Who's watching the boxing this Saturday?

[DazDiCanio]

Fair points there clopixolacuphase, but to me, Fury/Chisora alone is FAR, FAR bigger in boxing than Bellew/Cleverly.

Understand about the call offs, terrible situation for fans, mate.

Lets not get away from the facts though, this is the best matched card of 2014, hands down. Interest should have been there.

[Cyclops]

Fair points there clopixolacuphase, but to me, Fury/Chisora alone is FAR, FAR bigger in boxing than Bellew/Cleverly.

Understand about the call offs, terrible situation for fans, mate.

Lets not get away from the facts though, this is the best matched card of 2014, hands down. Interest should have been there.

In terms of significance yeah, the winner should get to fight Wlad and both guys are fun fighters. And last weekend well, neither guy was really thought of as world class going into the fight and neither is thought of as world class coming out of it for sure. But in terms of regional support, somebody like Bellew easily has the edge on somebody like Chisora. Bellew squarked "LIVERPEEEEWLLL!!!" into the microphone last weekend after he won. If Chisora wins, do you think he's going to be shouting out North London? That's why the gate last weekend sold out so quick. Chisora and Fury just don't have that rabid support. But they support him 'cos he's a scouser, not 'cos he's a fantastically exciting boxer. He's not. But I expect a lot of scousers went home happy, just because he'd won at home in front of his own.

This is two great 'main event' fights on one bill and because of that it's a brilliant night (I'm not massively excited about the other fights to be honest: I've seen Gavin fight before and everybody was more interested in a fight in the crowd) but it's only recently we've been sure those fights are actually happening. I think it's a case of boxing fans being wise. It wasn't wise, from a proper boxing fan perspective, to have bought tickets for last weekend's speedy sell out. This weekend, if it hadn't have had problems as a promotion, do you think Fwank would have made Saunders-Eubank as the undercard? He's been forced into making it a great night because fans voted with their feet. If it had sold out in a day we'd have Fury-Chisora 2 and the same load of mismatches that they had last weekend and you know it.

[Finn]

The fact that this is not sold out shows you the mentality of UK boxing fans.

I'm sure FW said in the presser that theres only 300 or so tickets left.

[JimJim2009]

I've heard that this show will have twenty thousand fans in the arena. It's not that big is it ?

[Finn]

The fact that this is not sold out shows you the mentality of UK boxing fans.

I'll have to take you up on this one.

The history of this event should be considered here. Don't forget originally this was set for a venue too big for the type of crowd the main event was expected to pull in, and Eubank Saunders wasn't on the original bill. It didn't sell well because nobody was really that bothered about Chisora Fury 2. Chisora pulled out at the last minute and then Fury pulled out just after the weigh in with Ustinov. Pull outs and cancellations rightfully irk us that buy tickets for live cards.

Then, when it was re announced, you had to figure in that people were bummed out from the last fall through and will be less likely to part with their cash for a fight that isn't that exciting that might not even happen. The announcement of Saunders-Eubank sparked interest, but let's have it right nobody believed it would actually happen what with the Eubanks refusing to sign the contract for ages etc.

The 'mentality' of boxing fans is that we're not stupid. We've been mugged off enough now to know that for every Froch-Groves or Haye-Chisora there'll be a Haye-Fury or a PPV like last weekend. It's sold out now, but that's not because boxing fans don't want to see the card on Saturday, it's because we struggled to believe that they could deliver it. Now it looks like it's the real deal, obviously we're all pleased as punch and Fwank will have one over on Hearn. But for a long time Saturday night looked like it was probably just going to be another sh*t sandwich.

The 'mentality' of UK boxing fans is that we're some of the best fans in the world. We just don't like being taken the piss out of.

Hit the nail on the head with this, i went to the MEN for the Chisora v Fury rematch that fell through, i then talked a large group of people into going to this event but then found out the day before buying the tickets that Eubank Jr hadnt signed the contract so bailed on it. If FW manages to put this off and its a spectacular night of boxing without pull outs then i should imagine the next big event he puts on will sell very well.

A fair few of the people i was going to go with are now coming round mine to watch it. Its a shame because its on in my local (it was great in there for the Froch v Groves rematch) but when i knew i wasnt going to it live, my mrs planned her works crimbo party for that night so i have to keep an eye on the kids.

[Finn]

I've heard that this show will have twenty thousand fans in the arena. It's not that big is it ?

.

[expe]

I've heard that this show will have twenty thousand fans in the arena. It's not that big is it ?

Excel's a very flexible arena, I think it's just a lot of space, that can then be set up as needed. It's not like the MEN or O2, where there's permanent fixed seating in place, at the Excel I think they just bring it in and out as needed.

[Manchester Massive]

I wonder if Sky will look at this and rethink their exclusivity with 1 promoter, surely they'd get better bills in a competitive situation

[JimJim2009]

I've heard that this show will have twenty thousand fans in the arena. It's not that big is it ?

Excel's a very flexible arena, I think it's just a lot of space, that can then be set up as needed. It's not like the MEN or O2, where there's permanent fixed seating in place, at the Excel I think they just bring it in and out as needed.

Cheers. I've given fwank lots of stick over his cards that have fallen apart but he's done well with this one. I hope he sells the place out.

[palooka]

I wonder if Sky will look at this and rethink their exclusivity with 1 promoter, surely they'd get better bills in a competitive situation

It'd be someone's dream job wouldn't it? Being in there and making decisions as a fan, arguing for shows to be screened - there's a few who post on here that would be fantastic at the job.

[JimJim2009]

I wonder if Sky will look at this and rethink their exclusivity with 1 promoter, surely they'd get better bills in a competitive situation

Fwank is pitting fighters against each other. Eddie is not. If both trends continue things could get interesting because it's clear what the fans like.

[Sklar]

Anyone heard if Chisora has recovered from his illness and how much training he missed?

[Rexob]

I heard Fury broke his finger nail I hope the fight goes ahead.

[expe]

I've heard that this show will have twenty thousand fans in the arena. It's not that big is it ?

Excel's a very flexible arena, I think it's just a lot of space, that can then be set up as needed. It's not like the MEN or O2, where there's permanent fixed seating in place, at the Excel I think they just bring it in and out as needed.

Cheers. I've given fwank lots of stick over his cards that have fallen apart but he's done well with this one. I hope he sells the place out.

Last few tickets went earlier today, should be a 20,000 full house come Saturday. To sell that many tickets and get this much media coverage, for a bill on an obscure, niche subscription channel is a fantastic bit of promoting.

[Sklar]

...should be a 20,000 full house come Saturday...

Can it hold that many for boxing? Much more than I thought if so.

[expe]

...should be a 20,000 full house come Saturday...

Can it hold that many for boxing? Much more than I thought if so.

There's no fixed seating in place, it's brought in and out as needed for the set up of each show. Looking at the floor plans, the exhibition area is split into two event halls, with a boulevard separating them. Each event hall is about 44,000 sq m and can be split into 22 rooms. To put that into context, the main hall of the SECC is about 10,000 sq m and that holds 10,000 or so, with fixed seating already in place.

[wesshaw1985]

Eddie Chambers vs. Dorian Darch on the undercard aswell.

I'm looking forward to this card now, especially after the Bellew/Cleverly card last weekend. I think this one will deliver...

[ILikeBeer]

I'm out, and don't have allegedly. I don't think most people care that much about Fury vs Chisora, but I'd probably watch it if I could. Eubank Jr. vs BJS is the real main event.

[DazDiCanio]

I'm out, and don't have allegedly. I don't think most people care that much about Fury vs Chisora, but I'd probably watch it if I could. Eubank Jr. vs BJS is the real main event.

Really? 2 Belts and world title final eliminator?

Yer "most people" aren't boxing fans then, pal.

[mfc_se15]

...should be a 20,000 full house come Saturday...

Can it hold that many for boxing? Much more than I thought if so.

There's no fixed seating in place, it's brought in and out as needed for the set up of each show. Looking at the floor plans, the exhibition area is split into two event halls, with a boulevard separating them. Each event hall is about 44,000 sq m and can be split into 22 rooms. To put that into context, the main hall of the SECC is about 10,000 sq m and that holds 10,000 or so, with fixed seating already in place.

I've been there so many times I'm still struggling to work out how it will be set out, be interesting to see as when this was announced I thought they'd made a mistake saying 20k in there. It is massive but trying to picture in my head is odd, as I can't remember how high up seating could go etc.

Unfortunately down in Bournemouth on the Saturday night so not really sure of anywhere that will be showing it. I did try and google and seems like Walkabout may be our best bet but if on the off chance anyone knows of anywhere feel free to post here!

[expe]

Can it hold that many for boxing? Much more than I thought if so.

There's no fixed seating in place, it's brought in and out as needed for the set up of each show. Looking at the floor plans, the exhibition area is split into two event halls, with a boulevard separating them. Each event hall is about 44,000 sq m and can be split into 22 rooms. To put that into context, the main hall of the SECC is about 10,000 sq m and that holds 10,000 or so, with fixed seating already in place.

I've been there so many times I'm still struggling to work out how it will be set out, be interesting to see as when this was announced I thought they'd made a mistake saying 20k in there. It is massive but trying to picture in my head is odd, as I can't remember how high up seating could go etc.

Unfortunately down in Bournemouth on the Saturday night so not really sure of anywhere that will be showing it. I did try and google and seems like Walkabout may be our best bet but if on the off chance anyone knows of anywhere feel free to post here!

They'll have just brought the seating in, bit like Frampton-Martinez, but indoors, I've had a look for some pictures but I can't find any, I'll post any I find.

[pyenest77]

Cant wait for it. Roll on Saturday!

[freddydoesdallas]

I'm not going to this as I never thought it would happen. Very glad it has.

planning on watching it at home on the nation just have to re subscribe

[littlepug]

Group of 10-15 get together for the big fights. Range of interest in boxing amongst us.

We've done the Froch/Kessler, the Froch/groves twice, and also the haye/fury fight that was called off first time.

This time we had the choice of last Saturday or this Saturday, and peoples interest was all about the two fights headlining this Saturday so I'll have a housefull.

Looking forward to it.

Sounds good wish I knew just one person into boxing rather than just on me tod, the Mrs is out sat otherwise she would keep me company by going to sleep on other sofa !

I would come round and keep you company but im off out with your mrs,,!

As long as your paying

[Fatsam]

Just what the doctor ordered after last weeks shower of shite.