Jacob & Co. ‘Ring of Fire’ sells for $800,000 in Ryadh

Bespoke ‘Ring of Fire’ Jacob & Co. timepiece sells for $800,000 in Riyadh to legendary boxing promoter Frank Warren

On Friday night, ahead of the highly anticipated ‘Ring of Fire’ heavy weight boxing match between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, the bespoke 'Ring of Fire' timepiece by Jacob & Co. sold to legendary boxing promoter, Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions for $800,000 / £630,000.

The watch, created to commemorate this momentous occasion, was auctioned by Sotheby's at Boulevard City in Riyadh, with all proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish® International. 

Both heavyweight champions Fury and Usyk each received one of the watches as a keepsake ahead of the first undisputed heavyweight title fight since 1999, being staged as part of Riyadh Season at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the evening of Saturday May 18. 

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 work alongside luxury watch brand Jacob & Co to design and craft the sought-after timepiece. Sotheby's, the world’s premier destination for art and luxury hosted the auction, which also featured other coveted boxing-themed items, with the high value 'Ring of Fire' watch the showpiece attraction. 

Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions, said, on placing the winning bid of $800,000: ‘I am thrilled to have acquired an iconic piece of boxing history.’

Luciano Manzo, CEO, Make-A-Wish, said: ‘Tomorrow the world will witness the most anticipated heavy weight 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, Italy and Switzerland, Sotheby’s, who conducted the auction, said: ‘On the eve of this historical sporting moment, it was an honour to represent Sotheby’s 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 to the lives of children around the world living with critical illness.’

Make-A-Wish International are the beneficiary of all funds raised from the sale of the timepiece. 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 Affiliates.