Boxing icon Bob Arum is not giving up: After overcoming COVID, the 93-year-old is making new plans for Top Rank’s future.
Boxing promoter Bob Arum is once again defying life’s adversities. The 93-year-old founder of Top Rank recovered well from a COVID infection in September and was back in business shortly afterwards. Since the TV contract with ESPN expired in the summer, Top Rank has been without a permanent broadcast partner – but Arum remains confident. The Hall of Fame promoter is currently negotiating with a new broadcaster and expects a return deal in early 2026.
“I was never worried or scared,” Arum told BoxingScene . “I was just thinking about business and our negotiations and I know we’ll find a strong solution soon.” The legendary promoter, who has worked with the likes of Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, now leads the company into the future with stars such as Naoya Inoue, Xander Zayas, Abdullah Mason and Richard Torrez Jr.
While new rivals such as Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing and Turki Al-Sheikh are entering the market with a lot of money and media presence, Arum remains calm: “I know where we are and what we need to do. I don’t waste energy on what others think about us.” Arum is even planning to organize more than 30 events a year with his new TV partner – while celebrating his 94th birthday in December. A retreat? Not in sight.
Text by Robin Josten