HAMBURG, Germany – Mauricio Sulaiman and Turki Alalshikh have made a significant announcement regarding the WBC Grand Prix of boxing. This tournament is set to be a World Cup of the sport, featuring 128 prospects across four weight classes. It was a dream of Mauricio's late father, Jose, who was the former WBC head. The entrants will be no older than 26 and have no more than 10 fights to their name. The tournament is scheduled to start in February and will include quarterfinals and semifinals over eight rounds, with the 10-round finals taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The weight classes contested will be featherweight, junior welterweight, middleweight, and heavyweight. Earlier in the evening, Alalshikh was honored as the WBC's Man of the Year, a prestigious award that has previously been won by Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela, and Pope Francis. Alalshikh addressed the audience and passionately urged Wladimir Klitschko, the former heavyweight champion, to come out of retirement and consider a fight with either the winner of the Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury bout on December 21 or the February 22 contest between IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker.

Details of the WBC Grand Prix

The WBC Grand Prix is a unique tournament that brings together promising boxers from around the world. With 128 prospects competing in four weight classes, it offers a platform for young talents to showcase their skills. The age limit of 26 ensures that only the most promising fighters are included, while the limit of 10 fights gives them the opportunity to develop and grow. The tournament's start in February will kick off an exciting journey for these boxers, with quarterfinals and semifinals over eight rounds leading up to the 10-round finals in Riyadh. This format allows for intense competition and the chance for boxers to prove themselves on a global stage. The different weight classes add an extra layer of diversity to the tournament, making it a truly comprehensive event.

Featherweight Division

In the featherweight division, we can expect to see some of the most agile and technical boxers in action. These fighters will showcase their speed, footwork, and punching power as they compete for a spot in the later rounds. The featherweight class requires a high level of skill and precision, as boxers need to be able to move quickly and land accurate punches. Many of these young prospects have been training hard and are eager to make their mark in the boxing world. They will face tough opponents and have to rise to the occasion to advance in the tournament.

Junior Welterweight Division

The junior welterweight division is known for its fast-paced action and powerful punches. These boxers are on the cusp of becoming major players in the boxing scene and the Grand Prix provides them with an opportunity to showcase their abilities. The 10-round format in this division will test the fighters' endurance and ability to maintain their intensity throughout the fight. With some of the best young talents in the sport competing, the junior welterweight division is sure to deliver some thrilling matches.

Middleweight Division

In the middleweight division, we see boxers with more experience and strength. These fighters have been through the ranks and are looking to make a name for themselves on the international stage. The middleweight division is known for its tough competition, and the Grand Prix will bring together some of the best in the class. These boxers will have to use their size and power to their advantage while also showing off their technical skills. The 10-round finals in Riyadh will be a highlight of the tournament, as the top middleweight boxers battle it out for the championship.

Heavyweight Division

The heavyweight division is always a crowd-pleaser, and the WBC Grand Prix is no exception. These massive fighters will bring their power and aggression to the ring, creating some explosive matchups. The heavyweight class requires a combination of strength, speed, and skill, as boxers need to be able to handle the power of their opponents while also landing their own punches. The February start of the tournament will give these heavyweights plenty of time to prepare and build up their momentum. As they progress through the rounds, they will face tougher and tougher opponents, but their goal is to reach the finals and claim the championship.