Turki Al-Sheikh has cancer and a brain tumor. Nevertheless, the boxing promoter continues to push forward with his plans for the future of the sport.
Turki Al-Sheikh is one of the most influential figures in boxing today. Now, the Saudi Arabian sports official has spoken openly for the first time about his health problems—and made a shocking confession.
According to his own statements, the 44-year-old suffers from several types of cancer as well as a tumor near the pituitary gland. As Al-Sheikh explained to Ring Magazine, the conditions were diagnosed as early as 2015. He spent extended periods of time in New York in 2018 and 2019 for treatment.
Despite his health challenges, Al-Sheikh remains one of the driving forces behind the world’s biggest boxing events. In recent years, he has played a key role in mega-events such as the fights between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, and Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou. He also co-founded the promotion Zuffa Boxing with UFC President Dana White in 2025.
His comments about the future were particularly moving. Al-Sheikh wants to play an active role in shaping the future of boxing for as long as his health allows. “I want to do this before I lose my memory. I’m afraid I’ll forget my own name by 2028 or 2029,” he explained.
Among other things, the plan is to meet with industry leaders such as Dana White, Nick Khan, Frank Warren, and Eddie Hearn to further expand cooperation in international boxing.
The Saudi’s statements have caused a stir around the world. Al-Sheikh is considered the architect of the recent boxing boom, and his investments have made possible numerous major fights that were previously considered unrealistic. Now it’s becoming clear that behind the scenes, one man is fighting a battle far greater than any negotiation over a title fight.
Text by Robin Josten