BBC not screening ABA finals

[Chris W 1982]

Does anyone think this is an absolute disgrace?

The showpiece of the domestic amatuer season reaches York Hall next Friday and the Beeb have opted not to screen the event.

The event is being shown free of charge on Hatton TV which means it is largely available but don't people think that the BBC have a duty to ensure events like this get mainstream coverage?

We are in a Commonwealth Games year and only 2 years away from the Olympics, chances are that those on the medals podium in 2012 will be featured next Friday night.

BBC have dropped the ball big time with this one.

[15829]

wouldnt kill them to put it on bb3

[Chris W 1982]

Does anyone think this is an absolute disgrace?

I don't think it is a disgrace. They will have looked at last years viewing figures and decided it is not worth putting on. The BBC (which I think should be scrapped) have a tricky job keeping everybody happy. They have only so many slots to fill and putting on the finals of a sport hardly anybody is interested in anymore is not a fair spend of public money.

Amateur boxing generates some interest during the olympics but at all other times it is only followed by dyed in the wool enthusiasts and families/friends of paticipants. How can you relate to a guy you can't recognize (headguards should go)?

Its hard to justify good ratings when no one knows your product is on though.

I'd be interested to find out the viewing figures for years gone by as I'm pretty confident they're not as bad as you suggest.

Some really good 50-50 fights in tis years finals, such a shame a lot of people will miss out

[stujones]

Is it definately not on the red button service... I think that was the only place it was available last year.

[Chris W 1982]

Is it definately not on the red button service... I think that was the only place it was available last year.

No Stu, Hatton TV is the only place.

[Buncey]

It was not on the BBC last year - Setanta screened every fight. It was the first time that has ever happened. The ABA finals were not screened in 2000.

Adios.

[bigdaddy]

Abas not like they used to be?Gb number 1 are never entered dont blame tv for not screening

[Chris W 1982]

It was not on the BBC last year - Setanta screened every fight. It was the first time that has ever happened. The ABA finals were not screened in 2000.

Adios.

I stand corrected. What were the viewing figures like? Can you recall?

[TerribleTerry]

It was not on the BBC last year - Setanta screened every fight. It was the first time that has ever happened. The ABA finals were not screened in 2000.

Adios.

I remember the setanta coverage from last year - it was first class.

Used to love the beeb coverage of the aba's - I remember watching calzaghe's 3 successive wins at rising weights.

Will be watching on Hatton tv but I wish the beeb would show it...

[stujones]

It was not on the BBC last year - Setanta screened every fight. It was the first time that has ever happened. The ABA finals were not screened in 2000.

Adios.

Well you were there! I thought that was two years ago. I thought Setanta were dead this time last year. Obviously not... appologies.

BBC has definately shown SOME boxing via the red button within the last year then..... what was it, I cannot remember.

the WABA's were on BBC Wales TV.

[Buncey]

BBC's last boxing was in 2008. Sad but true.
This year's tournament has been quaility...Agogo beating Garvey...Burton beat Perkins...Farrage beating Campbell ...Danny Price back .... there is enough intrigue for any TV company.
I've got two finalists on my BBC London show tonight.

After the ABA finals it gets very, very interesting.

Adios and enjoy.

[potnoodle]

They dont have to show it live!!! A day later would be ok. I think its bad.

[stujones]

BBC's last boxing was in 2008. Sad but true.
This year's tournament has been quaility...Agogo beating Garvey...Burton beat Perkins...Farrage beating Campbell ...Danny Price back .... there is enough intrigue for any TV company.
I've got two finalists on my BBC London show tonight.

After the ABA finals it gets very, very interesting.

Adios and enjoy.

Well definitely the WABA's were on BBC Wales. You can still view it on iplayer now.

[black panther]

I would like to write a more constructive post but having just found this out now my gut reaction is "WANKERS!"

[dondada]

Amateur Boxing: England v Russia BBC1 20/05/2006 1.0
Amateur Boxing: European Championships BBC2 30/07/2006 0.2
Amateur Boxing: ABA Finals BBC2 03/12/2006 0.5
World Championship Boxing BBC2 28/01/2007 0.3
Amateur Boxing BBC1 24/03/2007 0.9
Amateur Boxing BBC1 01/12/2007 0.9

These were all weekend shows, all afternoons (except the Worlds which was shown very late).

The last figures are millions. Not very recent I know.

[ERIC GUY]

I have filmed the ABA finals since 1998 at the NEC, I think that was the 1st year it was not televised.....

[Chris W 1982]

I'm thinking about attending now just cos of the fights on show.

Ryan Farrag (Liverpool's Arturo Gatti) aims to build on recent successes agsinst Repton's Martin Ward.

Hoseo Burton v Anthony Ogogo is just guaranteed excitement.

Anthony Fowler at 71kg is destined to be a personality for a long long time. The kid reminds me of Tony Bellew so much.

The return of Danny price at Heavyweight.

It'll be a great night and it deserves a TV slot

[Buncey]

I'm told that this is sold out. Check with boxers and venue. This story will develop.
The three boxers from West Ham have about 70 tickets to split!
Ados.

[bobmee]

Last night I was told the ABA finals were still being offered to other broadcasters, even on delay - no interest at all, apparently. (Aside from Hatton tV, which I didn't know about.)

[chrisfinch]

Last night I was told the ABA finals were still being offered to other broadcasters, even on delay - no interest at all, apparently. (Aside from Hatton tV, which I didn't know about.)

Get in there for Eurosport Bob!

Nothing live on either of the channels on Friday night, so why not?

[bobmee]

Yes, I agree and I;d love to do it. But the rest of Europe doesn't give a damn about the British amateur finals. Beyond my control or influence anyway as this stuff is decided in Paris. If I could ever sit down at a meeting and talk to them about quality and quantity of boxing, I'd love to do it, but it doesn't happen.

[yiddo14]

They should show the finals but maybe they think there is a lack of genuine quality in the competition this year?

The ABA's go up and down in terms of quality all the time. I remember watching Gavin, Bellew, Price(both David and Danny), Groves, Yafai, Luke Campbell, Stephen Smith and Selkirk compete in their respective finals a few years ago.

Still, it's no excuse as they are the pinnacle of the domestic amateur calendar.

[nigeltsport]

Just to confirm Hatton Tv will be showing all the finals live via the Hatton TV Player. It is free to view - all you have to do is register. There is plenty of other amateur boxing available to watch now including the Midlands ABA Finals.
http://www.player.brandhatton.com

[slapbangwhallop]

Just to confirm Hatton Tv will be showing all the finals live via the Hatton TV Player. It is free to view - all you have to do is register. There is plenty of other amateur boxing available to watch now including the Midlands ABA Finals.
http://www.player.brandhatton.com

well done Hatton TV - I doff my cap to you kind sirs!

[ERIC GUY]

just have to get better commontaters,,,,,,,,,