Matt Christie leaves Boxing News

[Oiky]

Bad do, christie was very good.

Can't stand tebbutt whatsoever

[SeanBrennan]

I know someone who was offered a job there around 2008 but had to turn it down due to low pay. From memory it was around 22k for London.

It's worrying Matt is just going like this so soon after the YouTubers took over. Seems either they're trying to slash the wage bill or there's been a falling out.

Hope it carries on as there's nothing like it for a boxing fan.

I hope so too.

[JamesPhilips]

Sounds like he was pushed or had a big disagreement. Does Rob Tebutt really own the paper now?

Rob Tebutt seems kinda childish to take on the editor role. It’s funny, being editor of boxing news seems to really take something out of you. Almost takes your love out of boxing.

He does. Via investors they have. Iirc

I don’t get it I thought BN was not independent but owned by a publishing house?

[SeanBrennan]

Sounds like he was pushed or had a big disagreement. Does Rob Tebutt really own the paper now?

Rob Tebutt seems kinda childish to take on the editor role. It’s funny, being editor of boxing news seems to really take something out of you. Almost takes your love out of boxing.

He does. Via investors they have. Iirc

I don’t get it I thought BN was not independent but owned by a publishing house?

It was part of Kelsey media but I understand ID boxing acquired it

[veriton]

Let's not forget Kelsey bought BM then axed it, then sold BN to Youtubers although they still seem to be providing the subscription facilities.

What are the Youtubers playing at? Matt leaving so suddenly doesn't make sense.

Claude Abrahams was said to have left as he couldn't square his conscience with the damage boxing causes. Tris Dixon has said he burned out with all the middle management bull that went with the role.

But new owners and a brilliant editor is out of the door? Maybe this is a signal of a much deeper problem. If it is, I bet next step is its made a monthly.

[JamesPhilips]

Let's not forget Kelsey bought BM then axed it, then sold BN to Youtubers although they still seem to be providing the subscription facilities.

What are the Youtubers playing at? Matt leaving so suddenly doesn't make sense.

Claude Abrahams was said to have left as he couldn't square his conscience with the damage boxing causes. Tris Dixon has said he burned out with all the middle management bull that went with the role.

But new owners and a brilliant editor is out of the door? Maybe this is a signal of a much deeper problem. If it is, I bet next step is its made a monthly.

This is very typical in all corporations. When a company is bought or under new senior management, big changes are always made

[si7dog7]

1947?
Amazing

[JamesPhilips]

He does. Via investors they have. Iirc

I don’t get it I thought BN was not independent but owned by a publishing house?

It was part of Kelsey media but I understand ID boxing acquired it

Oh ok. It’s still published by Kelsey though?

[SeanBrennan]

I don’t get it I thought BN was not independent but owned by a publishing house?

It was part of Kelsey media but I understand ID boxing acquired it

Oh ok. It’s still published by Kelsey though?

it still says Kelsey in the info bit in the mag. So I am really not sure James. Please don't take my words as gospel, it would be better if someone more in the know can share as I might be wrong re details of ownership and publication mate.

[olij999]

That does seem very sudden. I haven't seen any announcements in previous BNs, no succession plan, etc etc.

PS - question for Deserter - for how long have you read BN given your view of Matt as the best editor ever? I'm not asking that to denigrate Matt in any way as it is an incredibly hard job whoever is doing it, and he has kept the magazine going through Covid, for which point alone he deserves our gratitude and congratulations. For reasons too dull/lengthy to go into, I have read through all issues since about 1947 to the present, so am just interested in your criteria for rating editors.

No worries mate. I started reading it in the early 1980s (I'm 52 now). In terms of transparency, I should also mention that back in the day I worked as a journalist and editor (newspapers and magazines), and then as a publisher (essentially similar to an MD role, in that you're responsible for every facet of the magazines in your portfolio and their commercial performance). So when I'm saying I regard Matt as the best ever it's based not only on the standard criteria of the quality of content, his own 'voice' and willingness to tackle major issues etc, but also on knowing how this is all being done on a tiny budget against a tsunami of tech-driven change and competition - in simple terms, the publishing industry has been in meltdown in recent years. So when I judge Matt, I'm doing it in that context - for example, imagine Harry Mullan not just having to get a weekly print mag to press, but also oversee a website, socials and podcast on top of that, with barely any budget to pull it all together, day-in, day-out.
No editor in BN's history has had to operate in such challenging circumstances and yet the quality of output, as the awards testify, has been consistently world-class (another sign of a great editor is the team they pull together and run). That for me is why he's without question the GOAT.

Very interesting answer - thank you for providing so much detail.

[olij999]

That does seem very sudden. I haven't seen any announcements in previous BNs, no succession plan, etc etc.

PS - question for Deserter - for how long have you read BN given your view of Matt as the best editor ever? I'm not asking that to denigrate Matt in any way as it is an incredibly hard job whoever is doing it, and he has kept the magazine going through Covid, for which point alone he deserves our gratitude and congratulations. For reasons too dull/lengthy to go into, I have read through all issues since about 1947 to the present, so am just interested in your criteria for rating editors.

That is epic that you have read so many editions. Not dull at all do please share if you are able to.

OK! I've bought it weekly since the late 1980s. Covered all of the issues from 1974 onwards when researching my Kirkland Laing biog many years back, along with the amateur section from the mid 60s. Then in more recent years have read the issues from 1947 to 1979 (currently) while researching for my next book on various excellent Gold Coasters / Ghanaians from the early 1950s to early 1970s (aiming to publish in 2027, long story...).

[Deserter]

That does seem very sudden. I haven't seen any announcements in previous BNs, no succession plan, etc etc.

PS - question for Deserter - for how long have you read BN given your view of Matt as the best editor ever? I'm not asking that to denigrate Matt in any way as it is an incredibly hard job whoever is doing it, and he has kept the magazine going through Covid, for which point alone he deserves our gratitude and congratulations. For reasons too dull/lengthy to go into, I have read through all issues since about 1947 to the present, so am just interested in your criteria for rating editors.

That is epic that you have read so many editions. Not dull at all do please share if you are able to.

OK! I've bought it weekly since the late 1980s. Covered all of the issues from 1974 onwards when researching my Kirkland Laing biog many years back, along with the amateur section from the mid 60s. Then in more recent years have read the issues from 1947 to 1979 (currently) while researching for my next book on various excellent Gold Coasters / Ghanaians from the early 1950s to early 1970s (aiming to publish in 2027, long story...).

That’s awesome!

[JamesPhilips]

It was part of Kelsey media but I understand ID boxing acquired it

Oh ok. It’s still published by Kelsey though?

it still says Kelsey in the info bit in the mag. So I am really not sure James. Please don't take my words as gospel, it would be better if someone more in the know can share as I might be wrong re details of ownership and publication mate.

Mom worries mate. It’s all a little complex lol

[SeanBrennan]

That does seem very sudden. I haven't seen any announcements in previous BNs, no succession plan, etc etc.

PS - question for Deserter - for how long have you read BN given your view of Matt as the best editor ever? I'm not asking that to denigrate Matt in any way as it is an incredibly hard job whoever is doing it, and he has kept the magazine going through Covid, for which point alone he deserves our gratitude and congratulations. For reasons too dull/lengthy to go into, I have read through all issues since about 1947 to the present, so am just interested in your criteria for rating editors.

That is epic that you have read so many editions. Not dull at all do please share if you are able to.

OK! I've bought it weekly since the late 1980s. Covered all of the issues from 1974 onwards when researching my Kirkland Laing biog many years back, along with the amateur section from the mid 60s. Then in more recent years have read the issues from 1947 to 1979 (currently) while researching for my next book on various excellent Gold Coasters / Ghanaians from the early 1950s to early 1970s (aiming to publish in 2027, long story...).

Brilliant Oli, you are clearly undertaking detailed research for it mate, well done. Best of luck with the book, please keep us posted!

[SeanBrennan]

Oh ok. It’s still published by Kelsey though?

it still says Kelsey in the info bit in the mag. So I am really not sure James. Please don't take my words as gospel, it would be better if someone more in the know can share as I might be wrong re details of ownership and publication mate.

Mom worries mate. It’s all a little complex lol

it sure is mate!

[Twinkle Toes]

'A match made in heaven' Matt Christie - April 2023

April 24. All over.

[SeanBrennan]

Let's not forget Kelsey bought BM then axed it, then sold BN to Youtubers although they still seem to be providing the subscription facilities.

What are the Youtubers playing at? Matt leaving so suddenly doesn't make sense.

Claude Abrahams was said to have left as he couldn't square his conscience with the damage boxing causes. Tris Dixon has said he burned out with all the middle management bull that went with the role.

But new owners and a brilliant editor is out of the door? Maybe this is a signal of a much deeper problem. If it is, I bet next step is its made a monthly.

thanks Veriton, did not know they owned and closed Boxing Monthly.

[Boxerbeetle]

Just seen the podcast he does with Alex will continue under the same name, just minus the BN bit. Have subbed and given 5* in readiness, even though the preview suggests the same crappy title music will be maintained. Get rid of Sonia on the trumpet and give us a decent tune.

https://x.com/openingbellpod/status/178 ... E3dl7GH8Tw

[Deserter]

Just seen the podcast he does with Alex will continue under the same name, just minus the BN bit. Have subbed and given 5* in readiness, even though the preview suggests the same crappy title music will be maintained. Get rid of Sonia on the trumpet and give us a decent tune.

https://x.com/openingbellpod/status/178 ... E3dl7GH8Tw

Thanks for the heads-up mate, have just given it a follow. Good that he’s still going to be staying involved in the sport.

[afcpaul]

Sad, thanks for your hard work Matt. I hope it’s staying in print or not changing direction (incorporating MMA). I hope it’s not wanted a more positive stance on u tube boxing. I hope it not going to turn into a comic!.
Does anyone know who’s replacing Matt?.

[orbtastic]

while researching for my next book on various excellent Gold Coasters / Ghanaians from the early 1950s to early 1970s (aiming to publish in 2027, long story...).

Nice one mate. Long way off though?

[dalcumly]

Maybe Matt's got a better job?

[magnus]

I've just been billed for my years subs - it's to ID Sport Media.

[Muttley]

Sounds like he was pushed or had a big disagreement. Does Rob Tebutt really own the paper now?

Rob Tebutt seems kinda childish to take on the editor role. It’s funny, being editor of boxing news seems to really take something out of you. Almost takes your love out of boxing.

Spot on about taking the love out of the sport in a boxing editorial role

[SeanBrennan]

I've just been billed for my years subs - it's to ID Sport Media.

my monthly is the same too