Attention Boxing News readers!

[corker77]

At Boxing News, we're often guilty of just putting our heads down and churning out the weekly issues and website content without reaching out to the readers for their opinion.

It would be great to get a feel for what our readers enjoy, and what they don't. For example, though we go to great lengths and expense to cover every single British fight card, how many of you actually read the reports? We've alienated people in the past by cutting down that coverage in the past so I'm not going to do anything rash! However, I'm not convinced those pages are actually read these days.

This is not to say we're going to drop the British reports, or even streamline them, but I do wonder if the investigations and high-end reporting might be a better use of our limited resources. Also, should we be looking in detail at what the rest of the boxing media is doing - newspapers, TV, podcasts, YouTubers etc - and review their performance?

I certainly feel, in this age of immediacy, there is scope for us to tweak what we do so BN becomes the essential companion for boxing fans and insiders.

Is there anything we don't do that you would like to see us do? What works well for you and what doesn't? Or are we doing okay as we are? And if you don't read, why not? Any feedback is always welcome.

I don't want to change anything dramatically but, now more than ever before, it's important to evolve. Important, too, to hear from the readers and take those comments on board.

Thanks for your time, and to all who continue to support us. It means the world.

Matt Christie, Editor, Boxing News.

[leejonesjnr]

I buy Boxing News more or less every week but often these days I will flick through it, read a couple of articles and be done with it in 30 minutes.
As you will be well aware, print media for actual news is just not really what people need to wait or pay for, the internet has numerous sources for results and round by round reports as they happen.
What I really like and would love to see more of is thorough interviews with boxers, trainers, managers etc of all levels, particularly active rather than historical.
I don't really read the event reports and I don't read the amateur pages.

[Southy1922]

Hi matt.

I really enjoy the "catch up" interviews with old fighters and the stuff written with trainers; the sean o'hagan piece was great.

I read the history pieces too and would be interested in contributing.

I find the fight reports slightly overwhelming, though applaud the thorough approach of the publication.

I rarely read the amateur stuff. I think it would be great to have more interviews with up and coming amateurs. It may help build a following for them should they be turning pro.

I never read the EBA reports.

[markinmidd]

Iv been reading it over thirty years solid and seen lots of change . I enjoy reading about local British shows, I would like more previews of fights, seemed to have waned. I enjoy features on old fighters. You should keep reviews of British shows in, do more articles of what’s happening at area title levels as this not covered online as much. Or you end up like boxing monthly . Not that boxing monthly is bad, far from it but being a weekly mag you can do reviews and odd preview of local shows. Be great . Boxing news is great and still enjoy it as much as I always have . Keep it up

[dalcumly]

Thanks for reaching out to your readers.
I don't read the amateur pages but having been involved in amateur boxing in the past I know the lads like to read about themselves.
I firmly believe EVERY British professional show should be covered. For me the Boxing News is also a magazine of 'record' and I've often referred to it when researching for my books. This must continue. We know that online reports can be biased but thankfully the Boxing News can be relied upon. A small footnote, although I don't read all shows I do look at the boxers whose names are highlighted - which is beneficial.
I do feel the Boxing News is primarily a British magazine and this should reflected in the content - always! Lengthy articles on obscure foreign boxers just don't do it for me. A previous editor I believe spent a lot of time and effort trailing round the States carrying out interviews which is all very laudible, but not of great interest generally to me at any rate.
Nick Bond's horrendous job of compiling the British rankings is very worthwhile , but, sorry Nick, can it not be done more regularly? I'm sure promoters and managers could make more reference to them.

[deadpan]

I read all of the reports but not the amateur stuff.

I like the first few pages a lot, editorial, letters, polls, asking 4 industry types a couple of questions and the topical opinion piece.

I also really enjoy the fighters of yesteryear interviews as I'm fascinated to read their experiences in their heyday and what they're up to now. Rather niche, but I'd love to know what happened to Jorge Luis Gonzalez.

I'm not that fussed about the back page QnA, but appreciate that it is good exposure for the participants.

A heavyweight report card feature would be good. That's not been done for a while, rounding up the unbeaten prospects and predicting their futures. I like re-reading those years later (Etienne, Clay-Bey, Hoffman, Levin etc).

All in all I think it's doing very well. Keep it up!!

[Tuan_Jim]

I also really enjoy the fighters of yesteryear interviews as I'm fascinated to read their experiences in their heyday and what they're up to now. Rather niche, but I'd love to know what happened to Jorge Luis Gonzalez.

I'm not that fussed about the back page QnA, but appreciate that it is good exposure for the participants.

Agree. I love a lengthy, quality magazine piece on a retired, cultish fighter. Jorge Luis Gonzalez would make for a fascinating subject. His thoughts on his career, what went wrong, amateur boxing, everything. I'm sure he has a tale to tell.

A few years ago Boxing News caught up with Jesse Ferguson, who had all but dropped off the grid. It was a very good article, although I got the impression the writer didn't know much about Ferguson, which was a shame. But longform interviews with interesting names from the past is very rare, properly engaging content (at least for me). All you'll get on the internet is a story with no input from the fighter, written by a semi-literate millennial copying and pasting from Wikipedia. Websites have nothing on magazines because the standard of writing isn't there, although if you literally only want to know the result then I suppose they give you what you need.

Years ago I was on here urging Glyn Leach to have one of his staff track down Jeff Merritt and Roy 'Tiger' Williams, men who have become something of internet legends. He seemed to think it was a good idea, but was probably humouring me. The stories never happened. I'd still love to read interviews with these guys, but as deadpan says, perhaps it's rather niche?

[TheGoods]

I’m a subscriber and think it’s very strong at the minute in terms of content. However I’ve noticed a lot of the previews - especially for decent domestic fights - are being dumbed down to sometimes just a few pars. The fight previews back in the day when Bob Mee etc was covering it was second to none and feel you’ve regressed in this respect. A solid British tired fight sometimes used to get three pages. Now we are lucky to get more than a few lines.

Also with the explosion of online betting a regular betting piece would also be interesting. Bookies have odds up way in advance these days so would be easy to get going - I could also hook you up with a decent betting site sponsor so there could be a regular earner in it for BN.

[smiling assassin]

I read all of the reports but not the amateur stuff.

I like the first few pages a lot, editorial, letters, polls, asking 4 industry types a couple of questions and the topical opinion piece.

I also really enjoy the fighters of yesteryear interviews as I'm fascinated to read their experiences in their heyday and what they're up to now. Rather niche, but I'd love to know what happened to Jorge Luis Gonzalez.

I'm not that fussed about the back page QnA, but appreciate that it is good exposure for the participants.

A heavyweight report card feature would be good. That's not been done for a while, rounding up the unbeaten prospects and predicting their futures. I like re-reading those years later (Etienne, Clay-Bey, Hoffman, Levin etc).

All in all I think it's doing very well. Keep it up!!

Yeah that's what I enjoy reading the most

[Coco]

I think covering every fight every week is hugely important and makes BN what it is.
Maybe more interviews with fighters, prospects, journeyman, champs and retired fighters. Maybe something in depth, but also the 2 minute, quick fire standard interview with the standard questions. I imagine that would be quite cheap to do too.
However the main thing to do is continue with every fight every week. Stuff like articles on nutrition etc aren't really interesting to me.

[MasterG]

I was a reader in the 80's and 90's and had over 20 years of mags in my loft. Boxing News came out on a Friday back then I think, well thats when i got mine from the shop. Everything about it was excellent. I loved the ratings, I loved reading peoples letters, I had a couple printed myself.

What changed its whole experience for me was the change of editor and how the mag went. It became all glossy and got less interesting.

I can see why magazines come and go these days as the stories are a week behind so you can get all you need from forums and Google. Back before Google and forums stories a week previous were 'new' so it wasnt old news especially smaller hall shows that got no news coverage and you could only read about them in BN.

I cannot remember the price I paid for my weekly read back in the 80's and 90's possibly only a quid. Once the format changed I stuck with it until it wasnt worth the money I was paying.

The only way I would personally go back to BN is if it went back to the old format, Red Boxing News title on the front and black and white inside. Something simple that cut the cost of printage so the cost reflected the purchase price.

[adamwillan]

I don't read the small hall pages, I guess it depends on your level of interest in boxing. Doesn't really interest me reading about boxers I haven't heard of.

[deadpan]

I also really enjoy the fighters of yesteryear interviews as I'm fascinated to read their experiences in their heyday and what they're up to now. Rather niche, but I'd love to know what happened to Jorge Luis Gonzalez.

I'm not that fussed about the back page QnA, but appreciate that it is good exposure for the participants.

Agree. I love a lengthy, quality magazine piece on a retired, cultish fighter. Jorge Luis Gonzalez would make for a fascinating subject. His thoughts on his career, what went wrong, amateur boxing, everything. I'm sure he has a tale to tell.

A few years ago Boxing News caught up with Jesse Ferguson, who had all but dropped off the grid. It was a very good article, although I got the impression the writer didn't know much about Ferguson, which was a shame. But longform interviews with interesting names from the past is very rare, properly engaging content (at least for me). All you'll get on the internet is a story with no input from the fighter, written by a semi-literate millennial copying and pasting from Wikipedia. Websites have nothing on magazines because the standard of writing isn't there, although if you literally only want to know the result then I suppose they give you what you need.

Years ago I was on here urging Glyn Leach to have one of his staff track down Jeff Merritt and Roy 'Tiger' Williams, men who have become something of internet legends. He seemed to think it was a good idea, but was probably humouring me. The stories never happened. I'd still love to read interviews with these guys, but as deadpan says, perhaps it's rather niche?

I'm relieved to learn that I'm not alone!
And Jeff Merritt

[Deserter]

Matt, firstly congratulations. I say that sincerely as I spent a lot of time in print (newspapers and magazines) in various roles ranging from reporter to publisher, so know how tough and challenging your job is, particularly in the current climate.
I buy Boxing News whenever I'm back in the UK and I'm consistently impressed by the content given that context, along with the fact that you've given BN back a definitive 'voice' IMO with some of your comment pieces. For what it's worth I think it's the best product it's been in years.
As for how you should be positioned, I hope this is constructive advice, but I'd urge you to think about what makes BN unique in this era - if you've got finite resources in terms of both pagination and time, the focus should be on those USPs. I'd argue that there is no point essentially having listings masquerading as fight reports - for me there's no value to the reader getting a show report that is essentially just saying that fighter x beat fighter y as Boxrec can give me that, and quicker than you can. I'd only run it if you're able to provide some context and insight that makes it relevant and engaging - if you've got a freelance covering the show, get them to give a bit of 'colour' to the report by leveraging their access - 'behind-the-scenes' snippets, soundbites from the fighters etc.
Relating directly to the above, I strongly feel that in a world where there are now multiple ways to get boxing content, there is still value in the BN brand. Most obviously its standing should still be able to secure access where others can't - doors remain open with so many figures in the fight game from fighters and former fighters through to promoters and some of the more 'colorful' characters. Print still reigns when it comes to long-form content, so maximize that fact along with your access to carry those interviews, features etc, particularly as they aren't as time sensitive as things like fight reports.
In terms of the authority the brand still carries, that extends to your team and some of the more established freelancers, so again I'd urge consideration of more opinion pieces, stronger fight previews and stronger post-fight analysis i.e. not just a very 'linear' round-by-round fight report but far more on the impact of the result - deadlines will sometimes prevent it, but getting access to fighters, trainers etc a couple of days afterwards to get quotes and thoughts about the future etc will differentiate you from the other sources that will have already covered the fight itself.
If you want a comparison, think of The Economist - it's never first with the news yet it's print circulation remains incredibly robust when others are falling. Why? The clue is in its slogan 'The World In a Week'. There's simply no other publication that is able to provide such a comprehensive analysis of what's happening out there - it doesn't try to pick a fight in an area it can't win (news), so has instead taken ownership of analysis and provides a unique digest when it comes to politics, business etc. I would humbly suggest that every piece of content in BN needs to be viewed through this prism i.e. you can cover exactly the same event, but the way you cover it can differ dramatically. Give me that analysis, give me your expert opinion, give me the insights coming from your unique access.
It's going to take courage to ditch the sections that don't meet this criteria and there will always be some dissent, as change is painful for some.
It's also painful deciding what not to do. For example, I used to enjoy your podcast, but completely understand that when you're both time and resource-poor something has to give. If it wasn't working for you it was the right call to ditch it. I know another poster mentioned YouTube, for example, but unless you've got both time and a strategy, there's no point - the ability to monetize is probably marginal, you're competing with established channels in that space and there's almost certainly an opportunity cost when it comes to the time that would be need to be investing in attempting to grow your audience.
Most importantly, thanks for having the humility to invite feedback and the very best of luck to you and the team

[deadpan]

Matt, firstly congratulations. I say that sincerely as I spent a lot of time in print (newspapers and magazines) in various roles ranging from reporter to publisher, so know how tough and challenging your job is, particularly in the current climate.
I buy Boxing News whenever I'm back in the UK and I'm consistently impressed by the content given that context, along with the fact that you've given BN back a definitive 'voice' IMO with some of your comment pieces. For what it's worth I think it's the best product it's been in years.
As for how you should be positioned, I hope this is constructive advice, but I'd urge you to think about what makes BN unique in this era - if you've got finite resources in terms of both pagination and time, the focus should be on those USPs. I'd argue that there is no point essentially having listings masquerading as fight reports - for me there's no value to the reader getting a show report that is essentially just saying that fighter x beat fighter y as Boxrec can give me that, and quicker than you can. I'd only run it if you're able to provide some context and insight that makes it relevant and engaging - if you've got a freelance covering the show, get them to give a bit of 'colour' to the report by leveraging their access - 'behind-the-scenes' snippets, soundbites from the fighters etc.
Relating directly to the above, I strongly feel that in a world where there are now multiple ways to get boxing content, there is still value in the BN brand. Most obviously its standing should still be able to secure access where others can't - doors remain open with so many figures in the fight game from fighters and former fighters through to promoters and some of the more 'colorful' characters. Print still reigns when it comes to long-form content, so maximize that fact along with your access to carry those interviews, features etc, particularly as they aren't as time sensitive as things like fight reports.
In terms of the authority the brand still carries, that extends to your team and some of the more established freelancers, so again I'd urge consideration of more opinion pieces, stronger fight previews and stronger post-fight analysis i.e. not just a very 'linear' round-by-round fight report but far more on the impact of the result - deadlines will sometimes prevent it, but getting access to fighters, trainers etc a couple of days afterwards to get quotes and thoughts about the future etc will differentiate you from the other sources that will have already covered the fight itself.
If you want a comparison, think of The Economist - it's never first with the news yet it's print circulation remains incredibly robust when others are falling. Why? The clue is in its slogan 'The World In a Week'. There's simply no other publication that is able to provide such a comprehensive analysis of what's happening out there - it doesn't try to pick a fight in an area it can't win (news), so has instead taken ownership of analysis and provides a unique digest when it comes to politics, business etc. I would humbly suggest that every piece of content in BN needs to be viewed through this prism i.e. you can cover exactly the same event, but the way you cover it can differ dramatically. Give me that analysis, give me your expert opinion, give me the insights coming from your unique access.
It's going to take courage to ditch the sections that don't meet this criteria and there will always be some dissent, as change is painful for some.
It's also painful deciding what not to do. For example, I used to enjoy your podcast, but completely understand that when you're both time and resource-poor something has to give. If it wasn't working for you it was the right call to ditch it. I know another poster mentioned YouTube, for example, but unless you've got both time and a strategy, there's no point - the ability to monetize is probably marginal, you're competing with established channels in that space and there's almost certainly an opportunity cost when it comes to the time that would be need to be investing in attempting to grow your audience.
Most importantly, thanks for having the humility to invite feedback and the very best of luck to you and the team

Jeepers, you can tell you're a prolific writer.
Insightful perspective!

[Deserter]

Jeepers, you can tell you're a prolific writer.
Insightful perspective!

Haha! Thanks fella. Believe it or not haven't been a 'writer' for nearly 20 years now, but that's probably why I like coming on here and lulling everyone into a coma with my long posts!

[Chinny banger]

Please keep the British show coverage as it is.

[Deserter]

Mans looking for a job innit

'Man' has a job he's very happy in and it's in a different country

[Tuan_Jim]

Jeepers, you can tell you're a prolific writer.
Insightful perspective!

Haha! Thanks fella. Believe it or not haven't been a 'writer' for nearly 20 years now, but that's probably why I like coming on here and lulling everyone into a coma with my long posts!

I really enjoyed your post and agreed with everything you wrote.

[Deserter]

Jeepers, you can tell you're a prolific writer.
Insightful perspective!

Haha! Thanks fella. Believe it or not haven't been a 'writer' for nearly 20 years now, but that's probably why I like coming on here and lulling everyone into a coma with my long posts!

I really enjoyed your post and agreed with everything you wrote.

Thanks very much mate!

[deadpan]

Haha! Thanks fella. Believe it or not haven't been a 'writer' for nearly 20 years now, but that's probably why I like coming on here and lulling everyone into a coma with my long posts!

I really enjoyed your post and agreed with everything you wrote.

Thanks very much mate!

You've still got it, Deserter!

[PredatorHayds]

I read from cover to cover every week.

I’m happy with the current set-up.
Keep the British coverage as it is. Every pro British fight should be covered. It’s what gives the magazine it’s ‘identity’.

I’ve been hugely impressed with Elliott Worsell over the past couple of years.

You won’t top his Broner analogy all year.

[deadpan]

Good point ^ Elliot is a joy to read.

[skanksta]

I've bought it for years, ipad version subscriber now.


I buy it for two reasons - the fight previews and the fight reports.
I@m thinking of unsubscribing.
As others have said, the previews have been dumbed down. BN used to be a punters bible - it would have some nugget of information I didn't know before. Lately - especially on the undercards - they're often reduced to one throwaway prediction with no reasoning behind it. I read the old previews for the same reason. Nowhere else but BN will tell you how a minor fight played out.
I really not interested in all the "colour" and features. I want "every punch every fight every week"

[MightyWarrior]

I picked up the latest issue and had a browse and I was very impressed by the editorial lead calling out Eddie Hearn over his mishandling of Joshua’s career lately, going off course, ducking the big fights & going for retreads like whyte and journeyman Miller.

Well said. I noticed editors of recent years including Claude Abrams would tiptoe round the big promoters reluctant to criticise in case their press credentials and access to the fighters was reduced. Keep up the level of honesty and I’ll be buying boxing news again.

Yes like a lot of people on here I love the where are they now pieces, if you can run those, and in-depth interviews w fighters are always good. Get writers like Don McRae on board bob Mee is excellent as well, not a big fan of Elliot worsell’s previews though, I notice he’s always sitting on the fence, I mean if you’re doing a pre-preview, make a prediction.