RINGSIDE By Doug Fischer
WE’RE BACK! (PRINT IS NOT DEAD)
SPECIAL ISSUE DECEMBER 2024
FOUNDER Nathaniel Fleischer (1888-1972)
HIS EXCELLENCY Turki Alalshikh
W elcome to a new era of The Ring. This special issue previewing the heavyweight championship rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury is also a preview of things to come with our venerable publication. We’ve got a new owner and a new logo, as well as a new website, app and YouTube channel in the works, but what’s most exciting to me is that we’re back in print starting with the issue you now hold in your hands (feels good, doesn’t it?). The magazine has a new format, new ongoing features and departments to debut; new artists, photographers and writers to introduce to you as we welcome back our regular contributors. It’s all brought to you by the same team that produced 58 issues between 2018-2022. Did I mention that we’re returning as a monthly magazine? We will produce a 96- page collector’s edition printed on high- quality heavyweight stock every month of 2025, plus at least one special issue outside of the monthly schedule. I should also mention that the magazine will be on sale at select retailers in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and London. It’s kind of a big deal. And we’re up for it! “Reignited” is the official title for Usyk- Fury II, and it fits for The Ring’s relaunch as well. Speaking of the big December 21 rematch, after reading Usyk’s and Fury’s exclusive Q&A interviews in this issue, there’s no doubt in my mind that the two future hall of famers will exceed the action and drama of their first fight. It could go down as one of the most significant heavyweight championship rematches in history.
Anticipated world title return bouts in boxing’s glamor division stretch back more than 100 years – James J. Jeffries’ rematch against the man he defeated to become heavyweight champ, Bob Fitzsimmons, in San Francisco on July 25, 1902, made headlines in every major newspaper in the country – so Usyk and Fury will have to produce something truly special to join the pantheon. To get an idea of the rich history that Usyk-Fury II might join, here are my choices for the 10 most significant heavyweight championship rematches of all time (listed in chronological order with the defending champion’s name first, followed by the result in parentheses):
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Douglass Fischer
SENIOR EDITOR Brian Harty
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lamar Clark
CONTROLLER Deborah L. Harrison
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Advertising@sepublications.com 347-497-4297 SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES BACK ISSUES INQUIRIES DIGITAL ORDERS INQUIRIES The Ring Magazine Subscriber Service Dept. PO Box 16027 North Hollywood, CA 91615-6027
Gene Tunney vs. Jack Dempsey September 22, 1927 (UD 10)
Phone: 818-286-3101 rngcs@magserv.com
The infamous “Long Count” bout was a blockbuster event. More than 100,000 fans gathered at Soldier Field in Chicago to witness Dempsey’s attempt to regain the title from the man who ended his legendary reign one year prior. He came close in Round 7 but some neutral corner confusion and Tunney’s amazing resolve prevented him from making history. However, the rematch made financial history as the official gross receipts of the event totalled $2,658,660 (a record at the time). Tunney’s share from the live gate almost totalled $1 million ($990,445), a nice raise from his challenger’s guarantee of $200,000 from their first encounter. Dempsey took home $425,000 (plus $25,000 from the film rights). Not bad for an underdog challenger (although promoter Tex Rickard still made more with his share of the profits, which exceeded $550,000).
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THE RING (ISSN: 0035-5410), Special Issue (DECEMBER 2024), is published 12 times per year by Sports and Entertainment Publications, LLC, P.O. Box 90254 Brooklyn, NY 11209. Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY 11209 and additional post offices. Postmasters: Send change of address notices to: The Ring Magazine Subscriber Service Dept., PO Box 16027, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6027, Phone: 818-286-3101; rngcs@magserv.com. Single copy price $8.95 in U.S.A. and Canada (£5.99 in the U.K.). Subscription price U.S. and possession $39.99 for 12 issues including Canada. Mexico add $5. All remaining countries add $10 for 12 issues per year. Not responsible for the loss or non-return of unsolicited articles or photographs, which will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed envelope bearing the proper amount of postage. The entire contents of this magazine are copyright ©2024 Sports and Entertainment Publications, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the content of advertisements appearing in this magazine, nor the delivery or quality of merchandise or services offered. No endorsement of any such advertisement is intended or implied. Advertisers and agencies assume liability for claims arising from the content of their advertisements. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES AND RATES: advertising@sepublications.com. U.S. / Canadian and International distribution by Comag Marketing Group LLC, 155 Village Blvd #200, Princeton, NJ 08540. UK distribution by Seymour Distribution Ltd., 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, England, EC1A 9PT. Printed In Canada.
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