TKO Holdings Group, the parent company of WWE and UFC, has decided that conquering pro wrestling, MMA, and bull riding (yes, really) wasn’t ambitious enough. Now, they’re officially jumping into the boxing world, partnering with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and Sela to launch a brand-new boxing promotion.
That’s right—TKO just took one look at boxing’s current chaotic state and said, “You know what this sport needs? More billionaires meddling in it.”
Boxing, But Make It TKO
In a press release, Saudi Chairman Turki Alalshikh hyped up the deal like it was the biggest thing since Mike Tyson vs. a snack-sized Evander Holyfield.
“This landmark partnership between industry powerhouses sets the stage for an unparalleled experience for boxers and fans.”
Translation: Expect fireworks, big money fights, and at least one YouTuber getting a title shot.
Meanwhile, TKO President Mark Shapiro made it clear that they’re not just dabbling in boxing—they’re reimagining it.
“This is a strategic opportunity to reimagine the sport of boxing globally.”
Because, obviously, what boxing really needed was the guys who book The Rock vs. Roman Reigns stepping in and saying, “Hold my beer.”
The Usual Suspects Are Running the Show
As expected, UFC President Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan will be leading the charge, because if there’s anything the combat sports world loves, it’s guys who know how to make money first and worry about everything else later.
This move was rumored for months, with Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer spilling the tea in February that Khan and White would be involved. Now, it’s official—and boxing fans should probably brace themselves for a new era of cross-promotion insanity.
Will we see WWE superstars stepping into the ring for high-profile exhibitions? Will UFC fighters suddenly start calling out boxers for million-dollar freak fights? Will Logan Paul somehow end up fighting for this company’s first championship?
Honestly, at this point, nothing would surprise us.