| Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix at the Riyadh Season 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Venue | BLVD City Global Theater, Riyadh |
| Location | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia  |
| Dates | April 17–20, 2025 (Phase 1); June 20–21, 2025 (Phase 2); |
| Competitors | 128 (32 per weight class) from Over 40 nations |
| Total prize money | Over US $4,400,000 |
The WBC Boxing Grand Prix is an international boxing tournament organized by the World Boxing Council (WBC) in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season initiative. Conceived supported by Turki Alalshikh and under the leadership of WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán, the event is positioned as the first-ever World Boxing Championship in a tournament format. It features a single-elimination structure across four male weight divisions — Featherweight, Super Lightweight, Middleweight, and Heavyweight — and spans five phases throughout 2025,[1][2] bringing together 128 fighters from 41 countries competing across all stages.[3][4]
All participants are enrolled in the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program in cooperation with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). The tournament winner in each weight class is awarded the José Sulaimán Trophy (Flame of Hope) and a WBC Silver title opportunity; independent coverage has also reported a winner’s purse of around US$220,000 per division.[5][6] The tournament is jointly sanctioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission (MEPB).[7]
The first phase took place at the BLVD City Global Theater in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 128 competitors (32 per division) from more than 40 countries participated. Bouts were scheduled for six rounds with no possibility of a draw; open scoring was used (judges’ tallies revealed after rounds two and four), and instant replay was available.[8] The phase ran April 17–20 and was broadcast live on DAZN.[9][10]
Innovations included instant replay, a 30‑second warning buzzer near the end of each round, and distinctive green-and-gold uniforms for fighters. All participants were covered by medical and life insurance under the Clean Boxing Program.[11]
The second stage, held at the BLVD Skate Rink in Riyadh, featured 64 fighters — 16 per division — representing 29 nations, with the same six‑round format and officiating innovations as Phase 1.[12][13]
The quarter‑final stage brought together 32 fighters — eight per division — competing for places in the semi‑finals. Results for the four brackets were reported by multiple outlets, including Yahoo Sports.[14]
The semi‑finals are scheduled for October 2025 in Riyadh.[15]
The Grand Finale is scheduled for December 2025 in Riyadh, with champions in each division to be determined.[16] The winners will lift the José Sulaimán Trophy (Flame of Hope).[17]
Source for quarter‑final results: [18]
Source for quarter‑final results: [18]
Source for quarter‑final results: [19]
Source for quarter‑final results: [20]
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