Crowning 2025’s Kings & Queens:

Inside The Ring Awards 2026!

(January 30th) The second annual Ring Awards, officially presented by SMC, Red Sea Global, and Qiddiya City, delivered an elegant, star-studded evening worthy of its reputation as the “Oscars of Boxing.” The ceremony honored the sport’s top achievements of 2025, celebrating boxing’s continued renaissance.

The night opened in iconic fashion with legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer, while Max Kellerman served as host with high energy red-carpet buzz from Kate Scott, Mike Coppinger and Sergio Mora welcomed guests at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City.

The event featured insightful interviews with boxing legends Terence Crawford, Katie Taylor and Lennox Lewis, along with a notable acknowledgment of Turki Alalshikh’s role in revitalizing the sport on a global scale. From heartfelt tributes to the revisiting of epic bouts, the Ring Awards placed boxing’s biggest moments and brightest stars firmly in the spotlight.

Awards Announced

Male Fighter of the Year:  Terence Crawford — Undisputed champion in three divisions, retired undefeated

Female Fighter of the Year: Mizuki Hirutab - 4 successful title defenses abroad

Fight of the Year: Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn — An epic rivalry rematch

Knockout of the Year: Brian Norman Jr. vs Jin Sasaki -  5th round stoppage

Upset of the Year: Armando Resendez over Caleb Plant

Round of the Year: Seiya Tsutsumi vs Daigo Higa - Rnd 9 double knockdown

Prospect of the Year: Emiliano Vargas — Rising knockout artist

Trainer of the Year: Shingo Inoue - Guiding Naoya Inoue’s dominance

Lifetime Achievement Award: Larry Merchant — Honored via video tribute

The Ring Awards are owned and organized by The Ring Magazine, boxing’s historic publication, now under the leadership of Turki Alalshikh. A prominent Saudi boxing promoter and Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Alalshikh acquired The Ring in November 2024 from Golden Boy Enterprises.

Since the acquisition, Alalshikh has launched new initiatives, including an annual awards ceremony designed to restore the magazine’s prestige and reinforce its legacy of independent rankings. Previously owned by Golden Boy since 2007, The Ring has long celebrated excellence in boxing—recognizing elite fighters, unforgettable knockouts, and defining moments across eras.

With the Ring Awards continuing to evolve, Alalshikh’s vision signals a renewed commitment to honoring boxing’s past, present, and future on the sport’s grandest stage.