Protected Sports Events

[Ezzard]

Certain sports events are protected for regular TV. This includes things like FA Cup final, ALL World Cup and Euro Championship matches, The National, The Olympics, The Derby, Wimbledon, Rugby League Final ... On secondary protection is the Rugby World Cup, Ryder Cup...

Who decides what is on this list?

Surely the British Heavyweight Championship should be on this list??? I really believe that a concerted effort to make this great sporting accolade have some value would massively improve doemstic boxing.

[Shirow]

Did you see Williams v McDermott?

[Ezzard]

Okay, okay... I guess I asked for that.

But this is a prestigious event that with a higher profile would become more meaningful.

[stujones]

No chance will it get in, and with good reason - cause its been more poor than good..... although I think it was very very dissapointing when a few years ago a British Heavyweight title fight wasn't shown on any television (Gammer vs Krence) - I cannot think of when this was last the case.

I cannot really think of a single occasion in my lifetime when I was "up" for a British Heavyweight title fight.... not even Mason vs Lewis - for me, I was totally confident Lewis was going to outclass Mason. I was stunned to read (long after the fight) so many press people picking Mason. I can remember being fairly excited about Lewis vs McCory and also wanting to see Danny realise some of his potential in his rematch with Francis - but thats about it.

Now the WORLD heavyweight title.... now thats the richest prize in sports IMO and that should be showcased on FREE TV.... even if it sucks currently, there is some massive appeal about watching that.

[Ezzard]

When Currie beat Banjo in an uninspiring fight we hadn't had a GB HE Title fight for a couple of years. It was built up, and even though it was disappointing I remember it fondly. It was just the occassion: the anticipation.

I won a lot of money for a lot of mates on the Lewis-Mason fight.

It's not up to the BBc though, is it??? I think the Gov or OfCom decide on the events.

I appreciate the World HW Title comments but that seems like (1) asking for too much and (2) impossible due to the number of belts kicking around.

[stujones]

Its being reviewed soon. It will be interesting to see if there are changes.

[banjo]

When Currie beat Banjo

I furiously dispute this claim

[rhino222]

how come the boat race always has the same 2 teams in the final, this kind of dilutes what could be a great sporting event......

[Old bones Ian]

Here's something from the BBC website on this subject. Makes interesting reading

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7637518.stm

[Old bones Ian]

I can't see what the government can do really, i'd expect SKY have signed a long term deal to show the Ryder Cup, so they can hardly be told to give it away again.

But it should be on the list,