“We’re talking with PBC, and we’ll be making, uh, fights with them,” said Bob Arum in a recent conversation with Sean Zittel. The discussion revolved around a potential fight involving Gervonta Davis. It takes on added relevance in light of the seismic shifts happening in the boxing world. Particularly the emergence of the new boxing promotion born out of the Riyadh Season-TKO partnership. As is often the case in boxing, one development seems to lead inevitably to another.
But is there more to this newfound bonhomie between two longtime rivals than meets the eye? Nothing. At least for the time being, in his latest tweet, Rick Glaser informed. In a statement that seems to have caused ripples across the boxing community, Glaser hinted that two major promotional entities were in talks to either ‘merge’ or launch ‘co-ventures.’ He didn’t confirm any names. But, given the recent uptick in collaboration chatter between Top Rank and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), the implications were clear enough to stir up widespread speculation.
PBC and Top Rank: A union? Don’t count on it yet
“Being told 2 Boxing promotional entities are in talks to merge or co-venture. Will be interesting,” wrote Rick Glaser. The post quickly picked up traction. One fan chimed in, “Bob was just saying this. PBC and Top Rank.” No. Glaser promptly clarified, “Not that.” Earlier, while coming across the tweet that featured Bob Arum’s interview with Sean Zittel, Glaser had remarked, “Desperation breeds strange bedfellows, especially in boxing” (original quote from Rick Glaser).” Another follower asked if the mystery collaboration involved Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. Glaser shut that down too.
Not that.
— Rick Glaser (@RealRickGlaser1) April 4, 2025
Despite the speculation, perhaps in light of Arum’s public comments, most of the buzz continued to center around Top Rank and PBC. Another fan noted, “More interested in additional top platform tbh. I thought PBC and Top Rank have essentially announced a co-venture of sorts.” Glaser’s response was curt and telling: “Arum’s just talking. Did you see PBC with any statements? No”.
Drop the rivalry, face the real fight
Interestingly, Arum’s comments came during a discussion about the evolving landscape of the 135-pound division. From Vasyl Lomachenko‘s potential return, the conversation converged on Keyshawn Davis’s options. Ruling out a fight with Shakur Stevenson, who is a close friend of the Norfolk native, Arum found some sense in a matchup with Gervonta Davis.
“You know, as far as Tank Davis is concerned, uh, I think that, uh, more and more, uh, we’re talking with PBC, and we’ll be making, uh, fights with them,” he told Zittel. For Zittel, and maybe for many fans, the subtext was obvious: two historical rivals may be aligning forces in the face of a new and formidable competitor.
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 04: Bob Arum speaks during the Manny Pacquiao v Chris Algieri Media Tour at The Liberty Theatre on September 4, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
Looking to clarify, Zittel asked if this cooperation was being driven by the new Riyadh-backed entity and its impact on the sport. “That is correct,” confirmed Arum.
While it remains to be seen which specific promotions Glaser was referring to, the broader picture is becoming increasingly evident. In a sport long plagued by promotional silos and fractured matchmaking, new pressures, both economic and competitive, may finally be pushing the old guard toward cooperation.
Perhaps, for once, the winners could be the fans. In a landscape historically slow to change, the possibility of cross-promotional alliances could pave the way for long-anticipated matchups. Whether this becomes a recurring trend remains uncertain. But for now, the winds of change are blowing. Fueled by global investment, shifting power centers, and, just maybe, a shared understanding that boxing’s best future lies in unity rather than division.
What about you? Do you believe mergers and collaborations between rival promotions could become the new norm in boxing?
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