in tradition, disruption rarely comes gently.

Yet the Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix has done just that – reimagining professional boxing through a groundbreaking global tournament and an unprecedented collaboration of fighters, promoters, and nations.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman described the Grand Prix – whose initial stage took place from April 17 to 20 – as “a dream come true.”

“This Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix is the first event of this magnitude ever in the history of boxing,” said Sulaiman.

“Never done before in professional boxing. Fighters from all over the world in four different categories with limited experience or years of age. It is for the talent of the future.”

Sulaiman added: “It has been such a great success, and we always expect this to be groundbreaking, because so many fighters are getting the opportunity to show their skills on this world stage here in Riyadh.”

“It is the dream come true of my father – he always wanted to have an opportunity for those who don’t have an opportunity in life.”

At the heart of this transformation is Turki Alalshikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority, whose leadership has united the boxing world in ways few thought possible.

With long-standing promotional and broadcast rivalries bridged, the sport has entered an era of collaboration and spectacle.

“Riyadh Season, with the leadership of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, has changed the boxing world in only two years,” Sulaiman explained.

“Riyadh and Jeddah have shown some of the most important fights in the last 20, 30 years – fights that were not being put together because promoters were fighting each other, networks fighting each other.”

 “And his excellency came in, invited everyone to sit down and negotiate, and made this happen,” said Sulaiman.

“I believe that a new era has begun. A new era that will change forever the way boxing is featured.”

While the Grand Prix has drawn international headlines, Sulaiman is particularly energized by local and regional talent.

“I have seen two Saudi fighters – not in this tournament – but in the Riyadh Season events, and they have talent. They have good skill which you need when you’re born.

“You cannot teach that, you have to be born with it … The Middle East is known for having courageous, brave fighters. It is just a matter of getting the boxing technique and experience.”

He also praised an emerging fighter competing in the tournament. “I saw a fighter from Jordan yesterday. He was sensational. And I believe that he will be advancing in the tournament and that could be a great, great talent.”

To young Saudis hoping to one day hold a world title, Sulaiman offered candid and heartfelt advice. “Boxing is a sport that is very demanding. You need dedication, you need passion, you need patience, and a lot of hard work,” he said.

“You have to be in perfect shape, working every day, running, and then going to the gym and learning the skills. You cannot be a boxer in one year, just as you cannot be a doctor.”

“Boxing is a great sport. It teaches you discipline, brings opportunities, and gives an open door for many things in life.”

With the Grand Prix setting the stage, Sulaiman said the WBC is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term development as a global boxing hub.

“This is the first step. Ever since His Excellency Turki Alalshikh came into the picture two years ago, the WBC welcomed him with open arms,” said Sulaiman.

“Because what we have seen is something never done before.”

He emphasized the importance of grassroots investment and consistent activity for young fighters. “You need to have local tournaments for young talent.

“Ten fights every year, 12 fights every year. Then go find opportunities abroad. I am certain that the Saudi boxing program will emerge.”

With follow-up Grand Prix events scheduled for June, August, October, and a grand final in December, the foundation for a new boxing powerhouse is being laid brick by brick.

“The result has shown the greatness of the concept. I am hopeful that next year we will be doing another tournament and give continuity. This is what is needed.”

According to Sulaiman, Saudi Arabia is no longer just a host but becoming a home for elite boxing. “Saudi Arabia had some fights in 2018 and 2019. Then the pandemic came, and it seemed to be finished,” he said.

“And then his excellency came in, brought technology, brought Tyson Fury, the heavyweights … and the talent started coming.”

Next on the calendar is Canelo Alvarez, boxing’s biggest superstar, who will fight in Riyadh on May 3 under a two-year contract.

“It all looks like it’s going to be a continuous effort, continuous promotion,” said Sulaiman. “The world knows Saudi Arabia and boxing together is a great combination.”

Despite the high stakes and elite production, Sulaiman reminded Arab News that boxing’s core identity as a sport of the people remains as powerful as ever.

“Boxing is a sport of poor people. They come from difficulties. They come from opportunities to take a wrong life in the streets,” he said.

“And boxing gives them a change of life – for them, their family, their friends, their neighborhood, their country.”

“Every person that visits Saudi Arabia for a boxing event goes back home as an ambassador of Saudi,” Sulaiman said.

“Because the hospitality, the respect, the beauty of the country – it stays in your heart. It’s a beautiful country with beautiful people.”

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently rejected claims by former head coach Jason Gillespie that he had not been paid his dues, clarifying that the ex-Australian cricketer breached the terms of his contract and left his position “abruptly.” 

Former fast bowler Gillespie took up the coaching assignment in April 2024 but stepped down in December due to disagreements with the PCB. Since resigning from the role, Gillespie has been an outspoken critic of the PCB, criticizing the board for what he described was its short-sightedness and accusing current interim white-ball coach Aqib Javed of interfering in his job. 

When asked during a recent interview with a local sports platform about his relationship with the PCB, Gillespie wished the board well but said he was still waiting for it to pay him his dues for the coaching job. 

“The Pakistan Cricket Board refutes claims made by a former head coach on the non-payment of his dues,” the PCB said in a statement on Sunday. “The PCB spokesman states that the former head coach abruptly left his position without giving a four month notice period, which was a clear breach of the contractual terms.”

The board said Gillespie’s coaching contract “explicitly mentioned” a notice period applicable to both parties, adding that the former coach was “fully aware of it.”

Earlier this month, Gillespie’s comments during an interview made headlines when he revealed that his time with the PCB had a negative impact on his passion for coaching cricket. 

“The Pakistan experience has soured my love for coaching, I’ll be honest,” Gillespie said. “I’ll get it back, I’m sure I will, but that was really a blow.”

The former fast bowler said he had been disappointed with how his coaching stint with Pakistan ended. 

“It’s had me question whether I want to coach full time again,” he said.

Pakistan cricket analysts and critics have slammed the PCB for appointing a plethora of coaches, selectors and captains over the past few years, blaming the increasing instability within the board as the main reason for the national cricket team’s recent dismal performances.