http://sport.independent.co.uk/general/ ... ory=625989
Already stunned by Amir Khan's decision to turn pro, thus depriving them of their main man after they had elected to screen only amateur boxing from now on, the BBC have been caught by another sucker punch.
ITV's Snatch of the Day, the televising of Amir's requested farewell amateur bout in Bolton against Cuban Mario Kindelan, rescheduled for 30 April, has caused ructions in the Beeb's already brassed-off boxing department, where sport's big fish, Peter Salmon, never hooked on boxing, is hardly dish of the day.
ITV, whose return to boxing we predicted last week, have not covered the sport for 10 years, so need to put a commentary team in place, even if it is only for a one-night stand. Reg Gutteridge won't be making a comeback at 80, but at least they have a knowledgeable frontman in Jim Rosenthal, who is available as there is no grand prix that weekend. And it would be good if the man with the probing mike, Gary Newbon, could be brought back. He is now freelancing, mainly for Sky, after 36 years with ITV.
If all goes well with Amir, the former Sky man Mark Sharman, who has succeeded Brian Barwick as head of sport at ITV, may seek a longer involvement with the promoter allegedly and could even poach the BBC's excellent John Rawling. Much depends on Warren's contract-renewal negotiations with Sky who, like the BBC, now find it difficult to screen boxing on Saturday nights because of football commitments. ITV might also have some money available if they are outbid by the BBC in any new deal for the Champions' League. The BBC are believed to be planning a "huge offer" to share the screening with Sky.
