Ramirez-Benavidez Preview

Boxing’s Cruiserweight division, positioned between the Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions on the weight scale, is often one that one does not associate with marquee fights that become dates on the calendar that the entire sport marks down and looks forward to. The reason for that is that the division is not viewed as a career destination for most fighters. Either fighters start as a Cruiserweights with a keen eye towards becoming Heavyweights, Light-Heavyweights move into the division with the same eventual goal of becoming Heavyweights, or the Cruiserweight division ends up being a fallback option for those who have tested the Heavyweight waters and feel they can compete more effectively in the division just below the Heavyweights.

Although this observer has periodically chronicled the division, most notably referencing the 1986 WBA World Cruiserweight championship fight between the late Dwight Muhammad Qawi and Evander Holyfield, an encounter between two eventual Hall of Famers that was one of the best fights in the entire sport throughout the 1980’s that has stood the test of time, marquee attractions usually are absent from the division, which was then known as the Jr. Heavyweight division. On Cinco De Mayo weekend, however, the Cruiserweight division will see such an encounter between two world champions and stars of the sport as Gilberto Ramirez will defend his unified WBA/WBO World Cruiserweight championship against undefeated current WBC World Light-Heavyweight champion David Benavidez on May 2nd at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV that can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN as part of its Ultimate subscription plan or as a standalone pay-per-view option either through DAZN or Prime Video* (*Prime Video option for the United States only for those who do not want access through DAZN.*)

This is a rare instance where not only will the Cruiserweight division get to be front and center with a fight in a coveted spot on the Boxing calendar, normally reserved for many of the sport’s biggest battles, but also brings together two offensive-minded fighters with crowd-pleasing styles that on paper, should mesh well with each other. In addition to that, these two fighters are both multi-division world champions having each won world titles in both the Super-Middleweight and Light-Heavyweight divisions previously in their respective careers.

While both fighters like to come forward and engage with their opponents and both are known for throwing punches in volume, the champion in this encounter Ramirez has one slight advantage at least in paper going into this fight. He has fought in the 190lb.-200lb. Cruiserweight division before and that experience in having competed in the division for three years might give him an edge over Ramirez who is moving up to Cruiserweight for the first time in his career. This is a fight where both fighters have high career knockout percentages where the challenger Benavidez has an edge of having stopped over 80% of his opponents compared to the champion’s 62%. The key, however, will be whether Benavidez will be as effective now in his third weight division as he has been previously. It is also worth noting that the only blemish on Ramirez’ record came in a decision loss to Dmitry Bivol in a failed bid to become a Light-Heavyweight world champion before embarking on the Cruiserweight division. Bivol is a master boxer that presents a difficult puzzle for opponents to try and solve with only Artur Beterbiev having been able to score a victory over Bivol to this point in his career so a loss to a fighter of Bivol’s caliber is in no way a disgrace and to Ramirez’ credit, he did give a good account of himself in defeat when they met in November 2022.

In this case, this observer feels it is more likely that we will see two fighters come forward and engage in some heated exchanges of punches, likely early in the scheduled twelve round world championship bout than it being a similar scenario where Ramirez had to combat an extremely technical boxer in Bivol. What will be interesting, however, is seeing as both Ramirez and Benavidez are come forward, pressure fighters who throw at a high volume, which fighter will take the initiative to try and implement that approach? Will it be the champion who will try and impose his will and experience having fought at this weight before on Benavidez or will it be the challenger who will try to back the champion up and show that his punching power will carry with him up to the Cruiserweight division?

Two very interesting questions that yours truly is as curious as anyone as to what will be the answers. While you never know what will happen when two fighters get into a ring regardless of similarities in styles and how a fight looks on paper, I personally have a hard time not seeing a scenario where at some point in the fight the two fighters are going to stand and trade punches with each other and that could very well end up looking like a 50/50 toss up as to who will get the better of it in a bout that some likely will suggest will not go the distance.

For a division in the Cruiserweights that has almost always been starved for mainstream attention in the sport, despite having countless notable fighters pass through it either on the way up to Heavyweight or on the way down towards the end of their careers, this is finally one fight that is worthy of such mainstream attention. If this turns out to be similar to the thrilling battle that Qawi and Holyfield provided forty years ago, hopefully the Cruiserweights will be able to take advantage of the increased exposure, which could lead to more lucrative bouts down the road,

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Ramirez vs. Benavidez takes place on Saturday, May 2nd at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN included as part of a DAZN Ultimate subscription for $44.99 per month or as a standalone pay-per-view option for $79.99 and will also be available on a pay-per-view basis at the aforementioned price on digital streaming entertainment platform Prime Video (*Prime Video access available in United States only.*)

The card will begin at 5:30PM ET/2:30PM PT with free preliminary bouts with the main card available to subscribers and pay-per-view customers beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT.

(*North American Start Times Only*)

(*Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*)

Visit www.DAZN.com for ordering information, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, or to subscribe to DAZN Ultimate. To order through Prime Video, download the Prime Video app on your streaming device of choice or visit www.PrimeVideo.com for ordering information and a list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, and Smart TVs.

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Two Crossroads Bouts Kick Off The Month Of April 2026

There inevitably will come a point in most fighters careers throughout combat sports where the line will be thrown out that they or their career is “At a Crossroads.” In most cases, the line is used when fighters are attempting to rebuild after a setback and/or a long stretch of inactivity. The month of April 2026 will begin with two fights featuring three fighters who that line is more than appropriate. Firstly, Boxing’s Heavyweight division will take centerstage when former longtime WBC World Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will square off with longtime contender, current IBF mandatory challenger, and former multi-time world title challenger Derek Chisora at the O2 Arena in London, England in a bout that can be seen on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN as part of an Ultimate subscription or as a standalone pay-per-view offering.

Of course, when discussing Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder, if one is objective, they would say that we are talking about two of the best Heavyweights over the last twenty years. One a former world champion, who is in the midst of a comeback, one a veteran who has stayed near the top of the Heavyweight division for many years, despite falling short when he has attempted to become a world champion. Ironically, this is a circumstance where one can make a legitimate argument that it is Chisora who has more to lose going into this fight than does the former world champion Wilder. 

Not only due to the fact that it is Chisora who has top billing over Wilder in this fight in all the marketing and promotion for it, but more specifically, due to his having seemingly against steep odds in the twilight of his long career, has gotten himself back in line to challenge for a world championship after having two previous attempts at a world title separated by a decade. While Derek Chisora’s career has been one of hard luck along the way it has also been one of resilience and regardless of what happens in this fight, one should tip their hat to him. 

Meanwhile, Deontay Wilder long ago earned his reputation as one of the hardest punchers and feared “Knockout Artists” in the history of the Heavyweight division. Wilder, however, has seen his career stall, marked by losing his world title, suffering a second loss in an attempt to regain the title, and lengthy stretches of inactivity. In his most recent outing, Wilder scored a seventh round stoppage of Tyrrell Herndon in Wichita, Kansas in June of last year in his first fight since suffering a knockout loss at the hands of Zhilei Zhang one year before. A fight where Wilder gained his forty-third knockout in forty-four career wins, but one where his performance was more measured, tactical, and seemed to indicate a new approach for him in terms of how he fights. If that is indeed the case it no doubt will be put to the test in this fight against Chisora.

Despite being at a significant height disadvantage against most of his opponents throughout his career, Derek Chisora is a come forward pressure fighter, who has fought most of the top Heavyweights of the last fifteen years and will not be intimidated by Wilder’s near 98% career knockout percentage. Chisora, who stands just under 6’2, will be giving up almost six inches in height and nine inches in reach, is coming off of a twelve round unanimous decision over Otto Wallin in February of last year. 

How the fight draws up seems relatively straight forward. As has been the case throughout his entire career, Derek Chisora knows only one direction, forward, and no doubt that will be the fight plan for him here. To attempt to come forward put pressure on Wilder, back him up, and try to force a fight on the inside in an attempt to break him down. Although intimidation is not a factor here, one should keep in mind that Deontay Wilder has knockout power in either hand and is capable of ending a fight at any time if given an opening and is particularly dangerous with his right hand. The fight plan for Wilder should be to try as best as possible to keep Chisora at distance with his longer reach and if Chisora is able to close the gap, immediately tie him up on the inside to force a break by the referee. 

Fighters who have significant height and reach advantages over their opposition are often criticized by fans for implementing such an approach because often it may not be the most entertaining to watch, but a fighter’s primary objective should be to do what they have to do within the rules to achieve victory. A criticism of Wilder some have made throughout his career is he has relied heavily on his punching power to at times get himself out of trouble and ultimately to get the job done. Although punching power is a great asset to have, it should not be the only tool in a fighter’s arsenal and to his credit, Wilder did show in his last fight a consistent effort to try and implement a more disciplined approach, but whether or not that will be as successful against a fighter that applies constant pressure like Chisora or if Wilder will revert back to a power first mentality remains to be seen. The goal of both fighters is to get another opportunity at a world title and we will simply have to see who is able to take the next step in that goal. 

While Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder are at a crossroads in their respective careers, so too is the third fighter who will see action on April 4th. This observer is referring to former WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Tim Tszyu, who will look to continue rebuilding his career by moving up in weight to the 160lb. Middleweight division as he will face undefeated contender Denis Nurja at the WIN Entertainment Centre in New South Wales, Australia in a scheduled ten round bout that can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription general entertainment network Prime Video.

This will be Tszyu’s second fight since being stopped in his rematch with WBC Jr. Middleweight world champion Sebastian Fundora in July of last year. The second loss to Fundora, the man who dethroned him of his WBO world championship in March 2024 was Tszyu’s third career defeat and his second stoppage loss after previously being stopped in a failed attempt to regain a world title against then IBF Jr. Middleweight world champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in October 2024.

What makes this a crossroads fight for Tszyu is for the last two years since his first loss to Fundora, which was a twelve round split decision, Tszyu has found his career stuck in a cycle. Following his first loss to Fundora and his loss to Murtazaliev that followed, Tszyu has seen two victories split between his second loss to Fundora in defeating Brian Mendoza in his first fight following his loss to Murtazaliev, then being stopped by Fundora in seven rounds in their rematch where he submitted in his corner, followed by a win in his last fight, a ten round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Anthony Velazquez.

The question here going into this fight is whether Tszyu will be able to continue rebuilding his career with another victory or if the cycle will continue with potentially another setback. In Denis Nurja, Tszyu, who will enter with a record of 26-3, with 18 Knockouts, will face a fighter unbeaten in twenty professional fights with nine knockouts.

While the Albanian-born Nurja will be going into the equivalent of a lion's den by facing Tszyu in his home country of Australia where he is unbeaten, he has built an impressive resume against opposition that are not well known, but a potential advantage for the boxer/puncher is he has more experience fighting as a Middleweight compared to Tszyu. Although Tszyu is also a boxer/puncher, most would suggest it is the undefeated fighter here that is taking a step up in caliber of competition against a former world champion. 

Although Nurja is not known for punching power, like Tszyu, he is a fighter that has no issues getting in and mixing it up with his opponents. The question is whether he will be able to do that and have similar success against a fighter of Tszyu’s caliber as he has had against lesser known opposition. A loss here for Tszyu would obviously set him back further, despite facing his second consecutive undefeated opponent, and though Denis Nurja is not a household name at this point in his career, a fighter with an unbeaten record can never be dismissed. 

The crossroads for Tszyu may not be retirement with a loss, but rather a case where his rise as the offspring of a great fighter in Kostya Tszyu, as has been the case for other offspring of great fighters throughout history where it might have been too much, too soon, and a loss here may be an indication to Tszyu and his handlers that a more thorough rebuild might be necessary, rather than trying to get him back into position to challenge for a world title within a narrow timeframe as other fighters including legends of the sport have found at other stages of their careers, 

With the spotlight firmly focused on these two fights, it is simply a matter of seeing what happens for Chisora, Wilder, Tszyu, and Nurja as career paths will no doubt be affected by what occurs on Saturday, April 4th.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Chisora vs. Wilder takes place on Saturday, April 4th at the O2 Arena in London, England. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN either as a standalone pay-per-view offering for $49.99 or as part of a DAZN Ultimate subscription for $44.99 per month. The card will begin at 12PM ET/9AM PT with preliminary bouts followed by the main card beginning at 2PM ET/11AM PT (*North American Times Only* *Card and Start times Subject to Change.*

For more information about DAZN including schedules,list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area,and region specific subscription and pay-per-view pricing please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

Tszyu vs. Nurja takes place on Saturday, April 4th (April 5th in Australia) at the WIN Entertainment Centre in New South Wales, Australia. In the United States, the fight can be seen on digital entertainment subscription streaming network Prime Video included with a Prime Video subscription at no additional cost beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT. For more information about Prime Video included compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.PrimeVideo.com or search for Tszyu vs. Nurja on the Prime Video app by hitting the Premier Boxing Champions tab within the sports tab. (*United States Times Only.* *Card and Start Times Subject to Change.* *Check your local listings internationally for availability and platform.*)

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Fundora-Thurman Preview

 

Credit: Prime Video

In March of 2024, the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters embarked on a new era following the end of its long-standing broadcast deal with United States premium cable network Showtime, which also coincided with the network not only exiting Boxing, but also shuttering its entire sports division as part of a broader corporate restructuring of its parent company Paramount. This led the PBC to its new home of Prime Video. The first event under their new deal was to feature then WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Tim Tszyu defending his title against former Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman. 

An encounter that would not take place as Thurman pulled out of the bout days before it was to take place due to tearing his bicep in training. Rather than canceling the event, the PBC opted to bring in top Jr. Middleweight contender  as a replacement for the injured former Welterweight cornerstone. In a grueling and bloody fight, Fundora, known as “The Towering Inferno” emerged victorious taking the WBO world title from Tszyu and also emerging with the vacant WBC crown in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division as well. Boxing is truly a sport of opportunity and there is no doubt that Fundora took full advantage of Thurman's misfortune in not only seizing the opportunity by becoming a world champion, but remaining a world champion since that faithful night of March 30, 2024. 

After being stripped of the WBO portion of the World Jr. Middleweight championship due to the politics that be in the sport, the 6 '6 Fundora has scored two knockouts in defense of the WBC Jr. Middleweight world title, including forcing the always “Game” Tszyu to submit in a rematch in July of last year. This leads us to his third title defense, which will take place on March 28th, nearly two years to the day of his becoming a world champion at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV, against the man he replaced in that title bout two years ago Keith Thurman in a twelve round bout that can be seen in the United States on Prime Video Pay-Per-View. The third defense of his WBC crown in just under two years, which is more active by present day standards for most world champions in the sport, has the dynamic of youth versus experience.

Fundora, a twenty-eight year old world champion who may be just entering his physical prime, against a thirty-seven year old former champion, who at one time was considered one of the best fighters in the entire sport. While the dynamic of youth versus experience is certainly not a new one, what this fight will center on will be the challenger. While Thurman ironically is known by the nickname “One Time,” which seems appropriate going into this fight given how he was once among the best in Boxing’s mythical pound for pound debates, he has become more known for much of the last decade for inactivity whether it be because of injuries or fights that were planned that for one reason or another did not come to fruition.

It is indeed true that Thurman has fought only twice since losing the WBA World Welterweight championship to Manny Pacquiao in July 2019. Although that loss remains the only setback on Thurman's record, having only fought twice since could be and probably should be viewed as a red flag as far as the odds he faces going into this fight. An old adage that this observer strongly believes in that is supported by years of seeing it with my own eyes is that inactivity is a silent killer and often does more harm to fighters in the long-term as far as the concept of “Ring Rust,” reaction time, and punch resistance than solely basing an opinion on what a fighter faces across the ring in an opponent. For his part Thurman got back in the ring in March of last year in scoring a third round knockout over a “Game,” but over matched Brock Jarvis in Australia.

Although Thurman looked good in that fight, his first in over three years at that point, and simply did what he needed to do, one might question whether the caliber of opposition in that fight as well as no further in-ring action since she Thurman is adequate preparation for this world title opportunity given both lengthy stretches of inactivity throughout his career as well as trying to come back from injuries and advancing age. Based on the above alone, it is not hard to understand why some would consider Thurman a significant underdog going into this fight. There are also things to consider with regard to what will be standing across this ring from him on March 28th.

The primary hurdle for virtually every opponent Sebastian Fundora has faced is he not only has been blessed with significant height and reach advantages over most, if not, all his opposition in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division, he is also a southpaw that has a good mix of hand speed, punching power, and tries to walk down his opponents with near non-stop pressure. The champion has won twenty-three of his twenty-five professional fights and the one loss on his record came in April 2023 when he was caught by a left hook, right hook combination from contender Brian Mendoza that dropped him in the seventh round and he was not able to beat the count. Though that knockout obviously showed that it is possible to hit Fundora if one can find a way to get on the inside of his 80” reach, it has proven to be a task that has been easier said than done for opponents outside of that one instance and to Fundora’s credit, he not only rebounded to win a world title in a short period of time after that setback, he has been able to withstand offense when he's had to since, most notably in his world title victory over Tim Tszyu in their first fight.

At his best, Keith Thurman was an exciting come forward fighter that brought the fight to his opponents with punching power and deceptive hand speed. The task at hand for the challenger will be to see if he can rekindle some of his prime form and be able to get on the inside of Fundora’s reach, though some will concede that he will likely have to take some punishment to get close to the champion in order to have a shot here. On the flip side, if Fundora chooses to box behind a consistent jab and keep Thurman on the outside with his reach, the question might be whether he boxes towards a potential lopsided decision victory or if he will try to gradually break Thurman down as the fight progresses.

It is logical to assume that if Keith Thurman is not successful in this fight that it could be the final time he steps into the ring. Meanwhile, if Sebastian Fundora succeeds in his third title defense, he could set his sights either on potential unification or possibly moving up to the 160lb. Middleweight division. A high stakes battle with no shortage of intrigue. We will find out who emerges victorious on Saturday, March 28th. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Fundora vs. Thurman takes place on Saturday, March 28th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as it's undercard can be seen in the United States on Prime Video pay-per-view for $74.99. The broadcast will begin at 5:30PM ET/2:30PM PT with free preliminary bouts with the pay-per-view portion beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT.

(*North American Times Only* *Check your local listings for availability internationally.*)

(*Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*)

To order this card download the Prime Video app on your streaming device of choice or click the following link: Fundora vs. Thurman.

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Gloves Off: Fundora vs. Thurman Now Streaming On Prime Video

Press Release: February 28, 2026 By Prime Video -

 

The eighth installment of Gloves Off explores the compelling, high-stakes world championship showdown between one of the sport’s hottest new stars and a crafty former champion as they headline an action-packed PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28

Credit: Prime Video 

NEW YORK—February 27, 2026— Today, Prime Video announced Gloves Off: Fundora vs Thurman. the latest installment of its compelling, all-access docuseries. Debuting Saturday, Feb. 28 on Prime Video, this edition explores the journey both WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian Fundora and his formidable challenger Keith Thurman have taken in preparation for this high-stakes 154-pound world championship showdown. The PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video event is set to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

Few boxers have had a more satisfying two-year run than California native Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs). The reigning WBC Super Welterweight Champion, Fundora is putting his title on the line versus a fighter who excels in the international spotlight. Keith Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) soared through the welterweight ranks, unifying the titles at 147 pounds.  Now, the seasoned Clearwater, FL native is making his first bid for a 154-pound title against a red-hot fighter in his prime.

Narrated by Barry Pepper, the series takes fans beyond the ring, blending footage of fighters' lives, families, and training, as excitement builds for this prime-time showcase in a city famous for career-defining performances.

Material Courtesy and Photo Courtesy of: Prime Video Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Jack-Mikaeljan II Weights

WBC World Cruiserweight champion Badou Jack and former WBC World Cruiserweight champion Norair Mikaeljan weighed in on Friday at an identical 199 ¾ lbs. for their rematch tonight (Saturday, December 13th) at Ace Mission Studios in Los Angeles, CA. The twelve round bout, which can be seen later tonight on pay-per-view,  is a rematch of a highly controversial bout in May of this year in which Jack became a two-time WBC Cruiserweight world champion by defeating Mikaeljan via twelve round majority decision.

 As was the case in the first fight, the WBC World Cruiserweight championship, will be on the line in the second encounter that was mandated by the World Boxing Council.  We are planning to have a post-fight column here on The Boxing Truth® during the week following the bout and will update readers on when it will be released once scheduled.. Stay tuned. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Jack vs. Mikaeljan takes place on Saturday, December 13th at Ace Mission Studios in Los Angeles, CA. The fight can be seen on a pay-per-view basis on a variety of cable/satellite providers and streaming platforms including Prime Video, PPV.com, and Triller TV and their respective streaming apps available on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices and Smart TVs. for $29.95 beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT. (*North American Times Only*) (*Card Subject To Change*) contact your Pay-TV provider or click the highlighted links above for ordering information, how to download the respective app of your choice on your streaming device of choice, and for availability internationally.

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UPDATE: Lara Now To Defend WBA World Middleweight Championship Against Gonzalez

In a follow-up to a previous story we have been following here on The Boxing Truth®, it has been announced per Ring Magazine that WBA World Middleweight champion Erislandy Lara will now defend his title against Johan Gonzalez.  As previously reported here on the website, Lara was to face unbeaten unified WBO/IBF World Middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly in a unification bout, but Alimkhanuly ha been pulled from the fight due to testing positive for a banned substance. As of this writing, it remains unclear as to Alimkhanuly’s status with regard to both the WBO and IBF as each respective organization’s current World Middleweight champion. 

Lara, (31-3-3, with 19 Knockouts) will now defend his title against Gonzalez, (36-4, with 34 Knockouts) who is stepping in in a little less than four days notice to challenge Lara, and who is not currently rated in the top ten in the World Boxing Association’s Middleweight ratings. Lara vs. Gonzalez will take place on the undercard of the Isaac Cruz-Lamont Roach bout that will be broadcast on Prime Video pay-per-view on Saturday, December 6th in San Antonio, TX. We will continue to update readers on developments as they become available. Stay tuned.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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Cruz-Roach PPV Card Now Available For Pre-Order On Prime Video

The December 6th Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) pay-per-view card headlined by a a twelve round Jr. Welterweight bout between WBC Interim contender Isaac Cruz and Lamont Roach with Cruz’ Interim status in the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division will be at stake, is now available for pre-order on Prime Video for $79.95. To order this pay-per-view event download the Prime Video app on mobile, tablet or your streaming device or Smart TV of choice or click the following link. PBC: Cruz vs. Roach. We will have a preview of Cruz-Roach available here on The Boxing Truth® later this evening. Stay tuned.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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Gloves Off: Pitbull-Roach Now Streaming On Prime Video

Credit: Prime Video 

Press Release: November 22, 2025 By Prime Video - NEW YORK—November 21, 2025—Today, Prime Video announced Gloves Off: Pitbull vs Roach, the latest installment of its compelling, all-access docuseries. Debuting Saturday, November 22 on Prime Video, this edition explores the journey of two warriors whose willingness to accept major challenges have earned them worldwide respect in The Fight Game. Former 140-pound champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and reigning WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach go toe-to-toe for the Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title on Saturday, December 6, headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, TX.

 

As the 2025 boxing season enters its final month, this fight is pivotal for both men. Mexico City native "Pitbull" Cruz (28-3-1, 18 KOs) became world champion in March 2024, claiming the WBA Super Lightweight title. Recently, Cruz rebounded from a loss to Jose Valenzuela by defeating countryman Angel Fierro before earning a unanimous decision over Omar Salcido in July.

Washington D.C.'s Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs) captured his WBA Super Featherweight World Championship in November 2023 by dethroning Hector Luis Garcia. He defended his belt in June 2024, dominating previously unbeaten Feargal McCrory for an eighth-round TKO. Earlier this year, he moved up in weight to challenge undefeated WBA Lightweight World Champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis, earning a controversial majority draw in New York City.

Narrated by Barry Pepper, the series takes fans beyond the ring, blending footage of fighters' lives, families, and training, as excitement builds for this prime-time showcase in a city with a long history of hosting memorable prizefights.

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Prime Video Used with permission.

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Parker And Wardley Emerge In High Stakes Pay-Per-View Showdown

Originally, this column was intended and scheduled to preview two separate pay-per-view main events scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 25th. As some Boxing fans know, what was intended has obviously had to change due to the cancellation of the scheduled WBC World Jr. Middleweight championship bout between champion Sebastian Fundora and former World Welterweight champion Keith Thurman, which was due to headline a pay-per-view card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters and streamed through digital streaming entertainment and subscription platform Prime Video, being cancelled due to a hand contusion suffered by Fundora while in training for the bout. While as of this writing, the plan appears for that bout to be rescheduled as soon as possible, there remains one pay-per-view main event to take place on October 25th that will now be the sole subject of this writing, which could and should have ramifications the the Heavyweight division moving into 2026.

This observer is referring to the bout between former WBO World Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker and the undefeated Fabio Wardley in a scheduled twelve round fight that will headline a pay-per-view card at the O2 Arena in London, England and can be seen worldwide on DAZN Pay-Per-View. What makes this encounter interesting beyond it being a battle between two of the top Heavyweights in the division, which alone often is enough to draw interest is this fight presents a rarity as well that primarily due to the politics that be in the sport of Boxing and multiple sanctioning organizations, you rarely see. Two fighters, each with a number one mandatory ranking with an interim championship designation, putting their respective standings on the line. In this case in order to attempt to secure a fight with the undefeated two-time Undisputed World Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker, who has been at or near the top of the Heavyweight division for most of the last decade is a one time WBO World Heavyweight champion, and after some ups and downs over the years, has worked his way back to the number one contender position in the same organization. A testament to perseverance that cannot be dismissed. Although seemingly on a career high minus the ultimate goal of regaining a world title, Parker, who has had to contend with his fair share of power punching sharks in the waters of the Heavyweight division will be tasked with facing one more in his hopes to secure another world title opportunity in the form of unbeaten “Knockout Artist” Fabio Wardley.

Wardley, who will come into this fight with a near 95% career knockout percentage, will enter as the WBA’s top contender. With a record of 19-0-1, with 18 Knockouts, few have been able to withstand the punching power Wardley has in either hand. This presents the classic scenario of a fighter noted for his ability to end fights quickly, going against a more seasoned and more experienced opponent at this level of competition.

It is not a scenario that the former world champion Parker, who will enter the bout with a record of 36-3, with 24 Knockouts, is unfamiliar. Some may recall his fights against Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, and Zhilei Zhang, three noted “Knockout Artists,” in which Parker suffered two losses out of those three fights. What is revealing, however, is Parker has only been stopped once in his three defeats and that was at the hands of Joe Joyce in September 2022. Parker was competitive in all three of his losses and was ahead on all three scorecards when Joyce was able to catch up to him in the eleventh round of that fight.

In thinking of how this fight might be fought from Parker’s perspective, I thought of two fights that might be similar, that he was successful and dominant in winning. Two opponents that stylistically are similar to Wardley in being “Knockout Artists” that come forward and can knock an opponent out with either hand. Yours truly is referring to his bouts with the aforementioned Zhilei Zhang and before that encounter, his bout against former WBC Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder. Two fights that took place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023 and 2024 respectfully.

In both fights, Parker used effective lateral movement, footwork, and timing to consistently beat both fights to the punch, often by landing variations of two, three, and four punch combinations and then using his movement to evade before either fighter could return offense consistently. Two performances by Parker, who was viewed as an underdog going into both fights that frankly should be viewed as a masterclass in effective execution by a boxer/puncher. It is an approach that Parker must implement once again in this fight.

Much like Wilder and Zhang, Fabio Wardley is not known for his quickness, but has shown more than once thus far in his career that he can end a fight with one punch if given an opening. One need look no further than Wardley’s last fight in June of this year against previously unbeaten contender Justis Huni. A fight held in rainy conditions in Portman Road Football Ground in Ipswich, England, that was dominated by Huni from the outset, frequently out throwing and outlanding Wardley in seemingly every round and often landing in combination. Huni had particular success in landing flush right hands on Wardley, which is also coincidentally one of Parker's best offensive weapons.

The accumulation of punishment along with the fact that Huni had stepped in and took the fight on short notice along with the bout being held outdoors in rainy conditions seemed to have Wardley at times seemingly on the verge of being stopped due primarily to fatigue. Just as it appeared Huni was about to make a significant shake up in the Heavyweight division, the two fighters exchanged punches midway through the tenth round. Seemingly out of nowhere, Wardley connected with an overhand right that turned certain defeat as he had lost the fight on the scorecards by that point in the bout, into a thrilling come from behind knockout victory.

As great as that knockout was and as accurate a demonstration of the power Wardley has that one can find, if one is objective they would say that Justis Huni put a significant scare into both Wardley and his promoter the Hall of Famer Frank Warren, who is also the promoter of this bout with Parker. To expand a bit further, if one were honest they would say that even though Huni up to the point where he got caught put in a career high performance in that fight, he has limited experience and Joseph Parker is both more experienced, particularly at this level of competition at or near the top of the sport, and is also lighter on his feet than Huni.

The element of danger, however, is very real and Parker must keep in mind here that he can be winning every second of every round and one lapse in focus, leaving even the slightest opening, can end up costing him the fight. Though the circumstances are/were different, Parker found himself in a similar situation as Huni when he fought Joe Joyce in September 2022 in that like Wardley, Joyce, at the time was an unbeaten “Knockout Artist” that Parker hit repeatedly throughout that fight with the type of flush right hands that would end the night for most fighters, let alone Heavyweights and like Huni, Parker seemed to have the fight well under control and winning on points when Joyce was able to catch him and knock him out. A possibility certainly exists here that a similar scenario could happen where by all accounts and without a question of doubt, Parker could find himself in control and winning every aspect of the combat. Parker knows what happened to him against Joyce and he needs to be aware not to get overly aggressive where he might be vulnerable again to being caught. Even if a scenario presents itself where he might be able to score a knockdown, he must be tactical at all times and until the final bell or a potential stoppage, approach Wardley with caution.

The approach for Fabio Wardley is both simple and complex. He needs to try and cut the ring off from Parker and try to limit his ability to move and use angles, but must also pace himself in doing so. A problem that fighters, as I have often said over the last thirty years I have covered Boxing and by extension other combat sports, that are known for their punching power is they can fall into a false sense of security in thinking that their power will be enough to get the job done every time they enter the ring and as a result, neglect developing other facets of their game in terms of tactics, strategy, the ability to pace themselves, and develop an overall well-rounded skillset, which more often than not tends to have negative effects long-term on their careers. Wardley did succeed in saving himself from defeat in his last fight, but he may not be as fortunate if he finds himself in a similar hole on the scorecards in this fight.

Whether or not the winner of this fight gets a title shot against Oleksandr Usyk, or due to the unique circumstances of this encounter, ends up potentially emerging as a unified world champion depending on what Usyk decides to do, remains to be seen. These are the types of fights, however, that I tend to look forward to more than most not only from a stylistic standpoint, but when you also throw into the equation that anything can happen, which is especially true when it comes to Heavyweights, it sparks interest. We will see if it's Parker or Wardley that comes out on top. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Parker vs. Wardley takes place on Saturday, October 25th at the O2 Arena in London, England. The fight as well as it's undercard can be seen worldwide on DAZN Pay-Per-View at 1:30PM ET/10:30AM PT for $59.99. (*North American times and pricing only.*)

(*Card and start times Subject to Change.*)

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times and pricing in your area, to subscribe and order this pay-per-view event please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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BREAKING: Fundora-Thurman Postponed

It has been announced that the October 25th pay-per-view card headlined by a bout between WBC Jr. Middleweight world champion Sebastian Fundora defending his title against former WBA Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman, which was scheduled to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV and streamed on Prime Video has been postponed due to a hand injury suffered by the champion. It has also been reported by noted Boxing journalist Mike Coppinger, currently of Ring Magazine that the scheduled co-main event, a WBC World Jr. Lightweight championship bout between between champion O'Shaquie Foster and former Jr. Featherweight world champion Stephen Fulton, will also be rescheduled.

The Fundora-Thurman card was one of two scheduled pay-per-view cards to take place on October 25th. As of this writing, the other event headlined by former WBO World Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker facing top contender Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena in London England, which will be streamed on digital sports streaming network DAZN as a pay-per-view add-on separate from it's subscription-based model, remains on as scheduled. 

We will keep readers updated on when the Fundora-Thurman card will be rescheduled as those details become available.

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Usyk-Dubois 2/Barrios-Pacquiao July 19th PPV Events Now Available For Purchase

Two Boxing pay-per-view events scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 19th are now available for preorder for those looking to purchase either event individually or to purchase both events.

WBC Welterweight world champion Mario Barrios will defend his title against recent inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame  and former eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, who will be attempting a comeback at age forty-six . Barrios vs. Pacquiao, which will headline a pay-per-view card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions group of promoters from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV is now available for purchase on Prime Video for $79.95 and can be purchased either through the Prime Video app on mobile, tablet ,connected streaming devices/Smart TVs, or by clicking the following link: Barrios vs. Pacquiao. (*North American Price Only* Consult Prime Video for local pricing information local start times, and availability around the world.) The latest edition of the documentary style program Gloves Off: Barrios-Pavquiao/Fundora-Tszyu 2 is also available on Prime Video and is included with a Prime Video subscription.

Also on July 19th is the Heavyweight unification grudge rematch for the Undisputed Heavyweight championship of the world between current world champions Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Duvois, which will be taking place at the legendary Wembley Stadium in London, England. The fight, which will headline a pay-per-view card that will be broadcast globally on DAZN Pay-PerView for $59.99. The event can be purchased exclusively on www.DAZN.com and be accessible on the DAZN streaming app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices and Smart TVs. (*North American Price Only* Consult DAZN for local pricing on your region of the world, local start times, and availability.)

We will have post-fight coverage of these events here on The Boxing Truth ® ️ scheduled for the week of July 26th and will update readers here on the website on when the feature covering both events will be scheduled in terms of the exact day of release once it is firmly scheduled. Stay Tuned.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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On A Collision Course?: Plant And Charlo Set To Headline Prime Video Twinbill

The month of May 2025 began with Saul “Canelo" Alvarez reclaiming the IBF Super-Middleweight crown and in doing so, also reclaimed his status as the undisputed king of the Super-Middleweight division by scoring a twelve round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten IBF world champion William Scull in Saudi Arabia. While that fight ultimately proved to be formulaic for Alvarez and serve as a set up for a highly anticipated encounter between the champion and the undefeated multi-division world champion Terence Crawford in September, an obvious question that will be asked is what will be in store for the winner of that fight down the line? 

On May 31st a doubleheader will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV featuring two former world champions, who are being positioned to potentially face off later this year, with that winner then potentially in line to possibly face the winner of Alvarez-Crawford. The two bouts, which will co-headline a Boxing card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions group of promoters and streamed in the United States on Prime Video will first see former IBF Super-Middleweight world champion Caleb Plant, a former opponent of Alvarez, facing Jose Resendiz in a twelve round bout.

This will be Plant’s second fight since dropping a twelve round unanimous decision to David Benavidez  in March 2023. In his last bout, Plant, who will enter this fight with a record of 23-2, with 14 Knockouts, earned Interim/Regular champion status in the WBA’s Super-Middleweight ratings with a ninth round stoppage of previously Trevor McCumby in a fight where he was dropped in the fourth round before ultimately getting to and stopping McCumby in the later rounds. Now, Plant looks to maintain his status as the WBA’s mandatory challenger for Alvarez against Jose Resendiz.

Resendiz, who will enter this fight with a record of 15-2, with 11 Knockouts does obviously have the ability to end a fight if given the opportunity having stopped nearly 74% of his opponents within the distance of a fight. Although he has a knockout win over former Jr. Middleweight world champion Jarrett Hurd, the biggest win and name on his record to date, the jury is out as to whether Resendiz is ready for what is a step up in both class of opposition against the considerably more experienced former world champion Plant, but also only his second fight in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. Resendiz’ last outing in February of this year saw him score a fifth round knockout of a fighter named Fernando Paliza, who had a record of 5-2, with 5 Knockouts going into that fight, which took place in Mexico.

While that fight was clearly designed as both a “Stay Busy" fight as well as a way for Resendiz to test the waters of a new weight class, one could wonder how that helped his preparation for this fight given the opponent’s limited experience against non-world-class opposition. We will likely get the answer early on because Plant is a solid boxer/puncher who will likely try to dictate the terms of combat early on in the fight. If Resendiz is not able to hold his own, Plant will likely try to end the fight if given the opportunity rather than looking for a decision victory.

The second half of this doubleheader will feature undefeated former WBC Middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo facing Thomas LaManna in a scheduled ten round bout. This will be Charlo’s second fight since returning from a lengthy absence in November 2023 and also his second outing in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. 

An obvious question here will center on Charlo, who prior to that fight in November 2023, had not fought since June 2021. While Charlo scored a convincing ten round unanimous decision over Jose Benavidez, he has not fought since then and the issue of inactivity can be a silent killer for fighters. 

Charlo’s opponent on May 31st will be veteran Thomas LaManna. LaManna, a former world title challenger, enters this fight with a record of 39-5-1, with 18 Knockouts and will also come into the ring on a nine fight winning streak. This in addition to being significantly more active than Charlo, who will come in with a record of 33-0, with 22 Knockouts, gives the edge at least in terms of momentum to him. 

A red flag some might point to, however, is LaManna has been stopped in three of his five career losses including in his one challenge for a world title, when he was stopped in one round by Erislandy Lara in May 2021, which was his last loss to date.

Charlo is a fighter that has at times looked spectacular, but one who has also appeared sluggish and going through the motions, so the question beyond the issue of inactivity is what version of Charlo will show up. Despite his setbacks, which have come when he has stepped up in caliber of opposition, Thomas LaManna is a solid professional fighter and if Charlo is not on his game or if inactivity, as it often does eventually to most fighters, proves to be a detriment in this fight, it could be a scenario where LaManna might score the biggest win of his career. 

There is an expectation at least by outward appearance that if both Plant and Charlo are successful in these bouts that they could be pitted against each other later this year in an attempt to be in position to face the winner of Alvarez-Crawford in September. Obviously, there is business that each must tend to before that can happen. Whether or not this doubleheader proves to be an appetizer for that potential encounter later this year or if Resendiz and LaManna will be able to upset those plans remains to be seen. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

PBC: Plant-Resendiz / Charlo-LaManna takes place on Saturday, May 31st at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV. The card can be seen in the United States on Prime Video beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT. For more information, including compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TV’s, and to subscribe please visit: www.PrimeVideo.com. 

*Check your local listings internationally.*

*Card and Start time Subject to Change.*

For more information about Premier Boxing Champions please visit: www.PremierBoxingChampions.com. 

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Should Boxing Have A Price Cap If The PPV Model Is Going To Continue?

One of the themes that this observer has become known for over the many years I have covered Boxing has been my long-standing criticism regarding the pay-per-view model, both here on The Boxing Truth® ️ as well as numerous outlets both online and in print through the years. The primary reason behind the criticism is in two aspects, the overuse of the model in that cards that in years gone by that would have been featured on a sports centric network or as a Friday or Saturday night attraction on a premium cable network like HBO or Showtime, have instead been reserved for pay-per-view, rather than bouts of significant public interest that were heavily promoted and treated and viewed amongst Boxing fans as special events or occasions, which leads to the second aspect. The price points, which regardless of the perceived quality of a card or the main events have only gone up as time has gone on, which has led to declining buy numbers for most pay-per-view attractions. 

This in addition to now in an era dominated by subscription-based streaming at reasonable prices for consumers, has only continued to fuel my criticism and belief that Boxing needs to adapt to the changing landscape of media, in this case, how television is transitioning away from previous methods of distribution and embrace something that will be more budget-friendly for consumers. While I have long advocated for the sport to move away from the pay-per-view model, something which I still strongly believe in, one aspect I have touched on occasion in previous writings could be worth exploring and debating once again as we have entered the spring of 2025.

What aspect am I referring to dear reader? The subject of a price cap structure if the pay-per-view model is to continue. Before I delve into things further, I feel it important to state that I feel just as strongly that under a price cap structure, the issue and frankly danger of potential over use by promoters and networks would still exist and it would therefore be something that would need to be addressed.

Now, what exactly does this observer mean by implementing a price cap structure? In simple terms, putting a cap on how much a pay-per-view card could be priced regardless of what a main event might be. While some might laugh at such an idea, it is actually not a new concept and variations of a structure have been used before throughout the world with varying degrees of success. The most prominent example at least currently would be the pricing structure for pay-per-view events in the United Kingdom that are not priced above £25 (a little over $32 in U.S. dollars). By law, prices are kept at usually between £19.99-£21.99, but do not exceed that £25 mark, or at least I have never seen it done in various advertising materials I have observed that have circulated throughout the United Kingdom for various cards/events that were distributed via pay-per-view. While the United Kingdom did not get into the pay-per-view model until the 1990’s, such a pricing structure has proven to be successful in that it is not uncommon to see a card distributed via pay-per-view there do a million buys if not more there on a regular basis, which can be directly attributed to the affordable price points.

Here in the United States, there is no set price cap structure, but there have been times where the concept has at least been flirted with. Those of us of a certain age might remember a time where advertising and marketing for pay-per-view Boxing cards would not only promote an event heavily in the days and weeks prior to it, but depending on the cable/satellite provider and pay-per-view distributor, there would be a reduced price offered to customers if one chose to order an event prior to the day it was scheduled to take place. Throughout the 1980’s and much of the 1990’s, most price points, regardless of when an event was ordered, did not exceed $40.

During the mid-1990’s, a period of time when this observer was in his teenage years, but also the period of time I began my career as a writer covering Boxing as well as other combat sports, I spent time living in the New York area, and one thing about that time that sticks in my mind even over thirty years later, was the cable provider I had access to at the time did a few experimental things with regard to their Boxing pay-per-view offerings that should have been groundbreaking and somewhat of what I think could be achieved under a price cap structure if implemented properly.

At the time, Mike Tyson was in the midst of his comeback and seemingly after every Tyson card, which were often full top to bottom with competitive fights, there would inevitably be complaints that the fight did not last long enough to justify what was then seen as an expensive price point. (Between $34.95-$44.95 depending on cable provider/pay-per-view distributor.) Where I was at the time, my family and I had access to one of the numerous variations of cable providers that did business under the Cablevision banner. Both due to the length of time between back then and when this column is being penned by yours truly, I am unclear as to whether this was the main Cablevision provider in the New York area or an affiliate of that provider. I point this out for accuracy purposes. 

The concept that Cablevision came up with was a $9.95 per round idea. Before anyone misunderstands this idea, what it was, was one where say if a pay-per-view card was priced at $50, what they would do is have the concept that if the main event ended before round six, there would be a reduced price for the event. Meaning, if the main event ended in the first round the cost to those who ordered it would be $9.95. If it went five full rounds then they would pay the full $50 price, but it would be capped at that price point meaning that if a fight went six rounds or beyond, the price did not exceed $50. Cablevision was also the first cable provider in my recollection to experiment with the idea of packaging for pay-per-view events. For context, some may not remember that back in the mid to late 1990’s, both Showtime and HBO through their respective pay-per-view divisions Showtime Event Television (SET Pay-Per-View) and TVKO (Later renamed HBO Pay-Per-View) did cards on a seemingly rotating basis. If not every one to two months, it seemed as though they would at minimum rotate fiscal quarters where one would stage a pay-per-view card followed by the other in the next either month, bi-month, or fiscal quarter. 

In an attempt to follow up on their $9.95 per round concept for a time, Cablevision decided to offer pay-per-view Boxing events as a package. Say for example there were four separate pay-per-view cards on the calendar for the upcoming months. The cable provider would offer those events as a package for one price, while also giving the customer the option if they did not want to purchase the package to purchase them separately at each event’s respective full price. While I am not certain as to how long this concept lasted as I was in the process of moving at the time, it should show that there was at least the idea of offering value to the consumer for a single set price even as far back as thirty years ago long before the concept of streaming became mainstream. 

With that trip for this observer down memory lane concluded, the question is should a pricing cap structure be implemented here in the global streaming era as consumers move away from traditional cable/satellite television and towards subscription-based streaming and with pay-per-view distributors like InDemand (Formerly Viewer’s Choice) preparing to cease operations if pay-per-view is to continue to exist beyond 2025. The main hurdle obviously would be for promoters and networks to if not so much to agree to such a structure, but also to do so regardless of who might be on the card in order to put an emphasis on value for the consumer. While one would think the evidence of declining buy numbers and the issue of one aspect everyone including those of us who cover the sport do not like discussing, piracy, would be enough to bring all the above to the table both for their benefit as well as the overall health of the sport, it is a difficult task if nothing else because of each network’s and respective promoters vested interest. 

Recently, however, those behind the Riyadh Season-promoted Boxing cards staged in Saudi Arabia and throughout the world have seemed to gradually start implementing if not a price cap structure of it’s pay-per-view cards, at least a budget-friendly one for it’s pay-per-view cards with prices being under $30 in most cases. Although this is not a set structure as of this writing, at minimum, it shows that at least one promoter or brand is seeing the need to adapt. Adaptation, however, does not always mean that cards will be overwhelmingly successful even at a reduced/budget-friendly price point and should like everything else be viewed on a case-by-case basis. 

The recent pay-per-view card headlined by the rematch for the Undisputed World Light-Heavyweight championship between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, which was priced at $26.99 on DAZN Pay-Per-View here in the United States reportedly did 45,000 total buys. While not a reflection or either fighter’s standing in the sport, it is important to keep in mind that their first encounter in October of last year was offered free in the United States via ESPN+, while the undercard was offered as a $19.99 pay-per-view on DAZN. Whether the fact that the first fight being offered free as part of an ESPN+ subscription negatively impacted buys for the rematch, despite the full card being available on one platform globally rather than split between two platforms with a combination of included with subscription and paid add-on, is subject to debate. 

This observer feels it is more an indication that the number of cards offered on pay-per-view needs to be reduced if not outright done away with, which the latter I maintain would be better both for the sport and consumers in the long run. The problem then becomes both how would the number of cards be reduced and would promoters and networks be willing to keep the remaining slate of cards on subscription-based models like the one DAZN has, regardless of who might be on the top of those cards in order to keep pay-per-view offerings to a minimum where the concept can be both budget-friendly and viewed as special occasions in the sport where folks might be more willing to pay for those events legally. 

Unfortunately, regardless of how budget-friendly events are priced there will always be those who will look for free access to events. Although I am not one who supports the mentality of looking for not so legal workarounds to access events, I do sympathize with those who feel Boxing pay-per-views has become to expensive, which is one reason why I am in favor of replacing pay-per-view with reasonably priced subscription-based alternatives, which offer more content and value for the price rather than a pay-per-view on a per event basis model. As far as how things can be reduced, I believe that those who insist on the pay-per-view model should look back at how things were done in the 1980’s and for part of the 1990’s where the vast majority of Boxing events were split between either free over the air broadcast television on networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and for a time Fox, and premium cable networks like HBO, Showtime, and basic cable networks like USA Network and ESPN. Those that were reserved for pay-per-view were considered major events, to the point where if one of the aforementioned networks did not produce those events and have a prearranged agreement in place, saw lucrative deals for rebroadcast/replay rights, were reasonably priced and were not frequently used so the value to the consumer remained.

Even now in a digital streaming era, it is important to keep value to the consumer as the main priority. Perhaps what should happen would amount to a reset of the model back to what it was in the aforementioned period, but with the difference being it taking place on streaming networks/platforms rather than free over the air television or premium/basic cable networks. Whether that means pay-per-view being used four times a year, which would amount to once per fiscal quarter or maybe between six or eight times a year, subscription-based models should be seen as the main selling point where pay-per-view is used strictly for special occasions even though they will be hosted on the same platforms. It will come down to whether those in the sport can for lack of a better term, get out of their own way and realize that things need to change, if they can set their respective egos aside, they should also realize that it will benefit themselves, the sport, and the fighters that compete in it in the long run. In the meantime, I would like to see most of the Boxing pay-per-view offerings capped under $40 regardless of whether it is offered via DAZN, ESPN+, or Prime Video.

Although that $40 figure is only a suggestion from someone who truly cares about the sport and wants to see it grow and thrive, and obviously in the case of DAZN and Prime Video, would vary by country given that they are global network platforms, I believe if pay-per-view is not used too often and is capped at $40 and not used as a starting price point, but the cap that it will not exceed,, at minimum things might improve, despite subscription-based models, which already exist offering better value and will only benefit those networks in the long term.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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