Time for a prizefighter format change?

[Jeff Thomas]

I'm a big matchroom fan and for me they do more right then any other promoter out there by some distance. However whenever I see a prizefighter coming up of late I'm excited by the line up- only for the actual event to end up in controversy or dissapointing unsightly mauls. There is always the odd exception but I think they need something new.

I was thinking why not put the fights over three consecutive weeks. (Quarters, semis and finals) Put the fights over six or eight rounds and whack an undercard on the last two shows - maybe loser vs loser matches for runners up etc?

Obviously the money would need to be upped but I think that the series grabs a lot of interest and this would be a good way to iron out some of the problems. There's a lot of empty boxing weekends on sky now so this would be a great idea I feel?

Any thoughts?

[maley1984]

the problem with that format is if some ones cut they cant fight, stopped 28 day ban and a loser might not want to risk another loss to another good fighter a week or 2 after a possible war which will cause late pull outs. also how many lads would b prepared to fight 3 weeks on the trot in 6-8 rounders. its not a bad idea i just think their wud b to many ifs buts maybes

[Jeff Thomas]

If the money is right they'll fight... I'm certain.

Not too may fights at top level seem to end in stoppages these days and maybe the matches on the undercard could be public votes I'm not sure,?

[Superheavy]

The main attraction for Prizefighter is that it's done and dusted in one night. That's why it attracts the casual fan and generates interest in boxing. I like the idea of an extended Prizefighter but think it would probably take away the one aspect of it that has made it so popular.

[fizzjambo]

My interest in Prizefighter would be reignited by limiting it to two per year and lowering the ability level of boxers in it. Many championship level fighters are not suited to Prizefighter. The best one I saw was the first one, crude but entertaining.

Guys like Haskins have shown how to master the format for skilled fighters. Turns it into a borefest though.

In my humble opinion (having been a huge fan of PF at first) Sky completly overuse and hype it

[earsjohn]

There has to be a place for it as it undeniably makes good money and viewing figures, and anything bringing money into boxing at the moment has to be considered.

I would like to see some long format tournaments though. Like the Super six, but perhaps smaller in scale and with a rigid timing structure. Select a competitive domestic division and have a round-robin. so six guys fight each other over 6-8 rounds every 6 weeks, then top two progress to a 8-10 round semi followed by a 10-12 round final. As an example....

Lightweight

Round 1 - Liverpool
John Murray v Gary Buckland
Liam Walsh v Derry Matthews

Week 2 (@ 6 weeks) - Cardiff
Kevin Mitchell v Derry Matthews
Anthony Crolla v Gary Buckland

Week 3 (@ 12 weeks) - Norwich
Kevin Mitchell v Liam Walsh
John Murray v Anthony Crolla

Semi (@18-20 weeks) - Manchester
Kevin Mitchell v Anthony Crolla
Liam Walsh v John Murray
plus 5/6 play off
Gary Buckland v Derry Matthews

Final (@26-30 weeks) - London
Kevin Mitchell v John Murray
3/4 play off
Anthony Crolla v Liam Walsh

All done in little over 6 months, gives each fighter 4 fights, showcases fighters in their hometowns and provides a continuous narrative for fans to follow.

Impossible I know (just looking at the above you have any number of promoters pulling the fighters in separate ways), but I can dream.

[Rogers21]

A Middleweight one would be very nice

Barker
Macklin
Murray
Billy Joe

and maybe a couple of young lads perhaps

Eubank Jr and Ryder

would never happen though

[Counter-puncher]

Prizefighter is the obese, drunken nightclub-slag of British boxing. Unless there is absolutely nothing else doing, just leave her wallowing in the corner of the room. If, however, your primal desires cannot be sated elsewhere, spending an hour or two in her company is probably better than nothing and may even throw up a few surprises - you may just throw up. But make sure you leave before she wakes up, or maybe before she goes to sleep (one round shoot-outs?). Spending the following day with her, or even longer, will only leave you bored and perhaps even sickeningly repulsed to the extent you are put off women forever. She is what she is. A bit of make-up and a frilly dress won't change that.

[winkveron]

Has anyone seen the film 'Warrior' with Tom Hardy? It's about MMA but the event in that consists of 16 fighters fighting over 2 nights. Last 16 and QF on night 1 and semis/final on night 2. Could be good, with 6 rounders maybe?

I agree, I'm personally a bit bored with Prizefighter. I check the results but don't bother to watch anymore.

[Hagler2002]

How about having a Prizefighter 'Royal Rumble' Style

Just chuck 8 fighters in the ring and the last man standing wins the moolah and also gets the obligerty world title shot on the same night.

Simples

[pnejon]

my 10 year old son had a great idea the other night! He says to me "Dad, do they do tag team boxing?" That would be interesting. David Haye + Tyson Fury vs David Price + Del Boy Chisora. PPV all day long......

[Hagler2002]

my 10 year old son had a great idea the other night! He says to me "Dad, do they do tag team boxing?" That would be interesting. David Haye + Tyson Fury vs David Price + Del Boy Chisora. PPV all day long......

I like it

[pnejon]

fukin rude not to

[Final round]

How about just burying the fcking thing in place of decent undercard match-ups.

[Adamj1987]

my 10 year old son had a great idea the other night! He says to me "Dad, do they do tag team boxing?" That would be interesting. David Haye + Tyson Fury vs David Price + Del Boy Chisora. PPV all day long......

I posted something similar on here a few years ago so the lads got a great mind.

Matchroom never got back to me though

[jessi]

I'm a big matchroom fan and for me they do more right then any other promoter out there by some distance. However whenever I see a prizefighter coming up of late I'm excited by the line up- only for the actual event to end up in controversy or dissapointing unsightly mauls. There is always the odd exception but I think they need something new.

I was thinking why not put the fights over three consecutive weeks. (Quarters, semis and finals) Put the fights over six or eight rounds and whack an undercard on the last two shows - maybe loser vs loser matches for runners up etc?

Obviously the money would need to be upped but I think that the series grabs a lot of interest and this would be a good way to iron out some of the problems. There's a lot of empty boxing weekends on sky now so this would be a great idea I feel?

Any thoughts?

Totally agree and it's a great idea Jeff ! Put it to them

[JDC]

How about just burying the fcking thing in place of decent undercard match-ups.

That was how it started, and that's when I used to watch it. It's crap.

And I don't know what all the fuss is about Eddie Hearn. ''He makes the best match-ups''. Blah, blah, blah. As soon as the most tested fighter in the World joins him we get served up Youssef Mack as an opponent. Great

[Final round]

How about just burying the fcking thing in place of decent undercard match-ups.

That was how it started, and that's when I used to watch it. It's crap.

And I don't know what all the fuss is about Eddie Hearn. ''He makes the best match-ups''. Blah, blah, blah. As soon as the most tested fighter in the World joins him we get served up Youssef Mack as an opponent. Great

Froch would fight anyone it's Hearn who gave him an easy one,(which Carl does deserve) but Carl admitted himself he would have retired had he lost to Bute so retirement is in the back of his mind. imo they should have paid for Pavlik. Carl would have stuffed him and it would have sold like hot cakes.