Boxing’s transformation continues as General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman Turki Alalshikh announces his purchase of Ring Magazine.
The Ring Magazine, often hailed as the ‘Bible of Boxing,’ stands as the most influential media outlet in the sport, and for good reason.
Founded in 1922 by Nat Fleischer, it has been a cornerstone of boxing journalism, documenting the sport’s most iconic moments and legendary fighters. Known for its unbiased and objective reporting, Ring Magazine earned its reputation as a trusted source – though some may argue that its impartiality has been questioned in recent years.
However, the Ring’s influence goes beyond its pages. It awards its own prestigious championship belt, first introduced at the magazine’s inception. This title is not only one of the oldest in the sport but remains one of the most respected and sought-after.
The magazine has changed ownership multiple times throughout its history. Before its recent acquisition by the GEA, a Saudi government department, it was owned by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Enterprises, a division of Golden Boy Promotions, which purchased the magazine in 2007.
The outlet’s new owner, Alalshikh, confirmed the acquisition earlier today, and the magazine’s website is currently unavailable, suggesting a possible revamp. The takeover further cements the Saudi businessman and government official’s status as one of the most influential figures in modern boxing.
Saudi’s growing influence
Saudi Arabia’s investment in sports has surged to unprecedented levels, with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the country’s sovereign wealth fund, acquiring high-profile assets like the Newcastle United FC and the LIV Golf series.
Now, the focus has expanded to boxing, with the GEA, responsible for developing and regulating the entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia, taking a leading role. Under the guidance of Chairman Alalshikh, Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in shaping boxing’s future.
Alalshikh has sparked divided opinions among boxing stakeholders, but with time, a return to the old ways seems increasingly unlikely. Under his leadership, the GEA has successfully brought together rival promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, orchestrating some of the most competitive bouts the sport has seen in decades.
Historically, promoters like Hearn and Warren were often criticised for keeping the sport stagnant, prioritising the protection of their fighters and their own financial interests.
However, Saudi Arabia’s growing influence has shifted this dynamic, with both promoters now benefiting from a more lucrative environment where they can earn far more than before – without undermining each other in the process.
It isn’t just the larger promotions that have benefited from Saudi investment, however. Last month, Alalshikh’s events organisation Riyadh Season launched a major new partnership with British boxing promotion BOXXER.
Behind the scenes, Alalshikh has steadily expanded his influence over the sport by taking control of every key aspect of boxing – promotion, matchmaking, management, event hosting, broadcasting, sanctioning, and now, media and content.
Looking to the future
With this purchase, Alalshikh not only gains control of a major boxing media outlet but also an organisation with significant influence in the rankings system, potentially setting the stage for him to create a self-contained ecosystem within the sport.
There are several potential outcomes from this move.
One possibility is that the Ring belt could become the most coveted title in boxing, effectively sidelining other belts in Saudi Arabia and diminishing their value. This would strengthen the Ring’s prestige and could lead to it becoming the central focus of major boxing events in the region.
Additionally, this move aligns with Alalshikh’s previous ambitions of establishing a Saudi boxing league. With more influence over rankings, he can now craft any matchup that he or the fans desire, as long as it fits within the sanctioned weight classes.
However, the purchase has already drawn criticism from other boxing media outlets and fans, with concerns that the magazine’s credibility may be compromised under its new ownership.
