Are Matchroom / SKY delivering?

[chad]

Well it's almost a year and a half since SKY agreed a deal with Matchroom making them principal boxing promoter on Sky Sports. The move was supposed to deliver the big fights fans wanted to see on a domestic and international level. So are Matchroom and SKY living up to your expectations?

Firstly Matchroom have done a great job growing their roster of fighters. They undoubtedly have the cream of the crop here in the UK. Matchroom have also managed to secure some really big fights on our shores, but not really across their whole stable of fighters. Eddie Hearn has to be applauded for pulling off Froch Vs. Bute and Froch Vs. Kessler II. He also deserves credit for Frampton Vs. Martinez and to a lesser extent making Brook Vs. Hatton. Eddie also has a real good knack of maneuvering his fighters into mandatory challenger positions by going down the International and Inter-Continental title routes.

Whilst Matchroom have done a great job delivering world title opportunities to fighters across their roster, it has resulted in some pretty heavy and devastating defeats. Barker Vs. Martinez, Bellew Vs. Stevenson, Rees Vs. Broner and Purdy Vs. Alexander spring to mind. Don't get me wrong I love seeing British fighters in world title fights, taking on some of the best in the world. I would just like to see Matchroom trying to get our guys home advantage more often or even targeting a champion their fighter has a realistic chance of beating. I'm not convinced the International and Inter-Continental title routes are actually preparing the fighters properly to step up to face the top fighters in the division.

I'm also beginning to sense that Matchroom are not able to deliver the fights the fans want to see, and more importantly the fights SKY Sports want on their channel. I'll give Eddie credit he has managed to put some together, but they always seem to fall apart in the lead up to the event. One of the reasons SKY chose to go with just one promoter was an attempt to get round some of the politics of boxing to make the big fights happen. I think we all know that SKY have been desperate for Quigg Vs. Frampton, Brook Vs. Alexander, Haye Vs. Fury, Barker Vs. Macklin, Barker Vs. Murray and Macklin Vs. Murray. Sadly none have taken place. SKY are now pushing for Quigg Vs. Martinez and Froch Vs. Groves II. Let's see if we get those over the next 12 months.

All in I think Matchroom are doing a decent job but some of their match making decisions, and the routes they choose to take with some fighters could be better.

[DMA1987]

Yes they are delivering, and that's with luck working against them a lot of the time.

Who should they have secured home advantage for that they didnt?

[1 nut]

I just think the other promoters made it for them , ricky with beer ,Maloney all is eggs in a chinny price basket , allegedly paying fighters late
So brash Edward comes in with dates ,a monkey could do it

[chad]

Who should they have secured home advantage for that they didnt?

It's not as simple as that. I'm suggesting they are targeting routes that put their fighters into mandatory positions with little or no chance of being able to secure home advantage. That might not be the fault of Matchroom. If their fighters ambition is to simply fight for a world title then they are doing a fantastic job. I would just like to see our guys at home in fights they have a great chance of winning. Of course this means they might need to pursue 'lesser' champions in their respective divisions. But if they manage to take a title at home, it gives them more leverage when negotiating against the bigger guns in the division.

[Khaosai-Galaxy]

Well it's almost a year and a half since SKY agreed a deal with Matchroom making them principal boxing promoter on Sky Sports. The move was supposed to deliver the big fights fans wanted to see on a domestic and international level. So are Matchroom and SKY living up to your expectations?

Firstly Matchroom have done a great job growing their roster of fighters. They undoubtedly have the cream of the crop here in the UK. Matchroom have also managed to secure some really big fights on our shores, but not really across their whole stable of fighters. Eddie Hearn has to be applauded for pulling off Froch Vs. Bute and Froch Vs. Kessler II. He also deserves credit for Frampton Vs. Martinez and to a lesser extent making Brook Vs. Hatton. Eddie also has a real good knack of maneuvering his fighters into mandatory challenger positions by going down the International and Inter-Continental title routes.

Whilst Matchroom have done a great job delivering world title opportunities to fighters across their roster, it has resulted in some pretty heavy and devastating defeats. Barker Vs. Martinez, Bellew Vs. Stevenson, Rees Vs. Broner and Purdy Vs. Alexander spring to mind. Don't get me wrong I love seeing British fighters in world title fights, taking on some of the best in the world. I would just like to see Matchroom trying to get our guys home advantage more often or even targeting a champion their fighter has a realistic chance of beating. I'm not convinced the International and Inter-Continental title routes are actually preparing the fighters properly to step up to face the top fighters in the division.

I'm also beginning to sense that Matchroom are not able to deliver the fights the fans want to see, and more importantly the fights SKY Sports want on their channel. I'll give Eddie credit he has managed to put some together, but they always seem to fall apart in the lead up to the event. One of the reasons SKY chose to go with just one promoter was an attempt to get round some of the politics of boxing to make the big fights happen. I think we all know that SKY have been desperate for Quigg Vs. Frampton, Brook Vs. Alexander, Haye Vs. Fury, Barker Vs. Macklin, Barker Vs. Murray and Macklin Vs. Murray. Sadly none have taken place. SKY are now pushing for Quigg Vs. Martinez and Froch Vs. Groves II. Let's see if we get those over the next 12 months.

All in I think Matchroom are doing a decent job but some of their match making decisions, and the routes they choose to take with some fighters could be better.

Are you being paid by the word?

If so, well done!

[chad]

Well it's almost a year and a half since SKY agreed a deal with Matchroom making them principal boxing promoter on Sky Sports. The move was supposed to deliver the big fights fans wanted to see on a domestic and international level. So are Matchroom and SKY living up to your expectations?

Firstly Matchroom have done a great job growing their roster of fighters. They undoubtedly have the cream of the crop here in the UK. Matchroom have also managed to secure some really big fights on our shores, but not really across their whole stable of fighters. Eddie Hearn has to be applauded for pulling off Froch Vs. Bute and Froch Vs. Kessler II. He also deserves credit for Frampton Vs. Martinez and to a lesser extent making Brook Vs. Hatton. Eddie also has a real good knack of maneuvering his fighters into mandatory challenger positions by going down the International and Inter-Continental title routes.

Whilst Matchroom have done a great job delivering world title opportunities to fighters across their roster, it has resulted in some pretty heavy and devastating defeats. Barker Vs. Martinez, Bellew Vs. Stevenson, Rees Vs. Broner and Purdy Vs. Alexander spring to mind. Don't get me wrong I love seeing British fighters in world title fights, taking on some of the best in the world. I would just like to see Matchroom trying to get our guys home advantage more often or even targeting a champion their fighter has a realistic chance of beating. I'm not convinced the International and Inter-Continental title routes are actually preparing the fighters properly to step up to face the top fighters in the division.

I'm also beginning to sense that Matchroom are not able to deliver the fights the fans want to see, and more importantly the fights SKY Sports want on their channel. I'll give Eddie credit he has managed to put some together, but they always seem to fall apart in the lead up to the event. One of the reasons SKY chose to go with just one promoter was an attempt to get round some of the politics of boxing to make the big fights happen. I think we all know that SKY have been desperate for Quigg Vs. Frampton, Brook Vs. Alexander, Haye Vs. Fury, Barker Vs. Macklin, Barker Vs. Murray and Macklin Vs. Murray. Sadly none have taken place. SKY are now pushing for Quigg Vs. Martinez and Froch Vs. Groves II. Let's see if we get those over the next 12 months.

All in I think Matchroom are doing a decent job but some of their match making decisions, and the routes they choose to take with some fighters could be better.

Are you being paid by the word?

If so, well done!

I wish I was. Do you think my insight is worthy of payment as I would like to break into boxing writing? If the guys at Boxrec want to give me a job send me a PM.

[Khaosai-Galaxy]

Who should they have secured home advantage for that they didnt?

It's not as simple as that. I'm suggesting they are targeting routes that put their fighters into mandatory positions with little or no chance of being able to secure home advantage. That might not be the fault of Matchroom. If their fighters ambition is to simply fight for a world title then they are doing a fantastic job. I would just like to see our guys at home in fights they have a great chance of winning. Of course this means they might need to pursue 'lesser' champions in their respective divisions. But if they manage to take a title at home, it gives them more leverage when negotiating against the bigger guns in the division.

Titles are dead in boxing, have been for years.

Matchroom should spend less time building up fighters to fight for belts and concentrate on building up rivalries and selling tickets.

[Khaosai-Galaxy]

Well it's almost a year and a half since SKY agreed a deal with Matchroom making them principal boxing promoter on Sky Sports. The move was supposed to deliver the big fights fans wanted to see on a domestic and international level. So are Matchroom and SKY living up to your expectations?

Firstly Matchroom have done a great job growing their roster of fighters. They undoubtedly have the cream of the crop here in the UK. Matchroom have also managed to secure some really big fights on our shores, but not really across their whole stable of fighters. Eddie Hearn has to be applauded for pulling off Froch Vs. Bute and Froch Vs. Kessler II. He also deserves credit for Frampton Vs. Martinez and to a lesser extent making Brook Vs. Hatton. Eddie also has a real good knack of maneuvering his fighters into mandatory challenger positions by going down the International and Inter-Continental title routes.

Whilst Matchroom have done a great job delivering world title opportunities to fighters across their roster, it has resulted in some pretty heavy and devastating defeats. Barker Vs. Martinez, Bellew Vs. Stevenson, Rees Vs. Broner and Purdy Vs. Alexander spring to mind. Don't get me wrong I love seeing British fighters in world title fights, taking on some of the best in the world. I would just like to see Matchroom trying to get our guys home advantage more often or even targeting a champion their fighter has a realistic chance of beating. I'm not convinced the International and Inter-Continental title routes are actually preparing the fighters properly to step up to face the top fighters in the division.

I'm also beginning to sense that Matchroom are not able to deliver the fights the fans want to see, and more importantly the fights SKY Sports want on their channel. I'll give Eddie credit he has managed to put some together, but they always seem to fall apart in the lead up to the event. One of the reasons SKY chose to go with just one promoter was an attempt to get round some of the politics of boxing to make the big fights happen. I think we all know that SKY have been desperate for Quigg Vs. Frampton, Brook Vs. Alexander, Haye Vs. Fury, Barker Vs. Macklin, Barker Vs. Murray and Macklin Vs. Murray. Sadly none have taken place. SKY are now pushing for Quigg Vs. Martinez and Froch Vs. Groves II. Let's see if we get those over the next 12 months.

All in I think Matchroom are doing a decent job but some of their match making decisions, and the routes they choose to take with some fighters could be better.

Are you being paid by the word?

If so, well done!

I wish I was. Do you think my insight is worthy of payment as I would like to break into boxing writing? If the guys at Boxrec want to give me a job send me a PM.

Actually I thought it was lacking in insight, was over long and had a boring conclusion.

[chad]

Titles are dead in boxing, have been for years.

Matchroom should spend less time building up fighters to fight for belts and concentrate on building up rivalries and selling tickets.

Got to admit I'm getting a little tired of Kell Brook treading water. I'd much rather see some top level battle of Britain fights ahead of one sided world title challenges. Would love to see the following:

Bellew Vs. Cleverly II
Froch Vs. Groves II
Quigg Vs. Frampton
Fury Vs. Chisora II
Groves Vs. DeGale II
Brook Vs. Khan

[chad]

Actually I thought it was lacking in insight, was over long and had a boring conclusion.

I better not quit the day job then

[jameswilson]

Ultimately the average bill in my opinion is quite a bit better than the average bill under past regimes. I'v quoted certain past bills like Calzahe v Ashira with a gash undercard and Maccarinelli v LaMontagne with a gash undercard.

Some Matchroom undercards have been cack, in particular the Groves v Froch fight. But I mean we've had Coyle v Mathews, Smith v Dodson, Rose v Maciel, Selbby v Simmion (boring but a European level fight imo) as just a few examples of undercard fights. In times past they would have been main events with gash undercards beneath them.

On the World title record, I think back to 10 years back and I would have loved for guys like Michael Gomez to have gone and fought for a World title when he was in his pomp, but back in that day, you got hold of a WBU title and then in interviews afterwards talked about how the top 5 were ducking you. Yeah some of our guys have taken a shellacking, but they have, as far as I am aware, earnt better money doing so than fighting 4 cans at home. I'd rather see how they do against the best than speculate.

[mullenman]

i think they are doing well but their stable is taking a bit of battering latley

froch- one fight left in him
Bellew - just got beat but can go well at cruiser and hope he fights the welsh kid
Barker - retired
Groves - not on the books anymore
Frampton - biggest star in the Uk and gone to allegedly
Burns - lucky to be champ and will get beat in his next fight

swings and roundabouts but I like what they are doing

[chad]

i think they are doing well but their stable is taking a bit of battering latley

froch- one fight left in him
Bellew - just got beat but can go well at cruiser and hope he fights the welsh kid
Barker - retired
Groves - not on the books anymore
Frampton - biggest star in the Uk and gone to Allegedly channel
Burns - lucky to be champ and will get beat in his next fight

swings and roundabouts but I like what they are doing

Very true, and there isn't much talent left in the UK they can poach. The next 24 months will show us if Matchroom can make a star rather than simply buying one that's already been made.

[Khaosai-Galaxy]

Titles are dead in boxing, have been for years.

Matchroom should spend less time building up fighters to fight for belts and concentrate on building up rivalries and selling tickets.

Got to admit I'm getting a little tired of Kell Brook treading water. I'd much rather see some top level battle of Britain fights ahead of one sided world title challenges. Would love to see the following:

Bellew Vs. Cleverly II
Froch Vs. Groves II
Quigg Vs. Frampton
Fury Vs. Chisora II
Groves Vs. DeGale II
Brook Vs. Khan

I heartily agree.

Well promoted domestic rivals sell way more tickets than Micky mouse world title fights against a foreign opponent.

[Khaosai-Galaxy]

On the World title record, I think back to 10 years back and I would have loved for guys like Michael Gomez to have gone and fought for a World title when he was in his pomp, but back in that day, you got hold of a WBU title and then in interviews afterwards talked about how the top 5 were ducking you. Yeah some of our guys have taken a shellacking, but they have, as far as I am aware, earnt better money doing so than fighting 4 cans at home. I'd rather see how they do against the best than speculate.

What would be the point of Michael Gomez going to Germany or whatever to get badly beaten up fighting for a "real" world title?

[wrimc]

My main gripe would be the talk about money that Hearn comes.

When he says " My job is to make the big fights and get these guys as much money as possible and secure their future" etc etc
He is only partly right in what he says. Sometimes getting the most money for a fighter and getting that fight aligns with the interest of the viewing public. However that is not always the case. What I want to see is well matched fights that will make me tune in.

I dont care if Rees, Purdy etc are making a career high payday what I care about is are they going tobe in an interesting fight? Are they fighting at the appropriate level.

[whiskey]

Sky suck.

I much prefer Copper-allegedly

I wish I could watch Gorgeous George every week... hang on.

[MightyWarrior]

They're delivering a load of crap mainly. The gormless Adam Smith spends all the boxing budget on flying himself and team around to various locations, to stand around and talk bollox for 2 hours, before retiring to the bar at their 5 star hotel.

Last night, Eddie delivers a minor world title fight in Germany, featuring the latest Brit hero - So Adam gets MASSIVELY EXCITED and flies over ALL the boys, sets up a big SKY platform stage in the arena, only for our hapless hero to get battered inside two forgettable rounds.

Next up, a brand new Kel Brook training documentary Christmas special.

[dbf]

Eddie doesn't care about the fans, he cares about satisfying his broadcaster, SKY. He knows the general public are stupid and he can dress up a poor card as something its not and still get relatively good numbers.

All the stuff about paydays for his fighters etc is nice, but I don't totally buy it. It makes a nice excuse sometimes as to why he doesn't get champions over here. First and foremost above all else Eddie doesn't want to lose money himself. He's a chip off the old block.

The return of PPV with sub par undercards, some average bills and sending fighters abroad to get beat balances up some of the good he has done.

From a broadcast perspective sometimes Sky can be decent but others just poor, and its this inconsistency that grates. But who knows, when you're essentially alone at the top, complacency can creep in and if BT Sport do decide to dip their toes into boxing I think that can only be a good thing for all involved.

[dbf]

They're delivering a load of crap mainly. The gormless Adam Smith spends all the boxing budget on flying himself and team around to various locations, to stand around and talk bollox for 2 hours, before retiring to the bar at their 5 star hotel.

Last night, Eddie delivers a minor world title fight in Germany, featuring the latest Brit hero - So Adam gets MASSIVELY EXCITED and flies over ALL the boys, sets up a big SKY platform stage in the arena, only for our hapless hero to get battered inside two forgettable rounds.

Next up, a brand new Kel Brook training documentary Christmas special.

I agree with the point you're making MW. The cost of that broadcast was ridiculous for essentially one fight. 90% of last night was filler, and it was boring. The fight wasn't poor at all but SKY need to rethink their strategy if they are going abroad to cover 1 fight. They need some interesting content in the build up not a 5 talking heads regurgitating the same old stuff, obscure interviews from people involved in the promotion of the fight and a romantic mini doc about macklin and moore.

[lefty]

They're delivering a load of crap mainly. The gormless Adam Smith spends all the boxing budget on flying himself and team around to various locations, to stand around and talk bollox for 2 hours, before retiring to the bar at their 5 star hotel.

Last night, Eddie delivers a minor world title fight in Germany, featuring the latest Brit hero - So Adam gets MASSIVELY EXCITED and flies over ALL the boys, sets up a big SKY platform stage in the arena, only for our hapless hero to get battered inside two forgettable rounds.

Next up, a brand new Kel Brook training documentary Christmas special.

I agree with the point you're making MW. The cost of that broadcast was ridiculous for essentially one fight. 90% of last night was filler, and it was boring. The fight wasn't poor at all but SKY need to rethink their strategy if they are going abroad to cover 1 fight. They need some interesting content in the build up not a 5 talking heads regurgitating the same old stuff, obscure interviews from people involved in the promotion of the fight and a romantic mini doc about macklin and moore.

[Finn]

the sky bills arent great, i think the OP has made fair comments. Yeah the fighters are getting world title fights but alot of the time the fights arent competitive. What was the point in lee purdy fighting for a world title? Supplying fighters for keep warm fights isnt going to captivate the viewers.

The fights people want to see arent coming off, the up and coming stars are fighting push overs, and any decent fight is on PPV.

[WelshJack]

The domestic cards are getting better and better, people moaning about the world title fights how many matchroom boxers are actually world class? Quigg, Froch, Barker and Burns are probably the only one's so the likes of Rees, Purdy and Bellew have been given a chance and have got life changing money for it. Judge them in 3-5 years we'll see them delivering huge fights then.

[JimJim2009]

They're delivering a load of crap mainly. The gormless Adam Smith spends all the boxing budget on flying himself and team around to various locations, to stand around and talk bollox for 2 hours, before retiring to the bar at their 5 star hotel.
and a romantic mini doc about macklin and moore.

Well observed

(I watched it and thought, this fighter/trainer relationship will not last 12 months anyway)

[lefty]

The domestic cards are getting better and better, people moaning about the world title fights how many matchroom boxers are actually world class? Quigg, Froch, Barker and Burns are probably the only one's so the likes of Rees, Purdy and Bellew have been given a chance and have got life changing money for it. Judge them in 3-5 years we'll see them delivering huge fights then.

I would say this is a surprising post from you but it was quite predictable in your support of matchroom.