The Boxing News Dilema

[gasman]

What I fail to understand here, and this I think is the real dilemma - what is Boxing News' USP?

They were once the 'trade paper' or paper of record for every fight, but they changed that byline a few years ago. They are not a 'news' magazine as they cannot compete with breaking news with the internet sites. So what is their USP?

The quality of the boxing coverage available for free on the internet is there for boxing punters - so I am not sure they can differentiate themselves with quality of their coverage i.e. well crafted and indepth coverage of boxing issues/stories. Take the recent Jay Z/Roc Nation development that has been covered very impressively by BS - there is a cluster of high quality and indepth articles that break that down.

This move to a more international magazine due to the digital market in the US means that there is less of a focus on the UK scene, but BN cannot compete internationally, to the extent of top websites - they risk losing their niche and original identity by spreading themselves so thinly and becoming a 'bit of everything' i.e. international, UK, fitness etc... I am not saying they should not try to carve out a bigger and international market, but my point is what is the USP of Boxing News now? Is it just a dumbed-down glossy magazine to catch the eye of more casuals?

[dbflex]

What I fail to understand here, and this I think is the real dilemma - what is Boxing News' USP?

They were once the 'trade paper' or paper of record for every fight, but they changed that byline a few years ago. They are not a 'news' magazine as they cannot compete with breaking news with the internet sites. So what is their USP?

The quality of the boxing coverage available for free on the internet is there for boxing punters - so I am not sure they can differentiate themselves with quality of their coverage i.e. well crafted and indepth coverage of boxing issues/stories. Take the recent Jay Z/Roc Nation development that has been covered very impressively by BS - there is a cluster of high quality and indepth articles that break that down.

This move to a more international magazine due to the digital market in the US means that there is less of a focus on the UK scene, but BN cannot compete internationally, to the extent of top websites - they risk losing their niche and original identity by spreading themselves so thinly and becoming a 'bit of everything' i.e. international, UK, fitness etc... I am not saying they should not try to carve out a bigger and international market, but my point is what is the USP of Boxing News now? Is it just a dumbed-down glossy magazine to catch the eye of more casuals?

Ouch lol. I'm not sure how adding more in-depth long-form features and expert fitness content qualifies as "Dumbed down". Our USPs are that we are the only weekly boxing magazine in the world, the oldest boxing publication in the world and we cover all aspects of the sport - action, previews, training, amateurs etc.

[gasman]

What I fail to understand here, and this I think is the real dilemma - what is Boxing News' USP?

They were once the 'trade paper' or paper of record for every fight, but they changed that byline a few years ago. They are not a 'news' magazine as they cannot compete with breaking news with the internet sites. So what is their USP?

The quality of the boxing coverage available for free on the internet is there for boxing punters - so I am not sure they can differentiate themselves with quality of their coverage i.e. well crafted and indepth coverage of boxing issues/stories. Take the recent Jay Z/Roc Nation development that has been covered very impressively by BS - there is a cluster of high quality and indepth articles that break that down.

This move to a more international magazine due to the digital market in the US means that there is less of a focus on the UK scene, but BN cannot compete internationally, to the extent of top websites - they risk losing their niche and original identity by spreading themselves so thinly and becoming a 'bit of everything' i.e. international, UK, fitness etc... I am not saying they should not try to carve out a bigger and international market, but my point is what is the USP of Boxing News now? Is it just a dumbed-down glossy magazine to catch the eye of more casuals?

Ouch lol. I'm not sure how adding more in-depth long-form features and expert fitness content qualifies as "Dumbed down". Our USPs are that we are the only weekly boxing magazine in the world, the oldest boxing publication in the world and we cover all aspects of the sport - action, previews, training, amateurs etc.

That was not meant as a dig, just an honest observation from a former subscriber.

No, the 'dumbed down' comment is in relation to BN spreading themselves too thin with their more international approach, as opposed their dominant and in depth, but mainly UK-centric coverage in the past.

There are mainly examples of the 'oldest' player in an industry sector that are long been trumped by a more appealing business model, so if you are hanging your hat on that as your USP then good luck. The 'only' weekly boxing magazine is hardly a USP either, as there is a raft of brilliant and free online material and videos for punters to instantly access without waiting until the following week.

BN cover all aspects of the sport - action, previews, training, amateurs - fair enough, but not my cup of tea anymore.

How about a strong editorial voice, not the safe, watered down or fence-sitting pieces? Will we ever get another Harry Mullan-like editorial voice, that is the type of thing that would appeal to me. In fact, since the sad passing of Glyn, I have not really bothered to buy Boxing Monthly, as that was the first thing I looked forward to reading, i.e. Glyn's take on a crapping piece of officiating, matchmaking, PPV card etc. Boxing is the one sport/business that needs a no-nonsense editorial voice.

[dbflex]

What I fail to understand here, and this I think is the real dilemma - what is Boxing News' USP?

They were once the 'trade paper' or paper of record for every fight, but they changed that byline a few years ago. They are not a 'news' magazine as they cannot compete with breaking news with the internet sites. So what is their USP?

The quality of the boxing coverage available for free on the internet is there for boxing punters - so I am not sure they can differentiate themselves with quality of their coverage i.e. well crafted and indepth coverage of boxing issues/stories. Take the recent Jay Z/Roc Nation development that has been covered very impressively by BS - there is a cluster of high quality and indepth articles that break that down.

This move to a more international magazine due to the digital market in the US means that there is less of a focus on the UK scene, but BN cannot compete internationally, to the extent of top websites - they risk losing their niche and original identity by spreading themselves so thinly and becoming a 'bit of everything' i.e. international, UK, fitness etc... I am not saying they should not try to carve out a bigger and international market, but my point is what is the USP of Boxing News now? Is it just a dumbed-down glossy magazine to catch the eye of more casuals?

Ouch lol. I'm not sure how adding more in-depth long-form features and expert fitness content qualifies as "Dumbed down". Our USPs are that we are the only weekly boxing magazine in the world, the oldest boxing publication in the world and we cover all aspects of the sport - action, previews, training, amateurs etc.

That was not meant as a dig, just an honest observation from a former subscriber.

No, the 'dumbed down' comment is in relation to BN spreading themselves too thin with their more international approach, as opposed their dominant and in depth, but mainly UK-centric coverage in the past.

There are mainly examples of the 'oldest' player in an industry sector that are long been trumped by a more appealing business model, so if you are hanging your hat on that as your USP then good luck. The 'only' weekly boxing magazine is hardly a USP either, as there is a raft of brilliant and free online material and videos for punters to instantly access without waiting until the following week.

BN cover all aspects of the sport - action, previews, training, amateurs - fair enough, but not my cup of tea anymore.

How about a strong editorial voice, not the safe, watered down or fence-sitting pieces? Will we ever get another Harry Mullan-like editorial voice, that is the type of thing that would appeal to me. In fact, since the sad passing of Glyn, I have not really bothered to buy Boxing Monthly, as that was the first thing I looked forward to reading, i.e. Glyn's take on a crapping piece of officiating, matchmaking, PPV card etc. Boxing is the one sport/business that needs a no-nonsense editorial voice.

I agree completely and have often encouraged more forthright opinion over the years. However, we currently do not have an editor so until we do we will all contribute to the lead editorial. Hopefully it will hit the right note.

[whiskey]

I agree completely and have often encouraged more forthright opinion over the years. However, we currently do not have an editor so until we do we will all contribute to the lead editorial. Hopefully it will hit the right note.

I was shocked to hear Tris Dixon came out of the closet.

Obviously we live in modern times, but still, his parents must have been secretly beside themselves with the news.

He looked like a true hetro male - in good shape, masculine and loved boxing.

And then he comes out loud and proud - and announces that he is a..... crossfitter.

[Bodyshot3]

I agree completely and have often encouraged more forthright opinion over the years. However, we currently do not have an editor so until we do we will all contribute to the lead editorial. Hopefully it will hit the right note.

I am sure you will Danny and I hope BN goes from strength-to-strength and across all formats. A serious, passionate discussion thread like this should underline the fact that you retain a currency other brands would kill for.....and that is that people care about what you produce and that for good of for bad....it is of some consequence.

Personally speaking, I am not always sold on the need to adopt a forthright style the whole time or even the need for a some kind of star/figurehead editor who shoots from the hip each week in his leader piece. That approach can quickly become predictable and an editorial blast each and every week can also lose its impact.

I've been fortunate enough to encounter and work with some very good editors in my time and one guy I always rated above all others (he had worked with Felix Dennis!) explained his approach beautifully to me. This is his view on good editing paraphrased:

"Unleash thunder and lightning when it is deserved and never, ever hold back. Go for the jugular. But don't be afraid to praise as well because it delivers balance and sometimes companies and people do good things and should be recognised."

Sermon over.....I think I should leave you and the team to meet some deadlines!

[Coco]

I think Danny Flexed did a good job in bringing a few of us anoraks on side by posting and fighting his corner on here, despite him probably initially being thought as as an unworthy new boy on the block.
I wish Tony Connelly would post more on here nowadays too, his input is missed.

[dbflex]

I think Danny Flexed did a good job in bringing a few of us anoraks on side by posting and fighting his corner on here, despite him probably initially being thought as as an unworthy new boy on the block.
I wish Tony Connelly would post more on here nowadays too, his input is missed.

Seven years now. Wow.

[veriton]

i've read boxing news for around 30 years, had a print sub for a long time and then switched to a digital one last year and enjoyed it a lot. i bit the bullet and just shelled out 97 quid for the print one again, despite some concerns over the direction it is heading in without tris at the helm. perhaps its cos im getting an old fart but i miss having some old guys writing, someone who can throw some history and perspective in there on a regular basis. a lot of the stuff in boxing news now is he said, she said kind of stuff. i dont mean the old timers section talking about cucumber sandwiches and days out either, just someone who actually saw some fights in the 80s first hand! having young kids (cheaper i would think) write everything isnt really a great situation for a mag that is for real fans who may expect to read informed opinion and not pub talk. boxing news seems to be following the crowd on social media these days instead of setting the agenda. i love bunce in Boxing Monthly because he has been at the heart of boxing for so long and it shows. yes, i subscribe to allegedly, Boxing News and Boxing Monthly and i look forward to them all. as i see it, its part of the job of being a boxing fan to support the industry.

[Old bones Ian]

Been getting BN every week for 26 years now, with every change there's thing i like and things i don't. I wouldn't expect to open any paper or magazine and like every article or writer.
At the moment i think mostly positive things have happened with BN, being critical i think the 'sixty seconds' has had its day, I don't think it works everytime, so why not just do it every couple of weeks? mix something new in on the other 2 weeks.
Also i really don't get the 2 pages needed on the Heroes and Villains each week, it seems to be a big filler with no real meat in it. I get that the reporters/editors can have a bit of a say, but we already have the page from the editor , so why not cut out the big photo each week and reduce this down to 1 page. There's lots to write about in world boxing without going on about what may happen in the future , one of this weeks questions asked the reporters to 'summarise their feelings' !! I know you have feelings Danny, but do it in an article. Its what your good at

Right that's my moan over, so now the good bits. Mostly everything else about the paper!
We are seeing a bit more reports from the far east lately, something which has lacked in some years which means fans missing out on some fighters from that side of the world. Fighting Fit is something i like, as a casual training person i like the info thats been in there, has helped me with some diet facts and given me some ideas, or made me look into aspects of it.
So just hope i get another 26 years of reading , mostly in the bath on a Friday evening

[Boxerbeetle]

How about a strong editorial voice, not the safe, watered down or fence-sitting pieces? Will we ever get another Harry Mullan-like editorial voice, that is the type of thing that would appeal to me. In fact, since the sad passing of Glyn, I have not really bothered to buy Boxing Monthly, as that was the first thing I looked forward to reading, i.e. Glyn's take on a crapping piece of officiating, matchmaking, PPV card etc. Boxing is the one sport/business that needs a no-nonsense editorial voice.

I agree completely and have often encouraged more forthright opinion over the years. However, we currently do not have an editor so until we do we will all contribute to the lead editorial. Hopefully it will hit the right note.

How will a new editor even be able to write a lead editorial if they have little knowledge of the sport though?

[dbflex]

How about a strong editorial voice, not the safe, watered down or fence-sitting pieces? Will we ever get another Harry Mullan-like editorial voice, that is the type of thing that would appeal to me. In fact, since the sad passing of Glyn, I have not really bothered to buy Boxing Monthly, as that was the first thing I looked forward to reading, i.e. Glyn's take on a crapping piece of officiating, matchmaking, PPV card etc. Boxing is the one sport/business that needs a no-nonsense editorial voice.

I agree completely and have often encouraged more forthright opinion over the years. However, we currently do not have an editor so until we do we will all contribute to the lead editorial. Hopefully it will hit the right note.

How will a new editor even be able to write a lead editorial if they have little knowledge of the sport though?

They have said boxing knowledge not essential but that does not mean someone with boxing knowledge won't get the job. Also the lead editorial could stay unbylined as it is now

[gasman]

If BN is placing itself as a more international boxing magazine, especially the North American market, it would be great to see consistent features (not just fighter features) into Mexican boxing. I was in the States for the Lee-Korobov fight and stayed for a few weeks and noticed the brilliant Box Azteca programme on TV - where they showcased some great Mexican wars including a Gatti-Ward-like fight between Rodrigo Guerrero and Daniel Rosa.

These are fighters that I have never heard of, and maybe fly a little under the radar. It would be great if BN subcontracted regular stories from top writers located in the likes of Mexico, but also, and maybe less frequently from Panama, Puerto Rica etc and other parts of the world that are hotbeds of boxing. The mainstream fighters on US TV and UK TV are obviously important but, a great compliment to that would be more up close insights into the Mexican boxing scene, gyms, characters, issues etc and other great boxing hotbeds around the world.

[freddydoesdallas]

Really interesting thread to read and it was good to hear Danny put across the actual issues that are being faced by BN. Not very often you get to hear that side so thank you for doing that, very informative stuff and being honest, it's given me a few things to think about in my industry!

Good luck to BN with the new editor/vision stuff. Hope it works out well.

[dalcumly]

Danny

The thing that hurt me most from one of your first comments a couple of days ago was the declaration that the Boxing News was no longer a BRITISH magazine and I notice that at least one contributor has also mentioned this.

That being the case I understand , but don't accept, the articles on obscure managers/promoters and boxers form foreign fields, and I don't mean obscure in the boxing world, I mean obscure in their own homes!!!

Its really not a great idea to have every member of the staff and the rural reporters all from the same age group. Bob Mee has an occasional article, Daniel Herbert has virtually left, so whose left ??

In terms of cost saving, why is it that local reporters ,report on big fights in Japan, but someone from the paper has to go to Las Vegas all the time. Can a local reporter not also cover their fights?

I would argue that the 'centre' of boxing in this country is somewhere between Manchester and Liverpool, with Leeds not far off, and yet the Boxing News is still very prone to featuring boxers from the London area.I'm surprised that George Groves and Anthony Joshua don't have desks in your office.

In the 'bad old' days Reg Gutteridge could tell you what was happening in Tony Sibson's gym on a weekly basis. He could tell you also what was happening in Miami. Because he had close contacts all over the place. People he could speak to over the phone at the drop of a hat, people he could trust to feed him s story. The world has supposed to become smaller with the new technological age, but the speed of everything has left no time to build up trust and relationships which you can rely on.

What I'm saying is ,Danny, the next time you're out of London covering a show, sit down for an hour of two and have a couple of pints with the local punters, it will be surprising how much copy you'll get for future editions, for more interesting than an article on Pancho Gonzalez from the first house on the left as you enter El Paso!!!

[dbflex]

If BN is placing itself as a more international boxing magazine, especially the North American market, it would be great to see consistent features (not just fighter features) into Mexican boxing. I was in the States for the Lee-Korobov fight and stayed for a few weeks and noticed the brilliant Box Azteca programme on TV - where they showcased some great Mexican wars including a Gatti-Ward-like fight between Rodrigo Guerrero and Daniel Rosa.

These are fighters that I have never heard of, and maybe fly a little under the radar. It would be great if BN subcontracted regular stories from top writers located in the likes of Mexico, but also, and maybe less frequently from Panama, Puerto Rica etc and other parts of the world that are hotbeds of boxing. The mainstream fighters on US TV and UK TV are obviously important but, a great compliment to that would be more up close insights into the Mexican boxing scene, gyms, characters, issues etc and other great boxing hotbeds around the world.

It's something I've wanted for some time but finding someone with sufficient Spanish to conduct interviews and good enough English to write the articles has been difficult. I haven't given up.

[dbflex]

Danny

The thing that hurt me most from one of your first comments a couple of days ago was the declaration that the Boxing News was no longer a BRITISH magazine and I notice that at least one contributor has also mentioned this.

That being the case I understand , but don't accept, the articles on obscure managers/promoters and boxers form foreign fields, and I don't mean obscure in the boxing world, I mean obscure in their own homes!!!

Its really not a great idea to have every member of the staff and the rural reporters all from the same age group. Bob Mee has an occasional article, Daniel Herbert has virtually left, so whose left ??

In terms of cost saving, why is it that local reporters ,report on big fights in Japan, but someone from the paper has to go to Las Vegas all the time. Can a local reporter not also cover their fights?

I would argue that the 'centre' of boxing in this country is somewhere between Manchester and Liverpool, with Leeds not far off, and yet the Boxing News is still very prone to featuring boxers from the London area.I'm surprised that George Groves and Anthony Joshua don't have desks in your office.

In the 'bad old' days Reg Gutteridge could tell you what was happening in Tony Sibson's gym on a weekly basis. He could tell you also what was happening in Miami. Because he had close contacts all over the place. People he could speak to over the phone at the drop of a hat, people he could trust to feed him s story. The world has supposed to become smaller with the new technological age, but the speed of everything has left no time to build up trust and relationships which you can rely on.

What I'm saying is ,Danny, the next time you're out of London covering a show, sit down for an hour of two and have a couple of pints with the local punters, it will be surprising how much copy you'll get for future editions, for more interesting than an article on Pancho Gonzalez from the first house on the left as you enter El Paso!!!

I don't know where to start... but I'll try.

We are a British-based magazine but a global brand designed to attract an international audience.

Our reporters are not the same age group as the in-house staff though I'm sure Andy Whittle would be flattered lol. Bob Mee has been sadly unwell of late but writes a monthly column and will, along with Nigel Collins, be writing more features in the coming months. Daniel Herbert writes lots of unbylined copy plus covers shows regularly for us.

We send in-house staff to cover the major (usually world title) shows and these high-profile events mainly take place here and in the US. If Japan produces a superstar I'd happily send someone out there to cover him or her.

London bias? I'm on my home from speaking to Kell Brook at Meadowhall and plan a feature on Terry Flanagan next month.

Finally, I'll have a pint with pretty much anyone... if they're buying

[Wake up call]

If BN is placing itself as a more international boxing magazine, especially the North American market, it would be great to see consistent features (not just fighter features) into Mexican boxing. I was in the States for the Lee-Korobov fight and stayed for a few weeks and noticed the brilliant Box Azteca programme on TV - where they showcased some great Mexican wars including a Gatti-Ward-like fight between Rodrigo Guerrero and Daniel Rosa.

These are fighters that I have never heard of, and maybe fly a little under the radar. It would be great if BN subcontracted regular stories from top writers located in the likes of Mexico, but also, and maybe less frequently from Panama, Puerto Rica etc and other parts of the world that are hotbeds of boxing. The mainstream fighters on US TV and UK TV are obviously important but, a great compliment to that would be more up close insights into the Mexican boxing scene, gyms, characters, issues etc and other great boxing hotbeds around the world.

It's something I've wanted for some time but finding someone with sufficient Spanish to conduct interviews and good enough English to write the articles has been difficult. I haven't given up.

Ben Jacobs.

[dalcumly]

Danny

The next time your in Scotland I WILL buy you drink. I look forward to sitting speaking to you face to face in the hope I can 'age' you very quickly. Your a good lad, and believe me, when you're my age you'll be talking about the good old days in 2015.

I think my money might be safe for perhaps a few months until Simmonds, Carslaw or Limond get 'big' British title defences ( televised) in God's country. By the way Danny, you won't know this , but we speak English reasonably well, only wear kilts at weddings, don't all drink whisky, and the 'razor' gangs are a thing of the past ( in most places!). Did you know that Glasgow is the third most popular destination for weekend breaks in the UK and Glasgow Rangers will be back in the Champions League by 2016!!!! The things you learn on this forum!!!

[dbflex]

I think I've visited Glasgow for BN more than any other UK city. I even covered a non-TV St Andrew's show the day before our press day and it was my choice.

[freddydoesdallas]

Danny

The next time your in Scotland I WILL buy you drink. I look forward to sitting speaking to you face to face in the hope I can 'age' you very quickly. Your a good lad, and believe me, when you're my age you'll be talking about the good old days in 2015.

I think my money might be safe for perhaps a few months until Simmonds, Carslaw or Limond get 'big' British title defences ( televised) in God's country. By the way Danny, you won't know this , but we speak English reasonably well, only wear kilts at weddings, don't all drink whisky, and the 'razor' gangs are a thing of the past ( in most places!). Did you know that Glasgow is the third most popular destination for weekend breaks in the UK and Glasgow Rangers will be back in the Champions League by 2016!!!! The things you learn on this forum!!!

You were making so much sense until the last part!

[TerribleTerry]

If BN is placing itself as a more international boxing magazine, especially the North American market, it would be great to see consistent features (not just fighter features) into Mexican boxing. I was in the States for the Lee-Korobov fight and stayed for a few weeks and noticed the brilliant Box Azteca programme on TV - where they showcased some great Mexican wars including a Gatti-Ward-like fight between Rodrigo Guerrero and Daniel Rosa.

These are fighters that I have never heard of, and maybe fly a little under the radar. It would be great if BN subcontracted regular stories from top writers located in the likes of Mexico, but also, and maybe less frequently from Panama, Puerto Rica etc and other parts of the world that are hotbeds of boxing. The mainstream fighters on US TV and UK TV are obviously important but, a great compliment to that would be more up close insights into the Mexican boxing scene, gyms, characters, issues etc and other great boxing hotbeds around the world.

It's something I've wanted for some time but finding someone with sufficient Spanish to conduct interviews and good enough English to write the articles has been difficult. I haven't given up.

Ben Jacobs.

Don't let Buncie hear you mention that name... He will be spitting feathers and talking tosh about 'old school journos' and how they went about getting their scoops

[Deserter]

Ben Jacobs.

Don't let Buncie hear you mention that name... He will be spitting feathers and talking tosh about 'old school journos' and how they went about getting their scoops

Which Ben Jacobs are we talking about?

[Tomasino]

Danny

The next time your in Scotland I WILL buy you drink. I look forward to sitting speaking to you face to face in the hope I can 'age' you very quickly. Your a good lad, and believe me, when you're my age you'll be talking about the good old days in 2015.

I think my money might be safe for perhaps a few months until Simmonds, Carslaw or Limond get 'big' British title defences ( televised) in God's country. By the way Danny, you won't know this , but we speak English reasonably well, only wear kilts at weddings, don't all drink whisky, and the 'razor' gangs are a thing of the past ( in most places!). Did you know that Glasgow is the third most popular destination for weekend breaks in the UK and Glasgow Rangers will be back in the Champions League by 2016!!!! The things you learn on this forum!!!

At the start of the thread I was thinking maybe it was boxing news that was out of touch, I'm not so sure now.

[TerribleTerry]

Ben Jacobs.

Don't let Buncie hear you mention that name... He will be spitting feathers and talking tosh about 'old school journos' and how they went about getting their scoops

Which Ben Jacobs are we talking about?

This one Deserter:


@Ben2012_London: So will Steve Bunce now apologize to me after WBA President @GilberticoWBA confirms what I translated?

https://twitter.com/Ben2012_London/stat ... 2680000512