Opetaia-Glanton Preview

On Sunday, March 8th, the newest promotional player in the sport of Boxing, Zuffa Boxing will showcase its fourth Boxing card at the MetaPlex in Las Vegas, NV. While this observer has quietly observed the previous three Zuffa events this column will not focus on the promotion itself, nor will it delve too deeply into its spearheading legislation that some will argue could lead to radical change in the sport of Boxing both for good and bad, but what Zuffa 4 will produce is the first world championship bout promoted under the Zuffa banner as in the main event undefeated IBF World Cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia will defend his title against current IBF number fifteen rated Cruiserweight contender Brandon Glanton in a scheduled twelve round bout that can be seen in the United States on digital subscription general entertainment network Paramount+. 

This fight obviously will mark the first bout for the champion under the Zuffa banner, but most knowledgeable Boxing fans are likely aware that Jai Opetaia has quickly evolved into one of the sport’s hottest rising stars and through his aggressive style as a “Knockout Artist,” who has developed a reputation for scoring devastating knockouts, has been able to shine a light squarely on the often scarce Cruiserweight division that has consistently lacked both long-term name recognition value as well as marquee match ups that generate the type of attention that is often afforded to other divisions throughout the sport when top fighters in a division face each other, most notably the Heavyweight division. Much like virtually every notable Cruiserweight before him, Opetaia appears destined at some point to set his sights on the Heavyweight division both for bigger paydays and more mainstream recognition.

In twenty-nine professional bouts, Opetaia has scored twenty-three knockouts registering a near 80% career knockout percentage. Perhaps the most scary among those knockouts came in his last title defense last December when he scored a brutal eighth round knockout of previously undefeated Huseyin Cinkara in his native Australia. A knockout that left Cinkara hospitalized for several days with a brain bleed and a fractured vertebrae. While obviously no one wants to see any fighter sustain serious injuries, the knockout served as another example not only of what Opetaia is capable of, but the type of power he has in either hand. The type of punching power that is just as dangerous and capable of ending a fight at any moment as it progresses as it is early in a bout.

On this occasion, Opetaia will step in the ring with veteran contender Brandon Glanton. While Glanton will come into this fight rated fifteenth by the IBF and is likely viewed as a significant underdog, he does have a respectable record of 21-3, with 18 Knockouts and has a career knockout percentage of over 85% coming into what will be his first world championship opportunity. Glanton is a boxer/puncher that in addition to slowing an ability to score knockouts in his own right, has also never been stopped in his career and has shown the ability to go deep into fights as well. 

What this fight will come down to in my eyes will all center on whether Glanton will be able to deal with and have an answer for the non-stop pressure and power of the champion. The thing that we have not really seen to this point is how Jai Opetaia will respond to a significant test. Brandon Glanton does have a well-rounded skillset and it will be interesting to see if he will be the opponent that can provide such a test.

In addition to the IBF world championship in the Cruiserweight division as well as recognition by Ring Magazine as its champion, this bout represents the first Zuffa Boxing world championship bout. Not simply the first world title bout promoted by Zuffa, but a world title bout in which the promotion which is part of TKO group which includes both the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and WWE under its corporate umbrella, will recognize its own champion complete with world championship belt as the promotion is attempting to establish a different format in the sport known as Unified Boxing Organizations (UBO’s) which in essence mirrors the format of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) where championships and rankings vary by specific promotion rather than rankings and championships being overseen by an independent sanctioning body. While the jury is out on whether this approach will be successful, beneficial for fighters, and likely requires a separate column in of itself due to the broader spectrum regarding proposed changes to the Muhammad Ali act, what I will say for now is even though the model of which the sport of MMA is not without its flaws and has thousands of promotions worldwide each with their own world championships per promotion, this should be viewed as an attempt to establish a different type of sanctioning organization albeit under a different format than the standard of traditional professional Boxing, but one that has been used with regard to Bareknuckle bouts that also have a promotional based championship format. Whether it will be successful on the traditional side of professional Boxing remains to be seen.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Zuffa Boxing 04: Opetaia vs. Glanton takes place on Sunday, March 8th at the Metaplex in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription entertainment streaming network Paramount+ beginning at 5:30PM ET/2:30PM PT. (*Card and Start Times Subject To Change*) Check your local listings internationally.

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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.

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.

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

BKB And Bally's Announce Launch Of BKB Bally's Fight Night Series

Credit: BKB Bareknuckle Boxing 

Press Release: November 20, 2025 By BKB Bareknuckle Boxing - Miami, FL, 19th November 2025 – Bally’s Corporation and BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing today (November 18th) unveiled Bally’s Fightnight by BKB, a fully integrated 360 partnership that unites Bally’s proprietary sensor technology, Bally’s owned casino venues, and exclusive broadcast distribution into a single, seamless combat entertainment ecosystem. The franchise debuts Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, where advanced sensors embedded in fighter wrist wraps will capture punch volume, punch type, and force of impact in real time, delivering a gamified experience to fans both inside the arena and across Bally’s digital platforms, including the Bally Sports Live apps and Stadium free ad-supported TV (FAST) channel.

The concept originated in 2021 through a pilot led by BKB CEO David Tetreault and Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim under Oscar De La Hoya’s KO Entertainment. Now realized as a complete 360 activation, the partnership leverages bare knuckle boxing’s glove-free format - the cleanest and most measurable striking discipline in combat sports - as the ideal proving ground for Bally’s proprietary sensor system. Every punch becomes quantifiable data, instantly transforming elite bouts into interactive, data-driven spectacles.

David Tetreault, CEO of BKB Bare Knuckle, said: “Four years ago Soo Kim and I dreamed of building the most data-backed combat sport on earth. Today, with Bally’s, that dream becomes Bally’s Fightnight by BKB. Bare knuckles give us the cleanest data possible; Bally’s gives us the platform to make that data entertaining, interactive, and profitable for fans everywhere.”

The sensor platform powers an enhanced storytelling experience with data-enriched broadcast graphics and immersive second-screen experience accessible via the Bally Sports Live mobile apps and Stadium FAST channel. Fans will receive live punch metrics including volume, velocity, and impact force; real-time leaderboards; predictive betting; fantasy-style scoring; heat maps; punch-type breakdowns; and fighter power rankings. The same data stream enhances the in-venue atmosphere through integrated arena displays, creating a unified experience from ringside to remote viewing.

Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s, said: “Bally’s has always been about creating experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Combining Bare Knuckle Boxing’s raw intensity with proprietary sensor technology and then scaling it globally, including our newly acquired properties in the UK and Australia, is exactly why we’ve built the Bally’s ecosystem the way we have.”

Jon Lin, SVP and GM of Bally’s Media, said: “For the first time ever, fans in our venues and watching at home will share the exact same live data feed; punch speed, force, volume, everything. It’s like having a second screen built into the fight itself. This is the most immersive combat sports broadcast we’ve ever produced.”

The partnership launches with a multi-event schedule staged exclusively inside Bally’s-owned properties, beginning with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi and expanding to additional Bally’s destinations nationwide. All production, distribution, and fan engagement flow through Bally’s integrated digital ecosystem, ensuring seamless access for in-venue and remote audiences alike.

The debut card, Bally’s Fightnight by BKB: Biloxi, takes place on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, Mississippi, with doors opening at 6:00 PM CT and first bell at 7:00 PM CT. The event will be broadcast exclusively on the Bally Sports Live app and Stadium channel. Tickets are available now at bkbtickets.com/ballysbiloxi. Fighter lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Bally’s Corporation

Bally’s (NYSE: BALY) is a fast-growing national brand with 20 casinos internationally including 1 retail casino in Newcastle, UK, 11 states across the US, along with a golf course in New York and a horse racetrack in Colorado and holds OSB licenses in 13 jurisdictions in North America. It also owns Bally Bet, a first-in-class sports betting platform, Bally Casino, a growing iCasino platform, Bally International Interactive division (formerly Gamesys Group), a leading global interactive gaming operator, and a significant economic stake in Intralot S.A. (ATSE: INLOT), a global lottery management and services business. As a global, entertainment-focused, omni-channel leader in retail and online gaming, Bally’s serves over 11 million domestic and 20 million international customers through its loyalty programs.

With 11,500 employees, its casino operations include approximately 17,700 slot machines, 630 table games, and 3,950 hotel rooms. Bally’s also has rights to developable land in Las Vegas at the site of the former Tropicana Las Vegas.

About BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing

In the past two years, BKB (originally BYB) has purchased the UK-based BKB, the world’s oldest professional bare knuckle boxing company, and in doing so merged the organizations to create the largest bare knuckle boxing company in the world in terms of roster, library and distribution; ushered in ethical and legalized gambling to the sport; acquired the rights to the historic and prestigious Police Gazette Diamond Belt which now serves as the Bare Knuckle Boxing World Championship; and brought bare knuckle boxing to lineal television on both sides of the Atlantic, including the recent deal with VICE TV and Telemundo Deportes in the US, and in the UK with talkSPORT, while being broadcast in over sixty countries around the world.

Material and Photo Courtesy of:BKB Bareknuckle Boxing Used with permission.

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

Will DAZN's New "Ultimate" Approach Win Over Both Current And Former Subscribers Tired Of Paying Pay-Per-View Prices?

Credit: DAZN

The most consistent topic of Boxing coverage penned by yours truly over the last several years, particularly here on The 

Boxing Truth® ️ has been on the sport’s reliance, despite consistent evidence of decline, on the pay-per-view model and the subsequent need to move away from said model, especially with the rise of digital subscription-based streaming. Without doing a complete refresher as by this point there have been many columns written by this observer that serve as an accurate chronicle of how we have gotten to the present time and topic. What is the topic of this writing the reader might ask? the revamp of sorts for digital subscription-based streaming network DAZN.

As some may recall the network, which launched in 2016 internationally, made a significant expansion into the United States in 2018, which coincided with what turned out to be a significant shift not just in Boxing, but for sports overall as shortly before DAZN entered the United States, ESPN, a major presence in the country as a sports network across cable and satellite television, launched its first attempt at a direct to consumer streaming network ESPN+, (Now ESPN Unlimited) while before the end of 2018, the former network of champions HBO, the one time power broker in Boxing and a major player in pay-per-view, exited the sport after forty-five years.

Upon its entry into the U.S. market and essentially positioning itself as the network that would assume the position that HBO was vacating in the sport, DAZN made a bold claim that it would end the pay-per-view model by going with a strictly subscription-based approach that was more consumer-friendly than the aforementioned model. A strategy that this observer was openly supportive of. Not because I had any vested interest in DAZN, but as one who has covered Boxing and other combat sports dating back to the mid-1990’s and had been familiar with pay-per-view as a child, I saw a model that went from occasional use for legitimate major events in the sport that were at an affordable price point, gradually devolve into a model that was over used and frankly abused and lost its value where you would routinely see pay-per-view offerings only showing a fraction of a full card being priced at upwards of between $60-$80 or even higher for some events. The fact that some promoters would simply say “Well, those are the price points in the U.S.” was the type of example that led to the problem the sport is still dealing with in 2025 as more networks have left the sport, due largely to the insistence of some promoters and even fighters of the use of pay-per-view.

It was on that basis, however, where DAZN not only stood against an outdated model that no longer served a positive for the sport, or consumers, making Boxing as well as other sports it carries on its platform more accessible, and the fact that every fight on a card would be shown rather than three or four out of a full card of for example, eight to ten bouts, I felt was refreshing and thus was vocal in my support of a subscription-based model, which I still stand by. As most know, despite its pledge to offer “Pay-Per-View quality Boxing without the pain of Pay-Per-View!,” the network ultimately went back on that promise and while they insisted their dipping their toes into pay-per-view would be occasional and on a selective basis, which appeared understandable in the aftermath of the global COVID-19 epidemic, which had severe financial implications for many sports and sports networks both traditional and streaming worldwide including DAZN, it seemed also to be used as a means of bringing fighters and promoters insistent on pay-per-view to the negotiating table, even as the model has continued to decline as it was prior to the impacts of COVID-19.

The decision to even dip their toes into the model on an occasional basis has resulted in DAZN walking a tightrope. In that they still have their subscription model, but risk alienating subscribers by taking fights that would/should be included with the subscription and putting it behind a pay-per-view paywall. Adding further insult to that, doing so often at the same inflated price points that turns off many fans and led to the exits of HBO, Showtime, Fox Sports, and most recently, ESPN from Boxing.

It should also not be overlooked that in an attempt to try and counter the obvious decline of pay-per-view, DAZN attempted to sell two pay-per-view cards on back to back days as part of a bundle price in May of this year with the first Boxing card to be held in Times Square in New York City, followed by a card headlined by an Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship bout between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and William Scull in Saudi Arabia. While yours truly does not have access to official numbers, it did interest me as to whether subscribers or non-subscribers bit on the bundle offer at $89.99 (Not including tax) for both events versus how those cards did as individual offerings at $59.99 each. 

Word then began circulating over the summer that a new subscription approach would be introduced seemingly at the behest of H.E. Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Saudi Entertainment Authority who proclaimed that his promoted events under either the Riyadh Season or Ring Magazine banners (A publication which he now also owns) would no longer be offered as pay-per-view, but would be included with a DAZN subscription stating that pay-per-view has hurt the sport and that he stands with the Boxing fans. 

Although I was vocal in saying on social media that common sense had returned to the equation upon hearing such a statement that was subsequently backed up by the network, I was not vocal in the sense of thinking that this would be a complete revert back to DAZN’s original strategy, but likely an approach that would ultimately serve as a way to phase out pay-per-view over time while still offering it for those who prefer it. While Al-Sheikh stated that he intended this new subscription approach to begin with his upcoming Ring IV event in Saudi Arabia on November 22, there was some backlash as it was revealed that both that event and tomorrow's (At the time of this writing) Eubank Jr.-Benn rematch would be available as standalone pay-per-view offerings at $59.99 each or $119.98 combined. This changed slightly, however, with the announcement on November 7th by DAZN with the introduction of DAZN Ultimate. An upgraded Tier subscription that would include not only those two events, but a claimed 12+ pay-per-view events per year. 

The cost for this new subscription (United States and Canada) is $44.99 a month or $449.99 per year on an annual subscription. Full disclosure with the reader, even though I have covered the sport of Boxing for thirty years as of this writing, I do not receive payment or compensation in any form from any promoter or network whose events I regularly cover. Upon hearing this new subscription had launched, I immediately upgraded my existing subscription as a means of limiting my own expenses as, despite what some might believe those of us in media often pay the same price as the average consumer for things like pay-per-view or subscriptions and only so many journalists covering the sport have the opportunity to travel for multiple events that occur during a calendar year, which for yours truly due to physical limitations, is also difficult as I am disabled. With my disclosure in all truth and honesty with the reader having been stated clearly, I will move forward. 

Despite the backlash this announcement received particularly online and from some fellow members of the media, I chose to sit back for a few days and for lack of a better term, feel the room, or in this case, the temperature of those of us in the industry and the fan before I commented further. What I feel needs to be stated clearly, which was not done in my view by the network, is this new “Ultimate Plan” or tier for existing subscribers is an upgrade of an existing subscription rather than paying for two separate subscriptions under one banner, similar in scope to what Prime Video subscribers have the option of doing by potentially subscribing to multiple streaming networks and sports packages like NBA League 

Pass for example under one banner and access it in one app. This rather seems more in line with some streaming subscriptions that offer a less costly plan with adverts or a higher priced option for an ad-free experience or similar to Netflix that offers plans including ads, ad-free, and ad-free with 4K streaming capabilities and multiple streams for different members of a household. While this “Ultimate Plan” gives me a similar impression, there are a few questions that need to be answered here, which while I cannot answer outright, I will try to provide some clarity beyond what I already have in terms of distinguishing what is an upgraded subscription for existing subscribers or a potential option for non-subscribers from a situation where you have a subscription plus an add-on. 

The first among those questions is a guarantee of 12+ pay-per-view events per year? When I first saw that statement, the cynic in me as a born and bred New Yorker began to go off in my mind with the first thought being “Are there really 12 Boxing events per calendar year that are truly major events?” Despite that thought, I immediately thought of other content, which DAZN has also offered on pay-per-view through its platform that will likely be used to fill that schedule including Glory Kickboxing events, select events from the sport of MMA, and select events from the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Bareknuckle Boxing promotion, who also have their own subscription streaming network. While traditional Boxing is the obvious selling point here, I believe this “Ultimate Plan” will likely evolve over time to essentially be the premium option for DAZN, similar to Netflix's 4K streaming plan that will encompass everything the network has to offer including what should now be referred to as Premium Live Events (PLE) as compared to pay-per-view. 

Question number two that needs to be asked is having seen that the pay-per-view model was not a successful strategy and has not been one for some time regardless of network/platform, will DAZN hold firm and stick with this subscription approach even if they face pressure from promoters and perhaps fighters? This is a difficult question because again, I'm viewing things from the outside as a journalist and not a network executive.  I will say, however, is I do not believe for one second and would testify in court under oath that this “Ultimate Plan” would have been introduced had pay-per-view whether it be Boxing traditional or Bareknuckle, MMA, or Kickboxing were overwhelmingly successful in drawing millions of buys per event regardless of region and price points, which here in America, I've often compared to a compulsive eater in terms of being out of control and not knowing when enough is enough. 

What I will say in viewing things with an industry wide perspective, promoters and there are many of them worldwide, should understand that things need to change with clear evidence that pay-per-view has not worked for many years with the rare exception of a single fight or event that will draw a significantly high paid audience than is typically the norm. Those rare exceptions, however, are often spaced out by years and thus while they may have been successful individually, do not serve as an accurate indicator of the viability of a model, especially one that has only increased in price and does not hold much value for consumers, this holds especially true when one considers that the biggest event in the sport of Boxing in 2025, the Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship clash between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford, a highly anticipated encounter that in some ways brought back memories for yours truly of major fights in the 1980’s and 1990’s in terms of anticipation, would have been a guarantee for pay-per-view in previous eras, but did not air on pay-per-view, but instead aired on Netflix, who over the last year, has entered the sport and seems primarily focused on securing those type of “Pay-Per-View Quality” events for their subscribers. In terms of viewership, the Alvarez-Crawford event drew over thirty-six million live viewers including here in the United States as well as globally. A figure that has increased over time with on demand viewing. Numbers one would never see with a pay-per-view model, even when it was considered viable and consumer-friendly. This only reinforced the viability of a subscription-based approach at reasonable prices rather than using an outdated model that consumers continue to reject.

If one is looking for further evidence, they need look no further than the recently announced deal between the UFC MMA promotion and Paramount in a $7.7 billion broadcast deal that will see the promotion’s scheduled events move from ESPN to Paramount+. A key part of that deal is the promotion, who had been one of the few content providers keeping pay-per-view afloat, will be moving those events to be included with a Paramount+ subscription. No doubt in response to both its own declining numbers for pay-per-view events, which until January 2026, continue to be sold through ESPN Unlimited, but also the success of WWE, who over a decade ago as of this writing went with a digital subscription streaming network strategy that moved it away from pay-per-view. Now under the same corporate banner as the UFC, TKO Group Holdings, which also has its own digital subscription streaming network that houses the full UFC library as well as content throughout combat sports, UFC Fight Pass, WWE has moved away from its network being a direct to consumer product, which in addition to its PLE schedule, includes its vast library of previous events and additional programming, and towards a licensing strategy, which has seen its network first become available on Peacock, but most recently moving to ESPN Unlimited here in the United States and Netflix internationally. Furthermore, Paramount+ will also be home to TKO’s upcoming Boxing promotion Zuffa Boxing, which is slated to begin in 2026, with all events being included with a Paramount+ subscription.

When one takes all of that into account, it should not be difficult for a Boxing promoter or network like DAZN to see and comprehend that pay-per-view is not a winning strategy in 2025 and beyond. This is also underscored by the fact that InDemand previously known for many years as Viewer's Choice prior to 2000, the leading pay-per-view distributor across cable in North America will be ceasing operations at the end of this year after over forty years in service, while its streaming platform PPV.com, will continue to exist for a time. How long is debatable given both the decline of the model as a whole, but also events that would normally be on pay-per-view now generally being aimed for subscription-based streaming primarily because that is the preferred choice of consumers.

As for fighters, it is understandable that fighters will want to make the most money for their efforts, as they should because ultimately, it is fighters who are risking their lives each and every time they compete. While understandable, the pay-per-view model even in a predominantly streaming era has relied on a revenue split structure, often cable/satellite providers, pay-per-view distributors, now streaming platforms, the promoter, network, and finally the fighters as the last entity to profit from such a split and often, the lesser of whatever revenue is generated. When one considers that a significant portion of cards have been taking place either in the Middle East or elsewhere outside of the United States, where time differences can also negatively affect viewership, in addition to the price points for pay-per-view more often than not alienating consumers, one should wonder just how much revenue fighters receive from pay-per-view particularly as buys have continued to decline. Part of the issue is fighters have been preconditioned in a sense to expect that pay-per-view is the only way to make additional money beyond their purse for a given fight.

This is one reason why this observer has strongly advocated for advertising, and sponsorships to become part of the strategy in Boxing. Not only have other sports used those sources of revenue to great success in addition to respective broadcast agreements for various sports leagues, but it also allows those athletes to gain additional revenues beyond their contracts by endorsement deals. All while making the sports in question more accessible and within consumer reach. Boxing is and has been long overdue to adopt a similar approach, which would be more beneficial for fighters in the long-term as well as the sport as a whole than pay-per-view has proven to be. It's a matter of getting promoters, some of whom were saying the pay-per-view model needed to be put out of its misery upon DAZN’s entry into Boxing, but in recent years have backtracked, notably Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, to come to that realization that there are other avenues to gain revenue, that pay-per-view has proven to hurt the sport more than help it and they are only shooting themselves in the foot by not adapting.

Poll Conducted On X (Seen Above) Asking DAZN Subscribers If They Intend To Upgrade To Ultimate Plan Credit: Beau Denison 

Finally, the last question that should be asked here is whether or not this “Ultimate Plan” or tier will be able to not only maintain DAZN’s existing subscribers, but also grow it and potentially win back some subscribers who felt lied to when they went into pay-per-view rather than being the alternative it promised to be? It will likely come down to what fights and other content is offered on this “Ultimate Plan” that will determine whether it will be successful. While it is understandable to see incremental price increases over time, what should be a priority is to ensure the subscription plan remains affordable. This in addition to a bit of increased competition from networks that are in the general entertainment genre in the streaming space should keep DAZN on their toes along with the knowledge that folks can be fickle and as my late father instilled in me as a child, you are only as good as your word. Even during a period where there aren't as many networks involved in Boxing including at least for the time being the proclaimed “Total Sports Network” ESPN, and promoters like Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. continue to look for new broadcast deals, DAZN will have to prove both to its current subscriber base as well as any potential new or returning customers that this is the approach from here on while still making some cards available as standalone pay-per-view offerings for those who may be reluctant to upgrade knowing the past history of broken promises and lack of accountability of promoters who could have prevented the move to dip into pay-per-view to begin with. At some point the line of “Well, The Market Changed.” does not hold water and is merely an excuse. For all the good DAZN has done for Boxing over the last seven years, they should look at the list of all the networks that were involved in Boxing, in some cases for decades, both here in the United States and internationally that are no longer in the sport. Unfortunately, it is a long list, and while Boxing’s detractors will claim it's because the sport is dying, it is more a case of bad business decisions, which often included pay-per-view as the culprit that led to those networks exiting the sport. 

As one who does not see as many options to watch the sport I have loved my whole life and have been involved in for most of it, I sincerely hope DAZN will not join that long list. To think, however, that this new “Ultimate Plan” is a cure all for a sport that desperately needs to embrace not only subscription-based streaming, but also methods of revenue generation that will help grow Boxing  by making it more accessible for consumers, may be wishful thinking, but hopefully it is a step in the right direction that others outside of DAZN who still have a pay-per-view mentality will take notice.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TV’s, availability around the world, to subscribe and learn more about DAZN’ Ultimate subscription plan please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

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

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DR. PHIL’S MERITTV™ PRESENTS DOUBLE-HEADER WEEKEND FOR “TCL TEAM BOXING LEAGUE” LIVE MATCHES

 Press Release: By Merit TV - DALLAS (April 10, 2025) — Dr. Phil’s MeritTV, the multiplatform TV network founded by Dr. Phil McGraw, is set to air a live double-header for the TCL Team Boxing League this Friday, April 11, at 9 PM ET, followed by another bout on Sunday, April 13, at 3 PM ET, across broadcast, cable, streaming, FAST platforms, and the network’s free app, MeritTV.

 

The TCL Team Boxing League’s third season continues with high-energy matchups as teams composed of rising stars and veteran athletes go head-to-head in 12 different weight classes. With a team-based ownership model, every punch counts towards the team’s total performance, adding an exciting new dynamic to the world of professional boxing.

 

Live Matches on MeritTV:

Friday, April 11th, at the LA Elite Arena (Ukrainian Cultural Center):

9 PM ET – Las Vegas Hustle vs. Miami Assassins

Midnight ET – Phoenix Fury vs. Los Angeles Elite

 

Sunday, April 13th at Newton Athletic Club:

3 PM ET – Philadelphia Smoke vs. NYC Attitude

 

The following weekend features San Antonio vs. Houston, Dallas vs. Boston, Las Vegas vs. Nashville, and Miami vs. Atlanta. As part of a global media partnership announced earlier this year, approximately 20 weekends of TCL Boxing will air exclusively on MeritTV. The culmination of play-off rounds and final battles takes place throughout July and August.

About Dr. Phil’s MeritTV

Launched in April 2024 under the Merit Street Media banner, Dr. Phil’s MeritTV is a premier multiplatform television network spearheaded by Dr. Phil McGraw, the esteemed best-selling author and award-winning television host. MeritTV creates and distributes compelling content across diverse platforms, reaching audiences nationwide. This fully distributed cable, satellite, streaming, FAST TV (free ad-supported streaming TV channels), and free over-the-air broadcast media Network is also available via the free app MeritTV.

MeritTV boasts a rich tapestry of original and acquired programming, anchored by the nightly talk show “Dr. Phil Primetime.” Situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the expansive Merit studios span five acres and serve as the dynamic hub for the brand. Here, daily morning and evening live news broadcasts unfold, plus live breaking news, embodying MeritTV’s commitment to delivering engaging and informative content. Viewers can access the channel-finder link by entering ZIP codes at MeritTV.com.

Material and Video Courtesy of: Merit TV Used with permission 

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

 

Will DAZN's Three PPV Gamble Be Too Much For Boxing Fans?

Longtime readers know that one of the most consistent topics this observer has discussed over the many years that I have covered the sport of Boxing has been the pay-per-view model and more specifically, the increasing need for the sport, those who promote it, and networks that televise it to move away from a model that no longer benefits the sport and rarely offers value to consumers who support it. While I have at times been criticized for my stance that Boxing would be much better off in the long-term picture by adapting a reasonably priced subscription-based approach like what has already been established by digital streaming networks DAZN and ESPN+, my motivation has always been what will benefit the sport and help it grow and be more accessible to anyone who wants to see it regardless of economic scenarios one might find themselves in rather than any vested interests as I do not write or otherwise work for any other outlet or network outside of the one I own and operate here at The Boxing Truth®.

Even as my stance seems to have been increasingly validated as years have gone on as networks that have relied on the pay-per-view model have exited the sport since 2018, coincidentally the same year ESPN+ launched here in the United States and DAZN also entered the U.S. market, despite the sport being in the midst of a transition to being almost exclusively available via streaming, both in response to consumers looking to move away from traditional cable/satellite pay television, as well as general decline continuing in regard to pay-per-view buys, the model still remains more of an issue for the sport rather than a beneficial solution both for Boxing as well as consumers. Although I have been supportive of both DAZN and ESPN+ for each’s introduction of subscription-based alternatives to the model, I would not be objective if I said I have not also criticized both when they have ventured into pay-per-view, despite the evidence that it is not a profitable strategy for either in the now largely streaming-based era.

Many likely remember that when DAZN entered the U.S. market, the main pitch to consumers was pay-per-view quality Boxing events “Without The Pain of Pay-Per-View!" Their reasoning for eventually venturing into pay-per-view starting in 2022 was as a means to attract fighters and promoters who have insisted on the model to the negotiating table. It should also not be overlooked that at the time, much like many others businesses globally, DAZN was in the process of recovering from the effects of the global COVID-19 epidemic, so the move to what they insist is a “Selective/Sporadic" use of pay-per-view may have been seen and justified by some as a necessity.

As the pay-per-view model has continued to decline with the latest casualty being pay-per-view distributor InDemand preparing to cease operations by the end of 2025 ending 40 years as a primary pay-per-view distributor across cable/satellite providers in the United States and in recent years streaming via it's PPV.com platform, even as DAZN and platforms like Prime Video have continued doing periodic pay-per-view events, despite the evidence that it is not being embraced by consumers, one may be tempted to ask when will common sense enter the equation? More specifically, when will it no longer be ignored that things need to change as no doubt such stubbornness has to negatively impact the bottom line.

Perhaps the next example that will be used to illustrate the need to change will come in the coming weeks as DAZN will present three pay-per-view events in a span of one week.  First, on April 26, DAZN will air the highly anticipated grudge match between sons of Boxing legends Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, two-time world champion Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, which will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, which will be available for $24.99 here in the United States.

While that price point on it's own is certainly budget-friendly and a throwback to a time where most Boxing pay-per-view cards were priced under $30 and were less frequent throughout the 1980’s and part of the 1990’s, one might wonder how consumer-friendly the price might be when one considers that on May 2nd and 3rd back to back pay-per-view cards will be held also on DAZN.

First on May 2nd, a card headlined by a triple header featuring Ryan Garcia facing Rolando Romero, Devin Haney facing Jose Ramirez, and WBO Jr. Welterweight world champion Teofimo Lopez defending his title against Arnold Barboza will take place outdoors in Times Square in New York City. This will be followed on May 3rd when Unified WBO/WBA/WBC Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez will be attempting to become a two-time Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion when he faces undefeated IBF world champion William Scull in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Beyond the latter being the first time Alvarez has fought in the increasing hotbed of Boxing in Saudi Arabia and a significant shift in Alvarez not fighting on Cinco De Mayo weekend in Las Vegas, and the Times Square event bringing the overdue return of Hall of Fame broadcaster and longtime HBO play by play voice Jim Lampley to calling Boxing for the first time since HBO exited the sport in 2018, one would be justified in questioning if one or both of these events will be priced consumer-friendly considering that there will be a pay-per-view card just days before.

Although it should be pointed out that like any sporting event, some events will draw more eyes than others, the question here is will this gamble for DAZN be too much for Boxing fans given the state of economic conditions and whether these events will fit into one's budget. While it needs to be noted that all three of these cards are being promoted in part by the Riyadh Season group that has largely established Boxing’s footprint in Saudi Arabia and who has generally began to price their pay-per-view cards in a more consumer-friendly approach, the question that needs to be asked is how much is too much?

How much is too much not only in regard to the frequency of when these cards take place, how closely they are placed on the schedule to each other, and finally the price points to not only draw in the interest of the hardcore Boxing enthusiasts, but also the casual sports fan? For DAZN, the question should also be whether the value of a monthly or annual subscription to their network is going to be diminished by not only doing pay-per-view a bit more frequently than the pledge of “Selective/Sporadic?" Furthermore, is it a disservice to their network that is still growing to not include these events as part of a subscription to the network for existing subscribers? 

While price points for the May 3rd and 4th events have not been announced as of this writing, I do believe that if pay-per-view is going to continue to be used by networks/platforms that already have established subscription-based models that it should be used as a way to draw in consumers who may not be subscribed to try these networks. For existing subscribers, it should be either included with their subscriptions, which would be the more common sense approach, or should be offered to subscribers at a reduced price that should not exceed $30 regardless of who might be on the card. 

Under circumstances like this with three cards occuring within a week’s time, perhaps selling the three events as a package bundle with a budget-friendly price with a cap of under $60 should be something DAZN should consider. Unfortunately, numbers will continue to generally decline only with rare exceptions without adapting to the changing landscape. This includes folks who get on social media platforms and boast about how they will look for not so legal walk-arounds to access events that either do not fit within their budget or they simply have no interest in paying for.

Although I discourage such practices and pay the same fees as the average consumer to ply my trade, though I do sympathize with those who feel they have no other options to watch the sport they love, the way to reach those folks is not by continuing to rely on a model that consumers continue to reject and perhaps in spite of evidence continuing to resist change, which whether networks or promoters want to admit it or not will ultimately benefit them and the sport. Unfortunately until such realization occurs with networks having left the sport largely due to their over reliance on pay-per-view, with one network in ESPN perhaps either nearing an exit itself or a significant revamp in terms of their commitment to the spot by the end of 2025, it will be up to DAZN, who despite their growth, will have to make the decision as to how long they want to walk a tightrope by using a model that they were insisting on changing at the risk of alienating their subscribers not just here in the United States, but globally. At the risk of being unpopular, that is a gamble that may not be worth taking.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth." 

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DAZN LAUNCHES POWERHOUSE SPRING SCHEDULE FEATURING 15 MARQUEE EVENTS IN 9 WEEKS

Press Release: March 26, 2025 By DAZN - Blockbuster, back-to-back nights of boxing exclusively on DAZN during Cinco de Mayo Weekend with superstars Canelo Alvarez and Ryan Garcia headlining separate cards brought to you by Riyad Season and Ring Magazine respectively

From April 2025, content featuring Queensberry Promotions’ star-studded stable of fighters will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN to fans worldwide 

For the very first time Frank Warren’s Queensberry and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing will be united on the same broadcaster

UK fight fans can sign up now to access DAZN’s unrivalled boxing coverage and save 30% on annual subscriptions before April 7 at DAZN.com/boxing

LONDON, 25 March 2025 – DAZN Group, the global sports entertainment company and leading destination for boxing fans worldwide, today unveiled a blockbuster run of 15 major events across nine weeks cementing its place as the global home of boxing. The schedule includes back-to-back fight nights over Cinco de Mayo weekend, featuring Mexican superstars Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez on a Riyad Season card and “King” Ryan Garcia, as well as two-division champions Devin “The Dream” Haney and Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez, all in separate bouts on a Ring Magazine card. These events will be available exclusively on DAZN.

The spring calendar shows DAZN’s deep commitment to unifying the sport in one place with one subscription. It includes a wide range of content and strong partnerships with top boxing promoters such as Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, and Misfits Boxing.

In total, 19 current and former world champions will feature, with events running every week through to the end of May.

DAZN now delivers more than 185 premium fight nights per year. Subscribers also get access to major pay-per-view events, exclusive shows, behind-the-scenes content, and free highlights across social media. DAZN’s partnerships with Queensberry and Matchroom ensure a packed few months of world-class action across multiple weight divisions in the UK.

“DAZN consistently delivers an unrivaled schedule of non stop boxing action to subscribers and fight fans all around the world” said Pete Oliver, CEO of Market Growth at DAZN. “And now with Queensberry and Matchroom united under the same banner – alongside our other world leading promoters Golden Boy and Misfits – and 30% off our annual subscriptions, there is no better time to sign up to DAZN.”

DAZN’s new global deal with Queensberry Promotions kicks off on Saturday 5 April. The card includes Joe Joyce MBE vs Filip Hrgovic, and David Adeleye vs Jeamie TKV for the British Heavyweight Title. From April, Queensberry events will air exclusively on DAZN worldwide. DAZN will use its global scale, innovative tech, and marketing strength to boost the reach and profile of the promoter and its fighters.

The partnership continues in May with Anthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood for the IBO Super Featherweight Title (Saturday 10 May), and Josh Taylor’s return against Ekow Essuman (Saturday 24 May).

Matchroom Boxing adds further firepower to DAZN’s line-up. On Saturday 12 April, Jaron “Boots” Ennis faces Eimantas Stanionis in a welterweight unification bout. It follows a strong start to 2025 from Matchroom, with stand-out performances from Diego Pacheco, Andy Cruz, and Dalton Smith.

Then on Saturday 26 April, Chris Eubank Jr. takes on Conor Benn in a long-awaited Ring Magazine event powered by Fatal Fury City of the Wolves. The undercard also features former world champions Liam Smith and Chris Billam-Smith.

On Friday 2 May, Times Square hosts a star-studded event headlined by Ryan Garcia vs Rolando “Rolly” Romero for the WBA Welterweight Title. Devin Haney will face Jose Carlos Ramirez, while Teofimo Lopez meets Arnold Barboza Jr. in a clash of unbeaten super lightweights. This historic “FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves” card is the first-ever Ring Magazine event in the US. It is presented in partnership with SNK Corporation, Golden Boy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing.

On Saturday 3 May, Canelo Álvarez returns to the ring in Riyadh. He faces undefeated IBF Super Middleweight Champion William Scull at the Anb Arena, as part of Riyadh Season and powered by Fatal Fury City of the Wolves.. The fight marks his debut as a Riyadh Season ambassador.

To celebrate, DAZN is offering 30% off annual plans in the UK and US from 31 March. The offer includes access to fights featuring Joyce, Taylor, Cacace, Wood, Dalton Smith, and more — all as part of your subscription. Offer ends 7 April. Visit DAZN.com/boxing to sign up.

 

Key upcoming boxing dates on DAZN include:

March 29 Poliforum Benito Juarez in Cancún, Mexico

William "El Camarón" Zepeda (31-0, 26 KOs) vs Tevin "2X" Farmer (33-7-1, 8 KOs) - 12 round WBC Interim Lightweight Championship Bout

April 5 Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, U.K. – Queensberry Promotions

Joe Joyce (16-3, 15 KOs) vs. Filip Hrgovic (17-1, 14 KOs)—10-round Heavyweight Bout

David Adeleye (13-1, 12 KOs) vs Jeamie Tshikeva (8-1, 5 KOs) – 10-round vacant English Heavyweight Title

April 12 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, N.J.  – Matchroom Boxing

Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs) vs Eimantas Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs) – 12-round IBF & WBA Welterweight Championship

Raymond Ford (16-1-1, 8 KOs) vs Thomas Mattice (22-4-1, 17 KOs) – 12-round WBA Continental North America Super Featherweight Bout

Arturo Cardenas (15-0-1, 8 KOs) vs Christian Carto (23-1, 16 KOs) – 12-round WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Bout

Shakhram Giyasov (opponent TBA) – 10-round Welterweight Bout

April 12 X Series 22 – MFB Pro

Idris Virgo (4-0, 2 KOs) vs Ty Mitchell (1-0, 1 KOs) MFB Pro Light Heavyweight World Title

April 18 Boxlab Promotions

Dainier Peró (10-0, 8 KOs) vs TBC - Heavyweight Bout

April 19 Park Community Arena, Sheffield, UK – Matchroom Boxing

Dalton Smith (17-0, 13 KOs) vs Mathieu Germain (26-2-1, 11 KOs) – 12-round Super Lightweight Bout

Ishmael Davis (13-2, 6 KOs) vs Ryan Kelly (19-5-1, 8 KOs) – 12-round Super Welterweight Bout

April 26 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Tottenham, London – Matchroom Boxing

Chris Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs) vs. Conor Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) – 12-round Middleweight Bout

Anthony Yarde (26-3, 24 KOs) vs. Lyndon Arthur (24-2, 16 KOs) – 12-round Light Heavyweight Bout

Liam Smith (33-4-1, 20 KOs) vs. Aaron McKenna (19-0, 10 KOs) – 10-round Middleweight Bout

Chris Billam-Smith (20-2, 13 KOs) vs. Brandon Glanton (20-2, 17 KOs) – 12-round Cruiserweight Bout

Viddal Riley (12-0, 7 KOs) vs. Cheavon Clarke (10-1, 7 KOs) – 10-round Cruiserweight bout

April 26 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 

Chris Camozzi (3-1, 3 KOs) vs Lorenzo Hunt (11-2, 9 KOs) - Cruiserweight Bout

May 1 Sunbet Arena, South Africa – Legacy Boxing Promotions

Kevin Lerena (30-3, 14 KOs) vs Serhiy Radchenko (11-7, 5 KOs) – 12-round Heavyweight Bout

May 2 Times Square, NYC – Golben Boy Promotions & Matchroom Boxing

Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) vs Rolly Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) – 12-round Welterweight Bout

Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) vs Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) – 12-round Super Lightweight Bout

Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) vs Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KOs) – 12-round WBO Super Lightweight Championship 

May 3 Anb Arena, Saudi Arabia – SELA

Canelo Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) vs William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) – 12-round Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship 

Badou Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) vs Ryan Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs) – 12-round WBC Cruiserweight Championship

Jamie Munguia (44-2, 35 KOs) vs Bruno Surace (26-0, 5 KOs) – Super Middleweight Bout

Martin Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) vs Efe Ajagba (20-1, 14 KOs) – Heavyweight Bout

Brayan Leon (6-0, 6 KOs) vs Aaron Rocha Guerrero (11-3-1, 7 KOs) – Light Heavyweight Bout

Marco Verde (Pro debut) vs Michel Galvan Polina (4-5-3, 2 KOs) – Middleweight Bout

May 3 Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, UK – Queensberry Promotions

Anthony Cacace (23-1, 8 KOs) vs Leigh Wood (28-3, 17 KOs) – 12-round IBO World Super Featherweight Championship

May 17 Copper Box Arena, London, UK – Matchroom Boxing

Johnny Fisher (13-0, 11 KOs) vs Dave Allen (23-7-2, 18 KOs) II – Heavyweight Bout

May 23 Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster, Yorkshire, UK – GBM Boxing

Terri Harper (15-2-2, 6 KOs) vs Natalie Zimmerman (13-0, 3 KOs) – 10-round Women’s WBO World Lightweight Championship

May 24 The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, UK – Queensberry Promotions

Josh Taylor (19-2, 13 KOs) vs Ekow Essuman (21-1, 8 KOs) –12-round Welterweight Bout

 

For additional information, please visit DAZN.com/boxing.

 

Material Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission. 

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 to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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

 

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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QUEENSBERRY AND DAZN ANNOUNCE HUGE OPENING SCHEDULE

Press Release: February 10, 2025 By DAZN-  

 

Dillian Whyte takes on Joe Joyce, while Lawrence Okolie and Richard Riakporhe look to settle their rivalry, in a huge British Heavyweight fight night at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday, April 5.

Anthony Cacace will square off against former Featherweight world champion Leigh Wood at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on Saturday, May 10.

New Queensberry signing and former undisputed Super Lightweight world champion Josh Taylor faces Ekow Essuman in Glasgow in May.

From 1 April 2025, DAZN will be the exclusive global broadcast partner of Queensberry Promotions, bringing its elite boxing events to fans worldwide for the first time.

 

LONDON, 10 FEBRUARY 2025 – Queensberry Promotions (“Queensberry”), a leading boxing promotion company founded by Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren, can proudly reveal its bumper opening schedule with DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, with the action starting with a heavyweight spectacular at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday, April 5.

 

The new Co-op Live will rock to the beat of the heavyweights when the popular former world title challenger Dillian Whyte (31-3, 28KOs) goes up against the “Juggernaut”, former interim WBO world title holder, Joe Joyce (16-3, 15KOs).

 

In the co-main event, two-weight world champion and now WBC Silver heavyweight champion Lawrence Okolie (21-1, 16KOs) will take on his big London rival and world cruiserweight title challenger Richard Riakporhe (17-1, 13KOs).

 

The heavyweight headline matchups are completed by English champion David Adeleye (13-1, 12KOs) facing Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva (8-1, 5KOs) and Olympian Delicious Orie, who will be making his professional debut.

 

From Manchester, the Queensberry fight train will head to the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on Saturday, May 10 and then Glasgow later in May.

 

A month later in Nottingham, Anthony Cacace (23-1, 8KOs) will defend his IBO super featherweight world championship against local hero and former featherweight world champion Leigh Wood (28-3, 17KOs). Another Nottingham favourite, WBC International light heavyweight champion Ezra Taylor (10-0, 7 KOs), will be on the card.

 

Then later in May in  Glasgow, new Queensberry signing and former undisputed super lightweight world champion Josh Taylor (19-2, 13KOs) makes a move up to welterweight, as he takes on former British champion and current WBO European title holder Ekow Essuman (21-1, 8KOs). Also on the card, Edinburgh’s WBC International champion Lee McGregor (15-1-1, 11KOs) will face fellow Scot Nathaniel Collins (15-0).

 

 

This trio of boxing events will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, available to fans globally, as part of DAZN’s multi-year media rights deal with Queensberry.

 

“We’ve assembled a bumper lineup of cracking fights to celebrate the start of our relationship with DAZN,” said Queensberry Promotions Founder and Chairman, Frank Warren.

 

“We are starting as we mean to go on and, as you might expect, the heavyweights will play a big, big part in 2025 and beyond. Then Nottingham is the place to be the following month for a real banger of a fight between Anto Cacace and Leigh Wood. It is the sort of domestic blockbuster we will be seeing plenty of across the partnership between Queensberry and DAZN.

 

I am also so much looking forward to returning to Scotland with the nation’s biggest star and our latest signing, Josh Taylor, headlining and rebooting his career at welterweight, where I believe he can again do big things, but he will be up against it with Ekow Essuman in the opposite corner.”

 

Michael Ridout, EVP New Business at DAZN, said: “This schedule of fights will showcase the best of boxing talent across weight classes. As the global home of boxing, DAZN is committed to bringing the most exciting and nail-biting fights like these to fans around the world who love the sport. This is only the start of DAZN’s landmark partnership with Queensberry, and we look for forward to delivering more high-calibre bouts, while providing an unparalleled viewing experience.”

Material  and Photos courtesy of: DAZN  Used with permission. 

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 to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com 

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