Innovative and daring venues are being considered for upcoming boxing events, aiming to captivate audiences worldwide. The General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia envisions transforming iconic landmarks into extraordinary arenas for the sport. Turki Alalshikh, the chairman, has his sights set on locations far beyond traditional stadiums. He expressed his vision during an interview with ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, broadcasted on Friday afternoon via ESPN’s YouTube channel. Among these unconventional locales is Alcatraz Island, the former federal penitentiary off the coast of San Francisco, now a tourist attraction. Despite its closure in 1963 due to high maintenance costs, Alalshikh sees potential in hosting a fight within this historic site.

Beyond Alcatraz, Alalshikh dreams of staging bouts in other remarkable settings. Mountains, ancient structures like the Pyramids in Mexico, iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower in France, and historical landmarks including the Coliseum in Italy are all part of his ambitious plans. Cooperation from local authorities would be essential for realizing these ideas. For instance, hosting an event at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota or on the flight deck of the USS Intrepid in New York could turn these venues into unforgettable stages for combat sports. These unique locations underscore Alalshikh's commitment to pushing boundaries and creating memorable experiences for fans.

The world of boxing is gearing up for two major events this year: the Ring event on May 2nd in Times Square, New York, and the Riyadh Season event on September 13th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Times Square event will feature Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney in separate fights, setting the stage for a potential rematch if both fighters emerge victorious. Meanwhile, the Riyadh Season event will see Terence Crawford challenging Canelo Alvarez for multiple super middleweight titles. Alalshikh's visionary approach not only highlights the sport's versatility but also fosters excitement and anticipation among boxing enthusiasts globally. By exploring unconventional venues, he aims to elevate the sport and create lasting memories for all involved.