On November 15, 2025, Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh met with American boxer Jake Paul in Riyadh to finalize plans for a blockbuster heavyweight clash against British legend Anthony Joshua. The meeting, confirmed by Nasir Jabbar of SPORTbible, ended months of speculation and signaled a major step toward what could become the most lucrative boxing event in Middle Eastern history.

The Deal That Almost Wasn’t

It’s easy to forget how close this fight came to collapsing. Back in July 2025, Alalshikh told MMA Fighting that Paul had "accepted" the fight — but the deal stalled over purse splits. Joshua’s team wanted an 80-20 split in his favor, a demand Paul’s camp, Most Valuable Promotions, refused to accept. The tension wasn’t just financial. On July 18, World Boxing News quoted Alalshikh saying Joshua would deliver a "brutal KO" to end Paul’s boxing career. That wasn’t just hype — it was a warning shot.

But here’s the twist: Alalshikh didn’t walk away. Instead, he pivoted. And that’s where Netflix comes in.

Netflix Enters the Ring

According to multiple sources, including Sports Illustrated’s FanNation division, Netflix has locked in exclusive global streaming rights for the fight for $40 million. That’s not just a big number — it’s a game-changer. It means the event won’t rely solely on pay-per-view sales. Instead, Netflix’s massive subscriber base becomes the primary revenue engine, reducing pressure on ticket pricing and opening the door for a broader global audience.

And the numbers are staggering. Analyst Matthew Frohlich of BoxStat Analytics predicts $120 million in global PPV revenue alone. That’s more than the combined PPV haul of Joshua’s last three fights. The live gate? 850,000 tickets priced between SAR 300 ($80) and SAR 5,000 ($1,333) for ringside seats. That’s not just a fight — it’s a cultural moment.

Why Riyadh? Why Now?

Saudi Arabia’s push into global sports isn’t new. Since 2016, the General Entertainment Authority — under Alalshikh’s leadership — has spent over $1.2 billion annually to host world-class events. The 2023 Fury vs. Usyk bout at Kingdom Arena drew 15,000 fans and global headlines. This fight is bigger. Much bigger.

Paul, 27, is the ultimate disruptor — a social media titan turned boxer who beat former UFC star Ben Askren and boxing icon Anderson Silva. Joshua, 35, is the establishment: a former unified champion, Olympic gold medalist, and the man who brought boxing back to Wembley. This isn’t just David vs. Goliath — it’s the internet age vs. the traditional boxing elite. And Saudi Arabia is betting everything on the collision.

The Clock Is Ticking

The fight is scheduled for December 19, 2025, at Boulevard Hall in Riyadh. But nothing’s official until the contracts are signed. The Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation in Jeddah must approve the bout, and final paperwork is due by November 22. If it slips, the entire calendar could collapse. Netflix’s December window is tight — they’ve already lined up other events for the 12th and 26th.

Alalshikh’s move is bold. He’s not just promoting a fight — he’s redefining boxing’s future. No longer is it just about London, Las Vegas, or New York. Riyadh is now a top-tier destination. And with Paul’s Netflix deal, the sport’s economic center of gravity may have shifted permanently.

What’s at Stake Beyond the Ring

For Paul, this is his first shot at a legitimate heavyweight legacy. Beat Joshua, and he silences the critics who call him a celebrity boxer. Lose? He’s still a star — but the narrative changes.

For Joshua, it’s about redemption. After losses to Usyk and Oleksandr Usyk, this fight is his last chance to reclaim relevance on the global stage. A win here could mean a rematch with Usyk. A loss? Retirement looms.

And for Alalshikh? This is his masterstroke. He’s turning Saudi Arabia into the new Hollywood of combat sports — not just hosting events, but owning them. Netflix, Amazon, and Apple are watching. If this works, more mega-fights will follow.