Boxing has a drug problem. Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh can make fixing it his legacy

There are two main stumbling blocks to ridding boxing of PEDs: motivation and cost. Saudi Arabian power broker Turki Alalshikh is uniquely situated to surmount these obstacles

It's a matter of record that I've expressed misgivings about the migration of major boxing matches to Saudi Arabia. But I recognize that the Kingdom will be a dominant force in boxing for the foreseeable future.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia, through its General Entertainment Authority (GEA), has hosted an increasing number of high-profile fights. On 18 May, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will battle at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. This summer, the GEA will extend its reach to fight cards in Los Angeles and London.

Thomas Hauser's email address is thomashauserwriter@gmail.com. His most recent book - a memoir titled My Mother and Me - is now available in stores. In 2019, he was selected for boxing's highest honor - induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.