Behind closed doors, boxing is at war with itself

By Boxing News - 04/04/2013 - Comments

By Mark Havey: Boxing is one sport that has many aspects and levels attached to it. Boxers, promoters, trainers, managers, sanctioning bodies and television networks all have a role to play in keeping the sport thriving. On the most part, it works very well. There are so many conflicts going on right now. Boxer vs boxer, promoter vs promoter and TV network vs TV network. In essence, boxing is at war with itself.

For a sport that is seen as two men standing toe to toe and engaging in fist fight to ascertain who is toughest, boxing is a extremely complexing sport. The reason? Boxing is a business that generates fortunes. In the right circumstances, there are rich pickings to be had.

Recently we have seen Floyd Mayweather leave HBO, the gold standard for boxing. he left to join the company’s main rival Showtime. Whilst a very damaging blow, he didn’t need to turn into a disaster. But it has. Nydailynews.com have reported that HBO is now refusing to do business with Golden Boy. This will lose HBO arguably the best stable of boxers in the world.

In England the promotional side of boxing is very unsettled. Eddie Hearn who heads Matchroom sport is thriving. He has the best channel in terms of coverage for his fighters, Sky sports 1. Boxers are also leaving their promoters in order the join Hearn and his rapidly growing band of boxers. Other promoters are not happy right now. You can’t blame them. Like I said, there are rich pickings in boxing, and Hearn is having his pick of the best.

Boxers are paid to battle it out with each other. There was a time when that happened when the bell was sounded or occasionally at press conferences. But the fighters are now flocking to twitter and using it as a tool. They start the psychological war of words early, often before a contract has even been signed.

I think of this is good for boxing. Controversy gets people talking. As long as people don’t go overboard with their twitter exchanges, I don’t see any harm, just good. Promoters and TV networks at each other’s throats is beneficial to the sport. It keeps everything competitive. They will want to be the ones that put on the best shows and give the fans the fights they want.



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