May 7, 2024 (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia): HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), has announced that the long-awaited undisputed heavyweight title fight 'Ring of Fire' between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has been immortalized in a bespoke, handmade timepiece, set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s, with all proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish® International.
HE Turki Alalshikh has commissioned Big Time Creative Shop, GEA’s creative arm, to work alongside luxury watch brand Jacob & Co to design and craft the limited-edition timepiece to mark this milestone moment in boxing history, with Sotheby's, the world’s premier destination for art and luxury, promoting access to, and ownership of, exceptional art and luxury objects, confirmed to host the auction during fight week which is headlined by this high value and much sought-after item.
Make-A-Wish International will be the beneficiary of all funds raised from the auction. The global children’s charity grants wishes to children living with a critical illness in 50 countries and territories around the world through its network of 40 AOiliates.
Derived from the Astronomia Art collection, ‘Ring of Fire’ is a 50-mm rose gold Jacob & Co. timepiece whose design and details are a direct tribute to both fighters. Visible from all angles, a figurine of each world heavyweight champion measures less than one centimeter high, yet shows incredible detail. Between them and the double-axis flying tourbillon, two more figurines represent their gloves, crafted so finely their autograph can be easily read. The hour and minute dial represents the iconic champion belt of the World Boxing Council (WBC), an oOicial partner of Riyadh Season, and its unique green color is used on the strap.
Both heavyweight champions Fury and Usyk will also be gifted one of the watches each as a keepsake ahead of the first undisputed heavyweight title fight of the 21st century, which is set to take place as part of Riyadh Season at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Saturday May 18.
HE Turki Alalshikh said: "This is an incredible and rare opportunity to own a piece of boxing history. The magnitude of this fight cannot be under-estimated. It will be spoken about for decades, and the successful bidder will share a special bond with the lead protagonists of this undisputed heavyweight story through the collective ownership of these unique and elegant timepieces. We are also pleased to be able to donate all auction proceeds to Make-A-Wish International, so they can help fulfil the wishes of even more children around the world.”
Michael Macaulay, Sotheby’s Deputy Chairman, Contemporary Art, who will take to the rostrum as auctioneer for the event, said: “Sotheby’s is thrilled to be hosting this charity auction in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the highly anticipated ‘Ring of Fire’ heavyweight boxing match, in what promises to be an epic showdown between two of the world's great fighters. The opportunity to help raise vital funds for internationally renowned charity Make-A-Wish is always a privilege. For decades, the charity has been devoted to serving children with critical illnesses and their families and has facilitated more than half a million life-changing wishes with the help of donors and more than 27,000 volunteers around the world. Sotheby’s is thankful to HE Turki Alalshikh for choosing to partner with us.”
“We are honoured and excited to be the beneficiary of this incredible auction.” said Luciano Manzo, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish International.
“Make-A-Wish has a vision to grant the wish of every eligible child, and our collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority of Saudia Arabia will ensure more children who are living with a critical illness have a wish and are given the opportunity to replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope. We are so grateful to HE Turki Alalshikh, Jacob & Co, Sotheby's, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for their support.”
“We're very excited to see Fury and Usyk get into it,” says Jacob & Co. Chairman and Founder Jacob Arabo. “At Jacob & Co., we have a long history of making bespoke timepieces with and for fighters. It's a privilege for us to make this limited edition Astronomia Art Ring of Fire. Especially because proceeds from one of the timepieces will go to one of the most respectable charities. This fight is one for the ages!”
/ENDS
About Riyadh Season:
Saudi Arabia's capital embraces one of the world's biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events.
For more information, please visit https://riyadhseason.com/en-US For media enquiries, please email Media@riyadhseason.com
About Make-A-Wish International:
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, having granted more
than 585,000 wishes in 50 countries worldwide. Every 25 seconds, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness and becomes eligible for a wish. Together with generous donors, supporters, staO and more than 27,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Wish experiences restore the childhood stolen by a critical illness diagnosis and can help improve emotional and physical health. For more information about Make-A-Wish International, visit https://worldwish.org
For media inquiries concerning Make-A-Wish International, please contact: Niamh Ryan, Make- A-Wish International, Senior Manager, PR & Communications, nryan@worldwish.org
