In a move that has shocked the sporting world, Turki Alalshikh, head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), has offered legendary boxer Mike Tyson a staggering $700 million if he defeats Jake Paul in a rematch.
The challenge comes after the controversial November fight between Tyson and Paul at AT&T Stadium, which left many fans frustrated with the outcome.
Alalshikh’s offer highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports, particularly in high-profile events involving famous figures. Alalshikh, a prominent adviser to the Saudi Royal Court, has been instrumental in organizing major sporting events, including international concerts and boxing matches.
His overture to Tyson is part of a broader effort to draw attention to Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping the international sporting landscape.
Lucrative opportunity for Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson, who earned $20 million in the initial fight with Jake Paul, now faces the prospect of becoming one of the richest boxers in history if he accepts Alalshikh’s challenge. The Saudi king has promised Tyson a whopping $700 million reward, contingent on his victory in a rematch that would have to end by knockout in three minutes.
Alalshikh’s comments on the fight are straightforward: “Jake Paul is a joke. I will give Mike Tyson 700 million dollars if he agrees to fight Jake Paul this time in a real fight and wins by KO in a maximum of 3 minutes.”
Saudi Arabia’s strategic investment in global sport or sports whitewashing?
This latest development ties into Saudi Arabia’s broader sports investment strategy, which has been making headlines in recent years. The Saudi government has been increasingly involved in international sport, spending billions to attract global talent and host world-class events. The $700 million offer to Tyson is in line with the kingdom’s broader effort to position itself as a leading player in the global sporting arena.
Saudi Arabia’s investments have led to accusations of “sports greenwashing” – using sport to improve the country’s international image. However, experts argue that these investments are part of a broader plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, increase tourism and reinforce its global reputation as a modern and progressive nation.
Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in sport has sparked debates about its motives. While some view these efforts as attempts at “sports greenwashing,” a strategy designed to improve the kingdom’s international reputation, others see them as part of a more comprehensive economic reform agenda. With plans to continue making significant investments in sport, including a potential merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in global sports diplomacy.
While Turki Alalshikh’s $700 million offer may appear to be an attempt to draw attention to Saudi Arabia’s sporting ambitions, it also highlights the country’s growing role in shaping global sporting events. It is not known whether Tyson will take up the challenge or not, but Saudi Arabia’s growing sporting investments demonstrate its commitment to expanding its influence in the sector.
