Turki Alalshikh is making significant strides in the boxing world as he secures the expertise of one of the industry’s leading insiders. According to Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel, Mike Coppinger is transitioning from ESPN to The Ring Magazine, following Alalshikh’s acquisition of the esteemed boxing publication from Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions for around $10 million.
This development is particularly notable as it comes shortly after TKO announced plans for a new boxing promotion in collaboration with Saudi Arabia. Although specific details are scarce, Alalshikh has recently signed boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez to a four-fight deal. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix mentioned on a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast that the anticipated Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford super fight on Netflix in September has become the sport’s “worst-kept secret.”
While Alalshikh pushes forward, he plans to host events under The Ring Magazine brand, including the upcoming FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on April 26, and a May 2 event in Times Square featuring Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero. With these initiatives, Alalshikh is poised to expand his considerable influence within the boxing community this year.
Furthermore, by bringing Coppinger on board, Alalshikh enhances his role in promoting high-profile boxing events, as this marks Mike Coppinger’s second tenure with The Ring Magazine, following his work with The Athletic and USA Today before joining ESPN in 2021. Coppinger was also mentioned in recent news regarding a lawsuit filed by ex-Top Rank “fixer” Billy Keane, who alleged that the president of the promotion requested the firing of two ESPN employees, one of whom was reportedly Coppinger.
