In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, Oscar De La Hoya, the founder of Golden Boy Promotions, has expressed profound regret over the sale of The Ring Magazine to Turki Alalshikh. The deal, which was finalized on November 11, 2024, saw Alalshikh acquire 100% of the iconic publication for a reported $10 million.
At the time of the sale, Alalshikh took to social media to announce his acquisition and outline his vision for the future of The Ring. He promised to restore the magazine’s legacy, emphasizing a return to an independent ranking system reminiscent of The Ring’s golden era. Additionally, Alalshikh revealed plans for an annual awards ceremony to celebrate the pinnacle of boxing achievements.
De La Hoya, initially optimistic about the deal, told Forbes that he had accepted an offer he couldn’t refuse. He spoke highly of Alalshikh, expressing confidence that the magazine was in capable hands. However, in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, De La Hoya’s tone shifted dramatically.
The Golden Boy founder admitted that he now regrets the sale, stating, “I never regret anything, but I do [regret selling]. When I had The Ring Magazine, I kept its integrity… Turki came along, and I thought I was selling it to a person who really cared for the sport and was going to uphold its integrity, but I guess I was wrong.”
De La Hoya’s concerns extend to the integrity of The Ring rankings, which he believes have been compromised. “I really do think that the Ring rankings are out the window. I don’t think there’s any integrity there, whatsoever. The Ring Magazine belt was everything for a 100 years, let’s say, and now it can just be in the trash can,” he lamented.
This change of heart from one of boxing’s most influential figures raises questions about the future of The Ring Magazine and its place in the sport. As the boxing world watches closely, the impact of this deal and De La Hoya’s recent statements will undoubtedly continue to unfold.
Team_TBE Boxing
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