Initially, there were rumors circulating about a massive purchase. Once the dust settled, it became clear that His Excellency Turki Alalshikh had acquired the Ring Magazine. Allaying any apprehensions whatsoever surrounding the acquisition, the Riyadh Season head outlined his plans for the iconic magazine.

Needless to say, it was music to fans and followers. Some of the boxing world’s most prominent figures also joined, lauding HE Alalshikh and his team for their commendable move. Established in 1922, the Ring magazine switched ownership to Oscar De La Hoya‘s Golden Boy Promotions in 2007. In 2022, the management decided to close the print edition in favor of a digital publication.

Here to straighten things out

“Earlier this week, I finalized a deal to acquire 100% of The Ring Magazine, and I want to make a few things clear,” said HE Turki Alalshikh in his Instagram post. After a two-year break, the magazine’s print editions will be made available in the United States and the United Kingdom, he said. Oscar De La Hoya confirmed the sale at a price of $10 million, which is $3 million higher than the price he originally bought the publication for.

More significantly, he stated that Ring will operate in an independent fashion. A team of independent panelists and talented writers, covering all aspects of blogging, will operate. The prestige of the Ring title would be elevated. It seems there are plans to hold a major awards event every year.

HE Alalshikh also announced the launch of a new, modern website and mobile app. It seems the team is additionally working on a ‘line of Ring Magazine merchandise’. “The Ring Magazine will be a fully independent company without any involvement from Riyadh Season. In the end, let’s get the Bible of Boxing to heights that it has never seen in the past ❤️🥊,” the Riyadh Season head mentioned.

The Ring Magazine: Anticipation and approval

Though a pleasant one, the news clearly took many well-known names by surprise. Let’s check what some of them had to say.

Rising star Hamzah Sheeraz and former professional footballer Rio Ferdinand felt that it was a fantastic development. “Great news 👏,” absolutely brilliant,” they said. Then boxers Conor Benn, Ebanie Bridges, and celebrated boxing correspondent Gareth A. Davies gave a big round of applause: “👏🏽, 🙌👏, 🔥🔥.”

However, a few others were a bit more vocal while echoing their sentiments. This fan thanked His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and his team. As an avid collector of the magazine, they couldn’t hide their excitement at getting a chance to resume the hobby. “As having one of the most amazing Ring magazine collections, this is amazing news. Thank you,” said the fan.

“Wonderful news!” said the next one. According to them, given its historical significance, the Ring magazine is a treasure worth cherishing. “🙌🔥❤️ The Ring Magazine art is so historic… the world has to see👏👏👏”

Echoing the common feeling, the following user, presumably an ardent collector, highlighted that their catalog would now push on unhindered. They said, “Thank you; the ring collection can continue as it once did.”

The next follower had nothing but words of appreciation for HE Turki Alalshikh. According to them, the sport needs a figure like him: “This guy gets it. That is what boxing needs.” Expressing their admiration, the follower opined that the Riyadh Season team understands boxing’s needs. They were taking the necessary steps to overhaul the sport from its foundations. “It needs a ground-up rebuild, and this is how laying the foundation is done. Nothing but respect for this move,” the follower said.

It’s commendable that HE Alalshikh and team have set a clear path for preserving one of boxing history’s most significant pieces of memorabilia.

In the past, legends like ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, Mike Tyson, and Marvelous Marvin Hagler—along with many other boxing icons—graced the cover of the Ring Magazine. Over time passed, each edition became a treasured gem. Some of the most iconic issues still remain in the hands of devoted fans, who wouldn’t dream of parting with them, not even for a single dime.

What is your take on the Ring magazine’s new ownership?