ESPN's future.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 07 Jul 2004, 19:52

There has been much speculation that ESPN will pull out of boxing at the end of this year (which will effect Channel Five's coverage drastically). According to Fightnews, Sugar Ray Leonard looks to be taken a break from promoting after this year to focus on the contendor reality TV show. As we know, ESPN show Sugar Ray Leonard's fights. Due you think that this "hiatus" is the clearest signal yet, that ESPN will pull out.

neil r · Post by **neil r** » 07 Jul 2004, 19:58

Hasnt Ray Leonard given up promoting altogether? I recall there being something untoward about his practices. Cant remember what it was now!

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 07 Jul 2004, 20:01

No, SRL Promotions is still going - Sky mentioned that Bernard Dunne was being guided by SRL promotions only last week on ringside. Joe Mesi and SRL promotions had a public dispute that may have futher consequence (don't ask me what about), but that is the only negative things I have heard about SRL promotions.

Eric the Viking · Post by **Eric the Viking** » 08 Jul 2004, 12:25

I wonder how ESPN's boxing ratings have done since they switched to the Max-Kellerman-less celebrity-boxer-cohost studio format for FNF? I personally find it vastly more interesting - you get to see and hear from some absolute boxing legends, along with current and recent champs.

knockout artist · Post by **knockout artist** » 08 Jul 2004, 12:29

Shouldnt this be on current scene?

Eric the Viking · Post by **Eric the Viking** » 08 Jul 2004, 12:44

knockout artist wrote:Shouldnt this be on current scene?

No.

knockout artist · Post by **knockout artist** » 08 Jul 2004, 12:54

Eric the Viking wrote:
knockout artist wrote:Shouldnt this be on current scene?
No.

Why not?

Eric the Viking · Post by **Eric the Viking** » 08 Jul 2004, 12:55

knockout artist wrote:
Eric the Viking wrote:
knockout artist wrote:Shouldnt this be on current scene?
No.
Why not?

Have you looked on Current Scene lately? ;)

bennie · Post by **bennie** » 08 Jul 2004, 12:58

Eric the Viking wrote:
knockout artist wrote:
Eric the Viking wrote: No.
Why not?
Have you looked on Current Scene lately? ;)

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 08 Jul 2004, 14:02

I put it on here because Channel 5 is now our second biggest boxing broadcaster and the only station to show guarenteed boxing every week. Quite relevant to the UK if their source of action is pulling out.

I have heard that the ratings isn't so bad, they actually increased since Kellerman left and they have guest studio analysers (which we never see). However, I don't think the ratings have ever been great.