His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is altering the boxing scene with his money. But he also has a particular idea of what boxing looks like. Big stars putting on a show for the fans and abiding by the rules and spirit of the sweet science, and it all went to toss when Jake Paul stepped in. The latter’s fight with Mike Tyson became the talk of the boxing town, and when the dust had settled, it received scathing criticism. However, it seems the tables have turned now.

The Saudi Royal, after the fight in November, had made a candid assessment of the Paul vs. Tyson fight, as he lobbied to call it a show or entertainment rather than boxing. He also lashed out at the modified rules and the gross mismatch nature of the bout. He had declared, “Boxing is not 14 oz gloves, not two-minute rounds, not beating a legend at the age of your grandfather. Boxing is not like this. Do not name it boxing, please. I am not against it—name it a show, entertainment. But do not name it boxing.”

But in a conversation a few days ago with Ariel Helwani, Alalshikh expressed his desire to match Wladimir Klitschko with Tyson Fury. If it happens in 2025, it would be a rerun of their first encounter, almost 10 years ago. Now, it raised some eyebrows, as Klitschko, 48, hasn’t fought in 7 years and has already drawn curtails on his pro-career. These two contrasting sides of the Alalshikh allowed Nakisa Bidarian‘s BAVAFA Sports handle to clap back at the Saudi Royal.

The post read, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But bringing back Klitschko at 50 years of age, after getting KO seven years ago before retiring, to fight one of the best current champs in the world (who already beat Klitschko 9 years ago) is boxing? I am not against it, but call it what it is.”

So, now the question is, why is Alalshikh willing to make a fight on the same lines, which he blasted only recently and goes against his principles regarding boxing?

Fury vs Klitschko: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson in hindsight?

The 43-year-old told Helwani he wanted Klitschko to come back and become the oldest heavyweight champion. He said, “I am dreaming to see this fight. To give a chance. If he accepts, for Klitschko to get back and have a chance to be the oldest heavyweight champion ever.”

Currently, George Foreman holds the bragging right to the oldest heavyweight champion in history, when he did it at 45. But can Klitschko do it? More importantly, should he do it? Tyson took a similar route when he accepted the Paul fight. Whereas, Klitschko’s last two fights were two consecutive defeats to ‘Gypsy King’ and Anthony Joshua, and we have heard no comeback rumors from him. While the allure of money could bring him back, the fans might not like it.

What do you make of these statements about HE Turki Alalshikh and his dream match? Do you believe it holds water after his remarks about Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul? Let us know in the comments below.