Top Rank's return to boxing on ESPN...

[SmoothStyle1]

Thus far, boxing's return in the U.S. has largely been relegated to the Top Rank cards on ESPN.

I'm not sure what Bob Arum is thinking, but the match-ups have been woeful, and as a result, nobody is tuning in. Despite boxing fans craving for a return of the sport, the ratings have been abysmal because nobody wants to see A-side boxers in glorified sparring sessions.

You'd link that someone as experienced as Bob Arum would know better.

DAZN also missed a golden opportunity to get their product out there and now are scrambling amid declining budgets and lost viewers.

Boxing seems to always find a way to screw things up.

[Jeff_lacy_ko]

If im dazn i pay some smaller weight class fighters and make good matchups there. Less money and it will entertain.

If im top rank i put on competitive cards with an occasional showcase. A fight like big pharma miller vs jennings would be doable those guys arent huge money stars.


Promotions should be putting up names and having it on low cost ppv. Id pay 25 to see santa cruz fight gary russell or berchelt fight loma.

[SmoothStyle1]

If im dazn i pay some smaller weight class fighters and make good matchups there. Less money and it will entertain.

If im top rank i put on competitive cards with an occasional showcase. A fight like big pharma miller vs jennings would be doable those guys arent huge money stars.


Promotions should be putting up names and having it on low cost ppv. Id pay 25 to see santa cruz fight gary russell or berchelt fight loma.

Yeah, I agree with all that - except for the PPV part.

There is no reason why a fight between Miller and Jennings couldn't headline an ESPN card this summer. It would get good ratings and take full advantage of the lack of other sports in America right now.

[randall cunningham]

I think they literally are televised sparring sessions. Hearn only said about a fortnight ago how his US boxers were only just allowed to resume sparring. PBC, Matchroom and GBP are waiting til end of July so their guys are properly prepared. Arum's sacrificed his guys being ready to go first, TV ratings are showing it werent worth it.

[Jeff_lacy_ko]

Ufchas been able to have ppv
If boxing has lower cost ppv for single fights it would work. It would take creativity which is not something the sport is known for

[Cent0089]

90% of fights are 55 kg boxers in action. Top rank need to put some bigger boys in action

[jujigatame]

Most of the cards so far have been absolutely dire but the one tomorrow looks solid.