An upstart in Saudi Arabia continues to beef up its presence in boxing.
Their latest gambit could involve contractual rights on one of the biggest heavyweight punchers of the last decade.
Deontay Wilder, the former heavyweight titlist from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has reportedly agreed to terms with Skill Challenge Promotions, a new promotional entity based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Declan Warrington of Pro Box TV.
The same report also asserted that Devin Haney, the undisputed lightweight champion who is coming off a successful defense of his titles with a win over Vasiliy Lomachenko last month in New York City, is “on the verge” of signing with the company as well. An official announcement is reportedly forthcoming later this week.
When reached by BoxingScene.com, Shelly Finkel, the longtime manager of Wilder, declined to comment “at this point.”
Skill Challenge made news earlier this year after reports surfaced that the company was trying to put together a heavyweight bonanza in December, featuring, on a single card, Wilder and Anthony Joshua in one contest, and WBC titlist Tyson Fury and WBO, WBA, IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk in another.
Skill Challenge sent a strong signal of its intentions to the industry when it signed Ukraine’s Usyk to an agreement earlier this month; Usyk joins a roster that includes current cruiserweight titlist Badou Jack. Usyk is scheduled to fight London’s Daniel Dubois later this summer in Poland.
Not much is known about Skill Challenge, but it is headed by former kickboxing champion Amer Abdallah, who answers to Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz, the company’s founder.
Abdallah has had to push back against claims that his company is under the shadow influence of Daniel Kinahan, the alleged Irish cartel boss who resides in Dubai. Abdallah famously posted a picture on his social media last year announcing a partnership with Kinahan, whom he referred to as his “brother.” Recently, Abadallah has stated that he promptly severed ties with Kinahan after the US government put up a Wanted poster on Kinahan and several of his associates. Abdallah has hinted at taking legal action against anyone that insinuates that Kinahan is still involved with his operations.
Sean Nam is the author of Murder on Federal Street: Tyrone Everett, the Black Mafia, and the Last Golden Age of Philadelphia Boxing