Imagine facing a potential health crisis and a major business challenge at the same time. That's exactly what happened to boxing legend Bob Arum. But here's the thing: at 93 years old, he's not just surviving – he's planning his next big move. How does he do it? Let's dive in.
In mid-September, a COVID-19 diagnosis could have been devastating for anyone, especially someone of Arum's age. But for the Hall of Fame promoter, it was just another hurdle to clear. This came at a particularly sensitive time. Top Rank, Arum's promotional company, had recently seen its broadcast deal with ESPN expire at the end of July. This left Arum and his team in a precarious position, scrambling to find a new platform while temporarily assigning their fighters to other promotions. Think of it like a musician suddenly without a record label – they need to find a new outlet to share their talent and reach their audience.
And this is the part most people miss... The timing couldn't have been worse. Rumors began circulating that Top Rank was in decline, struggling to compete with the emergence of Zuffa Boxing. Zuffa Boxing is backed by Saudi Arabian financier Turki Alalshikh and UFC CEO Dana White, which immediately gives them a significant amount of financial and promotional muscle. Zuffa Boxing is set to launch on Paramount+ in January, so the pressure is definitely on for Top Rank to find a new home.
To illustrate the level of competition, consider this: Alalshikh and White recently collaborated to stage a blockbuster fight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. This event marked the first boxing match ever held at the venue, signifying a major statement of intent from Zuffa Boxing. Arum, fresh from watching his champion Naoya Inoue secure a victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev, returned home only to discover that his wife, Lovee, had contracted COVID-19. Soon after, Arum himself tested positive – for the third time.
"I must say, it knocks you out for a little bit, but it’s not entirely debilitating," Arum told BoxingScene. Despite acknowledging the impact of the virus, his focus quickly shifted back to business. He understands the risks associated with his age, but he refuses to let it define him. "I know what my age is, but I just never believed that I was more at risk than the average person of any age," Arum stated. "I don’t believe age – in my case – is a factor. I’m in very good health. If I had pulmonary problems like Lovee, I would be more concerned. But I don’t."
Arum's resilience isn't new. Whether facing triumphs or setbacks, he consistently moves forward. He doesn't dwell on criticism or hold grudges. His career spans the eras of Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Floyd Mayweather Jnr, and Manny Pacquiao, and now includes rising stars like Xander Zayas, Brian Norman Jnr, and Abdullah Mason.
"I don’t think you learn that mindset," Arum believes. "I don’t know where it comes from. But that’s how I’ve always been." So, even while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, he remained focused on his business negotiations. "I was never concerned this time that it was dangerous or life threatening," Arum insisted. "I was never frightened…. wasn’t worried. I was thinking about business, was talking to [staff] about [the broadcast negotiations]."
While Arum remained tight-lipped about the specific broadcaster involved, he expressed confidence in securing a deal. Industry sources suggest that Top Rank is aiming for an early 2026 debut on a new platform. One source even indicated that Top Rank has already planned its first main event: a world title fight. Given the company's roster, WBO 154lbs champion Xander Zayas seems like a strong contender to headline the debut card after winning his belt on the Top Rank Boxing on ESPN finale.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that focusing solely on business during a health crisis is insensitive or even reckless. Is Arum's unwavering dedication a testament to his strength, or a sign of something else?
"The last thing that ever concerns me is what people out there are thinking about, when I know where we are, and I know what has to be done – and will be done – to reach a solution on a new deal," Arum explained. "I’m not wringing my hands or even thinking about a calamity. I know we’re doing the right thing and we’ll end up with a deal that will be very profitable for us and enable us to continue doing the shows that we want to do."
"I’m not concerned about the chatter, or what people say or what they imagine. It has no effect on me. If it did, it would paralyze me. It’s something I’ve always instinctively learned – to not worry about what other people are hoping or thinking about my demise. That’s got nothing to do with me. Let them jerk off."
Arum believes that staying occupied is key to a fulfilling life, regardless of age. "For me, and I don’t want to come across as a know-it-all, I really believe that people who are occupied – no matter what their age – are much better off because they’re not spending all their time thinking about themselves or anything that might worry them … like an affliction," Arum said.
Currently, Top Rank fighters are active on streamed club shows, and WBO 126lbs titlist Rafael Espinoza will headline a card in San Luis Postol, Mexico, next month, showcasing talents like Emiliano Vargas and Richard Torrez Jnr. Arum envisions his business continuing its legacy with new broadcast deals, potentially even exceeding the 30 annual events previously staged on ESPN and ESPN+.
"I don’t run my business [from a throne]," he said. "I have all these specialists who do this and that and operate with a great deal of independence, and I believe that will continue." He emphasizes that Top Rank is ready to innovate and make an even bigger impact on a new platform. "We have the first few events picked out and ready to go," he said. "We’ve done this before … figuring out a way to do something that hadn’t been done in a long, long time."
As his 94th birthday approaches in December, Bob Arum remains determined to see his vision through, proving that age is just a number when it comes to ambition and resilience. What do you think? Is Arum's unwavering focus admirable, or is it a sign of something else? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
