TKO Group Holdings’ Entry into Boxing: A Game-Changer for the Sport and Its Global Power Structure

Professional boxing has long been marked by fragmentation, with multiple promoters, sanctioning bodies, and broadcasters each controlling different aspects of the sport. However, a major shift is underway as TKO Group Holdings—the parent company of UFC and WWE—enters the boxing world.

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and Sela, this new venture aims to introduce a more structured, centralised model, potentially reshaping the sport and challenging the dominance of traditional promoters like Matchroom, Top Rank, and Queensberry.

Why Is This News So Significant?

Unlike traditional boxing promoters, TKO is expected to implement a centralised system, similar to the UFC’s model:

• One Organising Body: Instead of multiple promoters competing for talent, TKO could control matchmaking, event scheduling, and fighter contracts under a unified structure.

  
  

• Unified Championship Belts: TKO may introduce a single world title per weight class, eliminating the confusion created by multiple champions under different sanctioning bodies.

  
  

• Consistent Matchmaking: The best fighters could face each other regularly, rather than being hindered by promotional disputes.

  
  

• Standardised Pay and Fighter Benefits: TKO fighters could receive guaranteed salaries, structured bonuses, and access to world-class UFC training and recovery facilities.

  
  

This approach directly contrasts with the current system, where fights often take years to materialise due to competing promotional and broadcasting interests.

Impact on the Traditional Powerhouses in Boxing

Present global powerhouses in boxing include:

• Matchroom Boxing: Led by Eddie Hearn, Matchroom has a strong international presence with an exclusive deal with DAZN. Fighters like Anthony Joshua and Dmitry Bivol have been major attractions for the promotion.

  
  

• Top Rank: Bob Arum’s US-based promotional company has built stars such as Tyson Fury and Teofimo Lopez, with a broadcasting deal tied to ESPN.

  
  

• Queensberry Promotions: Frank Warren’s UK-based promotion works closely with TNT Sports and has become a dominant force in British boxing with fighters like Daniel Dubois and Zhilei Zhang.

  
  

These companies have thrived under boxing’s fragmented structure, where fighters sign exclusive deals and cross-promotional fights require complex negotiations.

What This Means for Australian Boxing

Australia has seen a rapid rise in boxing’s popularity, with local promoters forging strong international connections to get their fighters onto major cards. Australia’s two key boxing promoters are:

• No Limit Boxing: Australia’s biggest promotional company, which has built stars like Tim Tszyu and formed partnerships with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) in the US.

  
  

• Tasman Fighters: Works with Matchroom and Top Rank, helping Aussie fighters gain global exposure.

  
  

The proposed centralised model may have the following effects for these promoters and fighters within their promotions:

• New Opportunities: Australian fighters could gain access to larger global fights under TKO’s system, potentially bypassing the traditional pathway through Matchroom or Top Rank.

  
  

• More Investment in Global Events: With Saudi Arabia’s involvement, Australian fighters may see more high-profile opportunities in the Middle East, similar to how the Saudis have reshaped golf, Formula 1, and football.

  
  

• Changes for Local Promoters: If TKO’s model takes hold, Australian promoters may need to align with the new structure or risk being left behind in a changing boxing landscape.

  
  

A New Era for Boxing?

With TKO Group Holdings entering the boxing scene, the sport is on the verge of a potential structural shift.

If TKO succeeds in centralising matchmaking, introducing unified championship belts, and streamlining fighter contracts, boxing could become more competitive, transparent, and financially stable.

The question remains whether TKO can break through boxing’s deeply entrenched business model or simply become another powerful player in an already fragmented industry.

Either way, Australian fighters, promoters, and fans should watch closely—because this could reshape the sport for years to come.

Matt Krog

Director