Total Boxing understands that DAZN has agreed a deal to acquire a controlling interest in The Ring, although the transaction has not been publicly confirmed.
It is understood the streaming platform – owned and funded by Russian billionaire Len Blavatnik – has become the majority stakeholder in the publication, which had been purchased by Saudi Arabian powerbroker Turki Alalshikh in late 2024.
“As company policy, we do not confirm, deny, or comment on market rumours or speculation regarding M&A [mergers and acquisitions], partnerships or rights deals,” said a DAZN spokesman.
One source, however, told Total Boxing: “Turki sold controlling interest of The Ring magazine and belt to DAZN.”
Asked for confirmation on the matter, another source added: “Yes, quite a while ago.”
It is believed that a deal was agreed more than two weeks ago, and a third source, when asked for comment, said the process was happening but ongoing.
There are, of course, ties that bind Saudi Arabia and DAZN. In February 2025, it was reported that SURJ Sports Investment, which on the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) website is a “PIF company specializing in sports investments,” had purchased a stake in the streaming platform to the tune of $1b.
The Ring publication was bought by Alalshikh in November 2024 for a reported $10m, which was said to be $3m more than previous owner Oscar De La Hoya paid for it in 2007.
“Earlier this week, I finalized a deal to acquire 100% of The Ring magazine, and I want to make a few things clear,” Alalshikh was quoted as saying. “The print version of the magazine will return immediately after a two-year hiatus and it will be available in the US and UK markets. The magazine will be fully independent and focusing on every aspect in the sport of boxing.”
