garethhop wrote: ↑02 Mar 2022, 10:40
Will only be interested in this once they actually announce cards and shows.
Channel 5 is not a big player, HOWEVER, I personally think if you have any kind of reasonabl profile at all, then Channel 5 is a great way of building that up - did just fine for Tyson Fury and Chris Eubank, and also I don't think Degale suffered at all.
It might be a good fit for Josh Kelly for example.
But it won't be the place you defend your world titles in packed arenas unless something miraculous happens.
I listened to an interview with Kalle earlier. He gave the impression their first show will be in May and headlined by Udofia/Bentley which is a decent fight.
I agree that channel 5 can help build a boxer but they’re unlikely to be able to create stars. I don’t disagree with boxers on their way up like Fury or Eubank Jr but I think Degale wasted a lot of time on channel 5/with Hennessy.
Could be perfect for Josh Kelly - like it was a good fit for Eggington last year. As soon as anyone gets close to a world title fight then I think it happens somewhere else unless it’s a real cheap one.
I'm happy with it. I don't expect any big name opponents but seeing sports, especially with reasonably well known athletes, on free to air TV in the UK is rare and I'm all for it, even if it's mismatches or against nobodies until they get snapped up for a PPV.
I'm pleased with more boxing on Ch5 but it would be a shame for Meaty Mick if he got the boot. Exclusive deals with single promoters have often been bad news for viewers as they seem to let the quality slide once they have got the contract.
On the wider point about the value of appearing on Channel 5, most boxing casuals seem to get their interest from Sky. In a lot of the pubs Sky Sports is on non stop and their sports news pushes their shows and creates the interest. A lot of guys I know who are casual fans wouldn't have a clue that there was any boxing on Ch5.
This can't be bad news for UK boxing fans. Free boxing is good boxing. Don't think Wasserman have a huge stable, and I imagine Eubank is exempt (can't see 5 competing with sky ppv) but few sneaky well placed shows is nice. Hopefuly he signs some British prospects and gets them on free tv.
