- Name: Bob Arum
- Current Age: 90
- Occupation(s): Boxing Promoter
- Date of Birth: December 8, 1931
- Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Parents: Abraham Arum, Lillian Arum
- Spouse: Lovee Arum
- Children: Richard Arum, John Arum, Elizabeth Arum
- Net Worth: Estimated at $300 million in 2024
- Source of Wealth: Boxing promotions, investments
- Ventures: Top Rank Boxing
- Ethnicity: Jewish
- Height: 5’8" (173 cm)
- Weight: N/A
- Notable Works: Promoting legendary boxing matches, including the "Thrilla in Manila" and "The Fight of the Century"
Early Life and Career
Robert Arum, born on December 8, 1931, in New York City, grew up in the Crown Heights section with an Orthodox Jewish background. He attended Erasmus Hall High School, New York University, and Harvard Law School, graduating cum laude. Arum worked as an attorney in the tax division of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York before his interest in boxing was piqued in 1965.
Entry into Boxing Promotion
In 1966, after a suggestion from Jim Brown, Arum became a boxing promoter, starting with the Terrell–Chuvalo bout. His first live fight viewing was the 1966 Muhammad Ali vs. George Chuvalo Vancouver bout. Arum credits Ali with teaching him the ropes of boxing promotion and became a key figure in the sport during the 1980s, organizing major fights like Hagler vs. Durán and Hagler vs. Hearns.
Rise in Prominence
Arum continued to mount big-scale undercards and superfights, promoting legendary champions like Julio César Chávez and Oscar De La Hoya. He focused on Hispanic fighters in recent years, citing the sport’s popularity within the Hispanic community. Arum has successfully promoted fighters like Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, and Manny Pacquiao, among others, with great success.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Throughout his career, Arum has been involved in various spats and controversies, including a long-standing feud with Don King. He testified in 2000 about paying a bribe to the IBF president and faced sanctions from the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Arum also faced legal battles with fighters like Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr., as well as accusations of fixing fights, which were later dismissed.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Arum has been married twice and has children from his first marriage. He married Lovee duBoef in 1991, with whom he has two stepchildren. Arum, a close friend of the late Sheldon Adelson, endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He has advocated for the decriminalization of cannabis and has been a proponent of its therapeutic benefits, especially for athletes. Arum has appeared in various television documentaries and movies, sharing his insights on boxing and cannabis advocacy.
Financial Insights:
As of 2024, Bob Arum’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. His primary source of wealth stems from his successful boxing promotions through Top Rank Boxing, which has consistently delivered high-profile fights and attracted a global audience. Additionally, Arum’s strategic investments in various ventures have further contributed to his substantial net worth.
Factors contributing to Arum’s wealth include his ability to negotiate lucrative broadcasting deals, secure sponsorships, and attract top-tier fighters to his promotions. His business acumen and deep understanding of the boxing industry have allowed him to navigate the complexities of the sport and capitalize on its commercial potential.
This biographical article on Bob Arum provides a comprehensive overview of his life, career, and financial success, highlighting his significant contributions to the world of boxing.
