What is Riyadh Season? Turki Alalshikh partnership with Anthony Joshua ahead of Wembley fight

Turki Alalshikh is the man behind some of the biggest fights that have been made over the past couple of years.

Turki Alalshikh, often referred to as His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, is one of the most important and influential figures in Saudi Arabia. He is the current Chairman of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF).

However, a lot of those big fights in recent years have taken place during Riyadh Season. And below is everything you need to know about the festival ahead of Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois.

Riyadh Season is a seasonal event and it’s scheduled during winter. It was first introduced in 2019 and consists of a range of entertainment, cultural, and sporting spectacles.

This year it officially starts on October 12 and runs between October and March. Riyadh Season in the past year has hosted a string of world-class events.

However, the most high-profile event it has hosted was the first undisputed heavyweight title fight of the 21st century between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury earlier this year. As well as boxing, WWE, snooker and UFC events have also taken place during Riyadh Season.

Speaking to talkSPORT earlier this month, Turki Alalshikh revealed he will push for Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua. He said: "For the business, of course, it will be a huge fight if Joshua wins.

"His third time [winning] a world title and [after] the result of Usyk vs Fury it will be a huge fight. But you don't know about the future. Imagine Tyson after the fight with Usyk wants to retire.

"I will give him the offer, but if he refuses, what can I do? First of all, Dubois has a very big chance and it is not easy. I think it is a difficult fight for Joshua and a dangerous fight for Joshua.

"If Usyk wins, still I want to