Channel 5 in talks to show Fury Vs. Cunningham in April

[chad]

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/broa ... entID=2298

"Channel 5 is in negotiations to show British boxer Tyson Fury’s debut fight in the US, despite reports that the channel is planning to pull the plug on its boxing coverage.

The Northern & Shell-owned broadcaster is in talks with promoter Hennessy Sports over Fury’s US debut, which will take place in New York’s Madison Square Garden against Steve Cunningham in April."

Maybe Channel 5 are happy to show boxing but don't want the cost of actually having to produce the TV coverage.

[iamasadlittleboy]

Makes sense to let someone else foot the production bill...which is why I can't understand why allegedly don't try to pick up more cheap international cards that are being shown anyway...

[dondada]

'Despite reports'? What, despite reports based on statements made by their own communication channels? Arseholes.

[Parson Cross]

That reads like a press release from a Company trying to retrieve a situation after a member of staff has spoken out of turn.

[ILikeBeer]

What's Broadcast Now? I've never heard of that website. Is this a reliable source?

[dondada]

What's Broadcast Now? I've never heard of that website. Is this a reliable source?

No idea, but the story is right anyway, as I understand it. Just no time to do owt on it at the mo.

[chad]

The following was published on the allegedly website by Steve Lillis.

Promoter Mick Hennessy insists that Tyson Fury has not been dumped by Channel 5, and claims the unbeaten heavyweight could be facing David Haye later this year.

The broadcaster has screened his last six fights, but is reported to be close to pulling the plug on boxing.

And, they've not yet committed to showing his American debut against Steve Cunningham at Madison Square Garden on April 20.

Channel 5 also already dropped James DeGale's fight this Saturday which has now been postponed, but Hennessy says he is still in negotiations to screen Fury v Cunningham.

"I've not been told that we are finished with Channel 5. I know they have had internal problems and I've been trying to help them resolve these," said Hennessy.

"James DeGale's fight on Saturday was postponed because Channel 5 couldn't incorporate it into their schedule and couldn't kick start boxing until April."

And Hennessy claims Fury could face former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye later this year in a mouthwatering clash that would grip the nation.

Former WBA world heavyweight champion Haye will return in London this summer, but is likely to have a warm-up first.

Hennessy added: "We are interested in that fight with Haye definitely and it could be done at a stadium this summer as long as the date is right."

The terrestrial channel is certainly sending out confused messages over the future of 6ft 9in Gypsy Fury.

When allegedly asked Channel 5 Head of Publicity, Nicholas Caley if the New York heavyweight clash would be shown, he replied in an e-mail: "No, we're not screening that fight."

An hour later he contacted our office claiming the e-mail was misunderstood and said: "Discussions are ongoing over Tyson's next fight." He later repeated that in a further e-mail.

The network's official Twitter feed also revealed that there were no plans to show Fury's fight when asked.

Hennessy added: "I'm surprised by the tweets and it's not the way to do things but as far as I'm concerned we are still working with them.

"I was shocked about what I saw on Twitter because from my talks with people at Channel 5 we were looking at rescheduling James Degale's fight and then had Tyson Fury on April 20 which is one of seven shows this year we are doing with them."

Channel 5 started bringing boxes to the masses in July 2011 when Fury outpointed Dereck Chisora in a British and Commonwealth heavyweight title fight at Wembley Arena.

Fury's fight against Cunningham is being screened in the USA by NBC meaning maximum exposure, but it remains to be seen whether Channel 5 or another network steps in Britain.

[ILikeBeer]

It really does seem that nobody knows what's going on at all, doesn't it?

[Parson Cross]

No - the exact opposite. Channel 5 know exactly what they're up to.
I bet someone is on a discipline for letting this slip.

[Parson Cross]

I think they will take it to the wire mate.
Reason ? To pinch the UK rights on the cheap.
I wouldn't be the slightest shocked if we only get highlights.
Best we can hope for is delayed coverage.
That is of course unless another outlet steps in for the rights ..... and there's only one.

[slapbangwhallop]

That reads like a press release from a Company trying to retrieve a situation after a member of staff has spoken out of turn.

'Despite reports'? What, despite reports based on statements made by their own communication channels? Arseholes.

That’s exactly how this one seems to me.

Some twitter lackey gave the impression that C5 were punting boxing, which may well be the case. Mick gets on the blower to C5 and gives them what for. Lackey gets a bollocking and puts the truck in reverse without technically saying he was talking out of an orifice!

Personally I am delighted that the C5 deal aint dead but Mick does need to ramp up the quality of the offering, hard for him to tactically do this and keep to his plans for his fighters but if he is to keep the contract then he is going to have to play one of his aces pretty soon.

[Parson Cross]

I still think the deal may be dead mate.
The lackey might have spoken out of turn - out of the mouths of babes and all that - but lackeys don't make shit up.

[whiteboy]

is there not a contract?!

[dsimpson]

What's Broadcast Now? I've never heard of that website. Is this a reliable source?

No idea, but the story is right anyway, as I understand it. Just no time to do owt on it at the mo.

Very reliable source. Broadcast is the main TV industry mag.

[Parson Cross]

Whiteboy,
You meant between CH5 and Mick ?
Might have been at inception in 2011 but suspect it's just a bill by bill agreement now - and clearly they are not adopting the Delmonte approach.

[slapbangwhallop]

I still think the deal may be dead mate.
The lackey might have spoken out of turn - out of the mouths of babes and all that - but lackeys don't make shit up.

Indeed, and I fear you are correct but until I see the final nail driven in, then I shall hold out hope.

It’s a crazy position that boxing is getting its knacker kicked by terrestrial TV. Buncey and Costello were having an intelligent debate about this subject on Five Live yesterday and trying to rationalise the reasoning behind it. Actually I’m going to start a new thread on this as its tangential to the core of this topic but it’s a subject I am very interested in as I am trying to get my own promotional company off the ground.

[whiteboy]

Whiteboy,
You meant between CH5 and Mick ?
Might have been at inception in 2011 but suspect it's just a bill by bill agreement now - and clearly they are not adopting the Delmonte approach.

yep! sure Mick said somewhere 7 fights this year?!

[coneye]

Could be the lackey was told to start the rumpors , its a big edge when it comes to negotiating money , and will certainly let 5 know if theres anyone else going to step up to the plate