One-Two Punch

AEG is once again in the news heading into the weekend, this time for buying into Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. AEG becomes the second-largest shareholder behind the Olympic Gold Medalist and gives the promotion the muscle to become the preeminent company in the industry. Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer notes the relationship between the company and AEG will allow for nearly 100 events annually as well as provide a “broader reach” to sign fighters. The partnership also could have long-ranging effects on the boxing scene in Las Vegas -- AEG’s planned 20,000-seat arena is scheduled to be completed by 2010, providing a natural location for large bouts featuring Golden Boy boxers. Meanwhile, De La Hoya’s in-ring appeal may be at a crossroads. Ratings for his fight against Steve Forbes on HBO were on par with the recent Joe Calzaghe-Bernand Hopkins bout, but one critic says the decision not to hold the fight on PPV “may be among the worst values … dollar-for-dollar” ever for the net.