The Neutral Corner

The unification process has officially begun.

Two sports that vie for the same audience, two sports that vow to be the ultimate test of a fighter have begun to merge. Coming soon to a ring or cage near you, boxing and mixed martial arts on the same card. And how long is it before we see a boxer in his prime against a mixed martial artist in his prime competing in a sanctioned fight?

It was announced today by Oscar De La Hoya that his promotional company -- Golden Boy -- has formed a "strategic, multi-level partnership" with Affliction Clothing. And, oh yeah, Affliction promotes MMA fights.

Affliction, which makes t-shirts that are popular in both the boxing and MMA world, has already promoted one successful MMA card. Its second show, however, scheduled for October 11, has been canceled partly due to a lack of ticket sales.

What follows is the press release sent out by Golden Boy. But the most important thing you need to know is the line that states: "Golden Boy Promotions and Affliction Entertainment will promote events that will feature both first class boxing matches as well as top notch MMA bouts on the same cards with the inaugural event planned for 2009."

Here is the release:

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (September 13, 2008) - Golden Boy Promotions and Affliction Clothing today announced a strategic, multi-level partnership between the two companies that will bring the popular Affliction-brand to the world of boxing and entertainment.

"We have been talking to Affliction over the past several months to figure out a partnership that will take advantage of the expertise of both of our companies," said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. "We have found the solution and are extremely excited about starting this partnership immediately."

"Golden Boy Promotions is the top boxing promoter in the world and we look forward to working with them on future projects," said Tom Atencio, Vice President, Affliction. "With our companies working together, it gives Affliction another vehicle to deliver our products to our core customers, as well as utilizing Golden Boy's promotional expertise to further our efforts in Mixed Martial Arts."

The partnership includes:

* For major Golden Boy Promotions fights, Affliction will create a signature Affliction shirt sold on-site and at retail outlets nationwide.

* Affliction will become the official apparel licensee for the Golden Boy Enterprises-owned Ring Magazine, and will adorn t-shirts and other apparel with the iconic Ring logo and classic Ring Magazine covers.

* Golden Boy Promotions and Affliction Entertainment will promote events that will feature both first class boxing matches as well as top notch MMA bouts on the same cards with the inaugural event planned for 2009.

-- CASSIDY