Saudi royal Turki Alalshikh has reportedly acquired The Ring magazine from Oscar De La Hoya, marking a significant shift in ownership for one of boxing’s oldest and most respected publications. Often referred to as "The Bible of Boxing," The Ring has long been a key influencer in the sport, with its rankings and championship belts holding weight among fans and professionals alike. De La Hoya had owned the publication since 2017, and this sale adds to Alalshikh's growing footprint in boxing.
Alalshikh's acquisition is his latest move in reshaping the boxing landscape. Earlier this year, he partnered with Fight Fax and the WBA, a collaboration that led to the WBA's suspension from BoxRec. The partnership also stirred controversy as Fight Fax's rankings, including placements for fighters like Marco Huck and Sergey Kovalev, raised eyebrows for their unconventional choices.
For fans and analysts, the deal brings both excitement and concern. With the magazine’s influence, some worry that editorial integrity might be compromised under new ownership, particularly if Alalshikh’s ambitions impact The Ring’s objective rankings and analysis. This shift follows the ProBox purchase of BoxingScene, a change that has shifted the site's focus from breaking news to opinion pieces.
In a sport where credibility and impartial rankings are critical, The Ring’s new ownership will likely come under increased scrutiny. As Alalshikh steps further into boxing media, we all will be watching to see if The Ring maintains its historic standards or shifts in alignment with its new owner's vision.
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