Mauricio Sulaimán is making his late father’s dream a reality.
The longtime president of the World Boxing Council (WBC) has confirmed that the long-awaited WBC Boxing Grand Prix will officially launch in April 2025. The announcement was made during the final pre-fight press conference for Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol II in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This ambitious tournament is designed to showcase rising boxing prospects, creating a global stage for young fighters to prove their talent. The event is fully backed by Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the boxing world, particularly through Riyadh Season and the efforts of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh.
A Dream 11 Years in the Making
The inspiration for the WBC Grand Prix comes from José Sulaimán, the legendary former WBC president who passed away in 2014. According to his son Mauricio, the elder Sulaimán had always envisioned a Professional Boxing World Cup to help young fighters gain global recognition.
“Fourteen months ago, the boxing world changed due to the arrival of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Season, and the leader, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh,” Sulaimán stated during the press conference. “When I shared my father’s dream, he said immediately, ‘Let’s make it happen.’”
Now, that dream is finally coming to life, with the entire event taking place in Saudi Arabia.
Tournament Format & Structure
The WBC Grand Prix will feature 128 fighters across four weight divisions:
- Featherweight (126 lbs)
- Junior welterweight (140 lbs)
- Middleweight (160 lbs)
- Heavyweight (200+ lbs)
Each division will have 32 fighters competing in a single-elimination tournament. The ultimate winners will receive the prestigious José Sulaimán Trophy, named after the former WBC president.
Fight Schedule & Rules
- Opening Round of 32: All fights will be six-round bouts.
- Tournament Finals: Each championship bout will be eight rounds (originally planned for ten rounds).
- Eligibility: Fighters must be 26 or younger and have no more than 10 professional fights at the time of entry.
- Random Drug Testing: Participants will be subject to VADA testing as part of the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program and Riyadh Season’s anti-doping initiatives.
- Innovative Scoring: The tournament will use open scoring (except in the U.S.), instant replay, and a no-draw rule. If a fight is tied after regulation, an overtime round will likely determine the winner.
A Game-Changer for Young Fighters
One of the biggest challenges for rising boxers is gaining exposure and securing big fights. Many talented fighters struggle to get signed by major promoters early in their careers. The WBC Grand Prix changes that by providing an elite platform for young prospects to compete, earn recognition, and be handsomely rewarded for each victory.
“This is the first-ever event in which young talent from unknown parts of the world will have the opportunity to shine through the Grand Prix of Boxing,” Sulaimán emphasized.
With the rise of Saudi Arabia as a global boxing powerhouse, the WBC Grand Prix has the potential to revolutionize how young fighters make their way to the top. The tournament will not only bring new stars into the spotlight but also further cement Riyadh’s role in the future of boxing.
The countdown to April is on. The boxing world is watching. Who will emerge as the next global sensation?
