Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a stunning prelude to the highly anticipated ‘Ring of Fire’ heavyweight boxing match between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, the bespoke ‘Ring of Fire’ Jacob & Co. timepiece was auctioned for a staggering $800,000 (£630,000). The buyer was none other than legendary boxing promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions.
This exclusive Jacob & Co. watch was designed to commemorate this monumental boxing event. Auctioned by Sotheby’s, the world’s premier destination for art and luxury, all proceeds from the sale were donated to Make-A-Wish® International, reflecting the charitable spirit of the occasion.
Both heavyweight champions, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, received their own ‘Ring of Fire’ watches as keepsakes ahead of the first undisputed heavyweight title fight since 1999. This historic event is a highlight of Riyadh Season and is being held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), commissioned Big Time Creative Shop, GEA’s creative arm, to collaborate with luxury watch brand Jacob & Co. in designing and crafting this exclusive timepiece. Sotheby’s facilitated the sale, which included other coveted boxing-themed items. The ‘Ring of Fire’ watch was the centerpiece attraction.
Frank Warren, upon placing the winning bid, expressed his excitement: “I am thrilled to have acquired an iconic piece of boxing history.”
Luciano Manzo, CEO of Make-A-Wish International, emphasized the broader impact of the event: “Tomorrow, the world will witness the most anticipated heavyweight boxing match of the century. However, children living with critical illnesses around the world are fighting bigger battles every day. With this incredible donation and the exceptional support of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Jacob & Co., and Sotheby’s, many more children will be able to experience the healing power of the wishes granted by Make-A-Wish.”
Gareth Jones, Managing Director for Italy and Switzerland at Sotheby’s, who conducted the auction, added: “On the eve of this historic sporting moment, it was an honour to represent Sotheby’s in bringing down the gavel on this magnificent Jacob & Co. watch in aid of Make-A-Wish. We hope the money raised will make a significant difference in the lives of children around the world living with critical illness.”
The funds raised from the sale of the ‘Ring of Fire’ timepiece will benefit Make-A-Wish International, a global children’s charity that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses in 50 countries and territories through its network of 40 Affiliates. This remarkable event not only celebrated a significant sporting moment but also highlighted the power of generosity and compassion in making a positive impact on children’s lives worldwide.
