The Ring Magazine - The Bible of Boxing, December 2026 • Volume 103, No. 12
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64 STYLES MAKE FIGHTERS MICHAEL OLAJIDE JR. BROUGHT A MIX OF TALENT AND PERSONALITY THAT PRESAGED THE FASHION-CONSCIOUS FIGHTERS OF TODAY By Corey Erdman 78 THE SHORT WAY AFTER JUST FIVE PRO FIGHTS, CANADA’S TAMM THIBEAULT IS ALREADY A UNIFIED MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION By Diego Morilla 82 REMEMBERING “BAZOOKA” IF THERE EVER WAS A FIGHTER WHO LIVED UP TO HIS NICKNAME, IT WAS PUERTO RICAN LEGEND WILFREDO GOMEZ By Dom Farrell
REDEFINING FAN EXPERIENCES SELA’S GLOBAL FOOTPRINT
Building upon its transformative impact in the Middle East and North Africa, Sela continues to orchestrate a powerful symphony of international expansion, solidifying its position as a global powerhouse in sports and entertainment. The recent launch of its London headquarters served as a crucial milestone and hub for cultivating opportunities across the globe. A testament to Sela's global impact is its innovative and globally recognized sponsorship of Newcastle United Football Club, which remarkably earned the status of "The Most Award-Winning Football Sponsorship in the World in 2024" with more than 97 awards in a single year. This success highlights Sela's effective international partnerships and represents one aspect of its diverse global engagement, where redefining fan experiences are central to its approach. Another testament to Sela's international approach lies in its deep involvement in the world of boxing. The groundbreaking multi-year partnership with The Ring and TKO signifies a substantial commitment to elevating fan experiences worldwide by providing a
premier platform for established and emerging boxing talents, access to world-class training facilities and delivering top-tier boxing events. Both of these projects align with Sela's overarching vision of creating spectacular and impactful entertainment experiences. The company's proven track record in delivering high-profile events, from the vibrant Riyadh and Jeddah Seasons, Esports World Cup, Formula E, Six Kings Slam to landmark boxing matches like Crawford vs. Madrimov and Joshua vs. Dubois, provides a strong foundation for its global boxing endeavors. Sela's international strategy extends beyond single partnerships. It embodies a commitment to understanding diverse global audiences and tailoring experiences that resonate authentically. By forging strategic alliances, Sela is positioned to continue its trajectory as a leading force in the international sports and entertainment landscape. The global stage is now set for Sela to further amplify its impact and redefine global entertainment experiences.
DEPARTMENTS 6 OPENING SHOTS 9 RINGSIDE By Doug Fischer 12 BERNSTEIN ON BOXING By Al Bernstein 14 STEVE’S SOAPBOX By Steve Kim 16 BY THE NUMBERS By Don Stradley 19 RING RATINGS 48 PROSPECT WATCH: TONY HIRSCH JR. By Ruth Raper 58 NIGHT CLUBBER By Brian Harty
24 THE HEAVYWEIGHT WAIT, WAIT, WAIT IS OVER
THE ALL-BRITISH FURY-JOSHUA SUPERFIGHT IS FINALLY UPON US AND IS POISED TO MAKE HISTORY, BUT THE GYPSY KING’S HEART BURNS WITH AN EVEN GREATER DESIRE By Tom Gray 36 CONTROLLED DEMOLITION DANIEL DUBOIS’ RUTHLESS DESTRUCTION OF FABIO WARDLEY DEMONSTRATED THAT A FOCUSED “DYNAMITE” IS A SCARY THING INDEED By Gareth A Davies 42 IF YOU BUILD IT BIG, THEY WILL COME THE FURY-JOSHUA FIGHT WILL DRAW A MASSIVE CROWD, BUT TITANS HAVE BEEN CLASHING IN STADIUMS FOR MORE THAN A HUNDRED YEARS By Don Stradley 52 MEGAFIGHTS ONLY TEOFIMO LOPEZ SAYS HIS HOUSE IS NOW IN ORDER AND HIS FOCUS IS ON KNOCKING A CERTAIN “KING” OFF OF HIS THRONE By Joseph Santoliquito
60 HOW TO WATCH BOXING By Adam Abramowitz 70 MY FIRST TIME: NAOYA INOUE By Daisuke Sugiura 74 TRAINING DAY: RUDY HERNANDEZ By Adam Abramowitz 86 FIGHT OF FANTASY: HATTON VS. GARCIA By Anson Wainwright 88 THE FIGHT DOCTOR By Dr. Margaret Goodman 90 SLICE OF BOXING By Thomas Hauser 92 COMMISSIONER’S CORNER By Randy Gordon 94 FINISHING SHOTS 96 FIGHTLINE
THE RING (ISSN: 0035‐5410) Issue 12 December 2026, is published monthly by The Ring Magazine FZ, LLC, 475 Heffernan Drive, West Haven, CT 06516. Application to mail at Periodicals postage is pending at Milford, CT 06460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Ring Magazine Subscriber Service Dept., PO Box 103, Cambey West Congers NY 10920‐0103 Phone 845‐719‐3120 subscriptions@ringmagazine.com RINGMAGAZINE.COM 1
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