In an audacious maneuver that could reshape the boxing media landscape, Turki Alalshikh has positioned The Ring Magazine not merely as an outlet for news but as a commanding force within the boxing realm. The recent recruitment of Mike Coppinger—boxing journalism’s most prominent voice—signals a new direction for The Ring, marking a definitive break from traditional media practices. Coppinger’s exit from ESPN, where he had cultivated unparalleled connections and a reputation for breaking major stories, has been met with hardly a whisper from either party involved, a striking testament to Alalshikh’s confidence and vision for The Ring’s future.
This shift is remarkably significant. Coppinger, who had previously honed his craft at The Ring from 2017 to 2019 before branching out to platforms like The Athletic and USA Today, is returning to a brand that he helped elevate during its more conventional days. Now, under Alalshikh’s stewardship, The Ring is being transformed into a powerhouse that merges media presence with active involvement in major boxing events.
A New Era for The Ring Magazine
The Ring Magazine, once seen as a nostalgic nod to the sport’s storied past, has undergone a metamorphosis since its acquisition by Alalshikh. The $10 million deal to purchase the century-old publication from Oscar De La Hoya reflects a strategic investment in controlling the narrative around boxing. Alalshikh is not attempting to revitalize The Ring solely as a magazine; he is creating an ecosystem—a vibrant media empire intertwined with the fabric of professional boxing itself.
The impact of Coppinger’s role is monumental. He is not merely adding articles to a publication; he is stepping into a pivotal role that allows him to dictate the very discourse surrounding forthcoming fights. As if sensing the potential upheaval within boxing media, Alalshikh has engineered a scenario where Coppinger will serve as The Ring’s eyes and ears—reporting from ringside, gathering insights backstage, and wielding influence in a way that few others can.
Shaping Major Boxing Events
What does this mean for boxing audiences and industry stakeholders? Quite simply, the control of significant narratives and the orchestration of major events now rests within a unified command, with Coppinger at the helm of information dissemination. Alalshikh’s ability to create dynamic fight cards, evidenced by high-profile bouts such as Canelo Alvarez’s upcoming matches and the highly anticipated Canelo vs. Crawford clash, is a testament to his prowess.
Moreover, The Ring’s ambitious live event calendar—kicking off with a featured match between Eubank Jr and Benn, and culminating in a spectacular card in Times Square—positions it as a substantial player in the promotional space. Alalshikh is proving that he can bring fights to life that previously languished in negotiation purgatory, demonstrating an invaluable agility that can make or break careers in the sport.
The Shake-Up of Boxing Media
Coppinger’s defection also sends ripples through the wider boxing media scene. ESPN, long a cornerstone of sports journalism, is now deprived of its most significant boxing voice—a poignant loss that forces its other reporters to scramble for relevance as the landscape shifts beneath their feet. Coppinger was not just another sports journalist; he was a trendsetter who influenced how stories about boxing were told, who would garner industry respect, and what information was deemed essential to the sport’s understanding.
Alalshikh’s quiet assertion of dominance—no press conferences, no grand announcements—showcases a decisive strategy that leaves competitors grappling for footing. The underlying message is clear: The Ring, under his command, is no longer interested in following industry narratives; it intends to create its own.
This entire scenario emphasizes that Alalshikh is not merely playing a long game; he is orchestrating a series of strategic offensive moves that will redefine boxing’s media and promotional viability. The traditional dynamics are upended, and as The Ring Magazine expands its influence, it is evident that the future of boxing journalism will be uniquely shaped by its evolving strategies and aspirations, dictated from the helm by Turki Alalshikh and his newly empowered team.