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 under the leadership of WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán and supported by Turki Alalshikh, 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]
| WBC Boxing Grand Prix (Riyadh Season 2025) at the WBC Boxing Grand Prix | |
|---|---|
| Venue | BLVD City Global Theater (Phase 1), Riyadh |
| Location | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Dates | April 17–20, 2025 (Phase 1); June 20–21, 2025 (Phase 2); Finals (December 2025) |
| Competitors | 128 (32 per weight class) from Over 40 nations |
| Total prize money | Over US $200,000 |
Overview
editAll 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, also known as the Flame of Hope, named in honor of the late WBC President who first envisioned this competition. Champions also receive a cash prize of over US$200,000 and a mandatory WBC Silver title shot.[2]
Phases
editPhase 1 (April 17-20, 2025)
editThe 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. The round consisted of 64 six-round bouts with no possibility of a draw. Open scoring was implemented, with judges’ tallies revealed after rounds 2 and 4. Ties were broken using a qualitative grading system: C (close), M (moderate), D (decisive), and E (extreme).[3]
Innovations included instant replay, high-chair judges, a 30-second buzzer before the end of each round, and distinctive green-and-gold uniforms for fighters. All participants received a commemorative medal and were covered by medical and life insurance under the Clean Boxing Program.[4] The phase was broadcast globally via DAZN.[5]
Phase 2 (June 20–21, 2025)
editThe second stage was held at the BLVD Skate Rink in Riyadh and featured 64 fighters — 16 per division — representing 29 nations. The format remained unchanged from Phase 1, with six-round bouts, open scoring, and the same officiating innovations.
Phase 3 (August 13, 2025)
editThe quarterfinal stage brought together 32 fighters — eight per division — competing for places in the semifinals. The matches followed the same rules and innovations established in earlier rounds.[6] Winners advanced toward the semifinals and ultimately the finals, where the José Sulaimán Trophy and associated rewards would be contested.[7]
Phase 4 (October 2025)
editThe semifinal phase is scheduled for October 2025 and will feature 16 fighters — four per division. Winners of each bout will proceed to the Grand Finale in December 2025.
Phase 5 (December 2025)
editThe Grand Finale will determine the champions in each division. Winners will receive the José Sulaimán Trophy, prize money, and a WBC Silver title shot. The trophy, also called the Flame of Hope, honors the legacy of former WBC President José Sulaimán.[2]
References
edit- ^ "History in the making with Boxing Grand Prix in Riyadh". WBC Boxing. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ a b "The impact of the WBC Riyadh Season Boxing Grand Prix". WBC Boxing. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix about to start". WBC Boxing. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix in favor of Clean Boxing". WBC Boxing. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Where to watch the Boxing Grand Prix". WBC Boxing. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "WBC Boxing Grand Prix: The Quarterfinals". WBC Boxing. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Quarterfinals of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix 2025: Rising stars advance in the pursuit of the José Sulaimán Trophy". WBC Boxing. Retrieved 13 August 2025.