Turki Alalshikh Makes Worrying Health Admission at Fury-AJ Press Conference

Turki Alalshikh made a concerning admission about his health while appearing at the launch press conference for Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua’s long-awaited heavyweight fight.

The Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman addressed the crowd in London on Wednesday as Fury and Joshua came face-to-face ahead of their Dec. 11 fight at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Alalshikh, who has dealt with serious health problems in the past, said he had not been well for several months.

“I don’t know if I will remember. My health in the last four months is not good,” Alalshikh said. “I come here only for the fighters. I want to deliver the wish list.”

Alalshikh did not detail his health issues or any new diagnosis beyond his fears of losing his memory.

Alalshikh Appeared Frail In Fury-Joshua Presser

Despite his admission, Alalshikh focused much of his appearance on the fighters and the people who finally brought Fury and Joshua together.

He thanked Fury and Joshua, along with promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren. Alalshikh also mentioned UFC CEO Dana White, referring to him as his “brother.” White was not at the London press conference as the fans reacted to his name with boos. It is unclear why the UFC CEO didn’t appear at the presser but it may have something to do with his heated feud with Hearn.

Alalshikh has spent years trying to make the all-British heavyweight fight, which had repeatedly failed to materialize despite negotiations dating back several years.

The bout was officially announced last week for Dec. 11 in Cardiff, with Netflix set to broadcast the event globally.

His brief comments about his health were particularly notable because Alalshikh has previously spoken publicly about the effect his medical problems have had on his outlook.

Turki Alalshikh Has Previously Discussed Cancer and Memory Fears

Alalshikh has a documented history of serious illness.

The Athletic reported in April 2025 that he had been diagnosed with several forms of cancer beginning in 2015, including a tumor near the pituitary gland in his brain. The report said he spent significant periods in New York in 2018 and 2019 receiving treatment.

Alalshikh has also said that his health has contributed to his desire to accomplish his goals in boxing while he can.

In June, while discussing plans to bring leading boxing executives and promoters together, he made another striking reference to his health.

“I want to do it before losing my memory,” Alalshikh said in comments published by The Ring. “I’m afraid in 2028 or 2029 I’ll forget my name.”

Alalshikh did not connect Wednesday’s four-month health struggle to his previous diagnoses, leaving the nature of his current condition unclear.

He nevertheless traveled to London for the Fury-Joshua launch, saying his reason for attending was straightforward: to deliver what the fighters had asked for and help bring one of boxing’s longest-discussed fights to the ring.