Affliction’s Big Announcement: Deal with Golden Boy

Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio hit Vegas today with Golden Boy Promotions at his side to announce a new groundbreaking deal between the two companies that will attempt to cross promote MMA and Boxing at an elite level on PPV for the first time in history.

“We’re looking to put together top MMA fighters as well as top boxers in one night. I think the two worlds have finally merged, and this is a perfect example,” Affliction vice president Tom Atencio said.

Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, who was in Vegas today promoting the Joel Casamayor vs Juan Marquez boxing fight, used the occasion as a pedal stool for the landmark announcement.

The two companies will split a total of 4 pay-per-view events right down the middle. The events, all of which will take place in 09, will feature some of MMA and Boxing’s top level fighters on the same card.

The first of those four PPV events will likely be Affliction “Day of Reckoning” in January which was recently postponed due to the aforementioned announcement and poor ticket sales which led to the apparel company’s new direction.

The original headlining act at “Day of Reckoning” between Arlovski and Barnett will likely be demoted from main event status to make room for the “Last Emperor” or possibly a boxing match. Golden Boy attempted to reschedule the bout to take place on the October 18th Pavlik Hopkins HBO card but was respectfully denied by the cable channel.

Golden boy, as part of the new deal, will also take advantage of Affliction’s success as a clothing retailer. Affliction will manufacture exclusive shirts for the boxing promotion beginning with shirts for the Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao bout on December 6th. Affliction will also become the official apparel licensee for Golden Boy’s newly acquired “Ring Magazine.”