Trinidad Scores Decision Win Over Plania

Undefeated WBC Continental Americas Featherweight champion and number two rated WBC Featherweight contender  Omar Trinidad scored a workmanlike ten round unanimous decision over veteran Mike Plania on Friday night at the Commerce Casino and Hotel in Commerce, CA. While not a notable fight in terms of highlights, Trinidad simply went through his paces, worked behind a consistent jab, managed distance and outworked the always “Game” Plania to the point of frustration for the veteran over ten lopsided rounds to earn a convincing unanimous decision victory. Official scores were: 100-90 (On two scorecards) and 99-91 in favor of Trinidad. Omar Trinidad advances to 18-0-1, with 13 Knockouts. Mike Plania falls to 31-5, with 18 Knockouts.

Also on this card: 

Undefeated Women’s WBO Jr. Bantamweight world champion Mizuki Hiruta scored an eight round technical unanimous decision over former WBA Jr. Bantamweight world champion  Maribel Ramirez. Hiruta’s footwork and ability to attack Ramirez at angles were the story of this fight. After Ramirez went down twice in the first round in what were ruled as slips, Hiruta was credited a knockdown in the second round in a very similar scenario. A combination of punches opened a deep cut over the left eye of Ramirez, which bled significantly throughout the remainder of the fight. Despite the flow of blood being unable to control by Ramirez corner, the fight continued. It was an accidental clash of heads, however, in the eighth round that clearly disabled the former world champion and due to her being disoriented the fight was stopped and went to the scorecards for a technical decision. Official scores were: 80-71 (On two scorecards), and 79-72 in favor of Hiruta. Mizuki Hiruta advances to 7-0, with 2 Knockouts. Maribel Ramirez falls to 15-11-4, with 3 Knockouts. 

Super-Middleweight contender Ali Akhmedov scored a second round stoppage of Malcolm Jones Akhmedov brought an end to things in round two with a barrage of punches that started with a hook to the head and continued to several body shots, which forced Referee Thomas Taylor to stop the fight while Jones was seemingly defenseless on the ropes before a knockdown occurred. Official time of the stoppage was 1:17 of round two. Ali Akhmedov advances to 23-1, with 17 Knockouts. Malcolm Jones falls to 17-5-1, with 10 Knockouts. 

Women’s Jr. Lightweight Roxy Verduzco scored a third round stoppage of Lindsey Ellis to move to 3-0 in her young career. Verduzco was in control from the opening bell and bloodied the nose of Ellis with a right hand and just continued to dish out punishment until the fight was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:34 of round three. Roxy Verduzco advances to 3-0, with 1 Knockout. Lindsey Ellis falls to 2-2, with 2 Knockouts. 

Unbeaten Jr. Featherweight Adan Palma scored a close six round split decision over a veteran in Sharone Carter, who was competing for the final time in his career. Carter was crafty and made it difficult throughout for Palma, but ultimately, Palma’s consistent aggression was enough to convince two of the three official judges to earn the split decision victory.   Official scores were: 59-55 (Palma) 58-56 (Carter) and 58-56 for the winner Adan Palma. Adan Palma advances to 11-0, with 6 Knockouts. Sharone Carter falls to 14-9-1, with 3 Knockouts.

Women’s Jr. Flyweights Gloria Munguilla and Brook Sibrian went toe to toe in eight rounds of near non-stop action where neither fighter took a backward step and fought to the final bell. After eight hard-fought rounds, the three official judges rendered a unanimous decision for Munguilla. Official scores were: 77-75 (On two scorecards) and 77-73 in favor of Munguilla. Gloria Munguilla advances to 7-2, with 9 Knockouts, Brook Sibrian falls to 5-2, with 2 Knockouts.

Unbeaten Jr. Middleweight Kevin Anton outworked veteran Cameron Krael over six rounds of constant volume punching to win a six round unanimous decision in Anton’s first fight where he was made to go the distance. Official scores were: 60-54 (On all three scorecards) for Kevin Anton. Kevin Anton advances to 9-0, with 8 Knockouts. Cameron Krael falls to 21-34-3, with 7 Knockouts. 

 Bantamweight Alexander Gueche moved to 7-0 in his young career by scoring  a six round unanimous decision over Lito Dante. Gueche scored knockdowns in rounds one and fight both as a result of the swarming offense from Gueche. Official scores were 60-52 (On all three scorecards) for Gauche. Alexander Gueche advances to 7-0, with 5 Knockouts. Lito Dante falls to 21-14-4, with 12 Knockouts. 

Undefeated Lightweight Tayden Beltran scored a third round stoppage of veteran Eugene Lagos. A fight that saw several exchanges and seemed even between the two fighters through three rounds was stopped shortly after the bell to begin the fourth round rang when Lagos was ruled unable to continue due to a shoulder injury. Tayden Beltran advances to 10-0-1, with 5 Knockouts. Eugene Lagos falls to 16-9-3, with 11 Knockouts.

This card, which was promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, was the first Boxing card to take place in the state of California since the ongoing wildfire crisis. A card that was broadcast in combination on digital combat sports streaming network UFC Fight Pass as well as the network’s YouTube Channel with a portion of the undercard being streamed, provided plenty of action and a much-needed diversion for those who have been affected by the tragic circumstances, which unfortunately remain ongoing in the state of California. For Omar Trinidad, he appears poised to be the latest in a long line of fighters from Los Angeles to fight and potentially win a world championship in the near future. Whether that comes later in 2025 remains to be seen.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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Paul-Fury: Will The Third Time Result In A Fight?

Originally, this observer intended to focus a column discussing what was to be two pay-per-view attractions back to back that was supposed to close out the month of February. As some know, the Adrien Broner-Mike Williams Jr. fight, which was to headline a BLK Prime pay-per-view card on February 25th, was cancelled last week when it was revealed that Williams had suffered a broken jaw while sparring in preparation for the bout. This cancellation not only put a halt at least in part to what was planned in the sport of Boxing for the final weekend of February 2023, but for yours truly, halted what I intended to cover at least in part. As for the other half/part of the equation, I will be honest with the reader, I had second thoughts as to whether I wanted to write a prelude for, simply because I have doubts as to whether or not the fight will actually take place. This observer is referring to the twice announced and twice cancelled pay-per-view meeting between YouTube star turned undefeated Cruiserweight Jake Paul and unbeaten Cruiserweight Tommy Fury, the brother of current WBC Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury.

The on again, off again saga between the two is back on for a third attempt. This time on Sunday, February 26th in Saudi Arabia. Unlike the previous two attempts, which were to be broadcast on Showtime Pay-Per-View here in the United States, this will be broadcast on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View, if in fact it does take place. It should not be hard for any objective observer/reader to understand why a proud Boxing lifer as yours truly is, would openly be questioning whether or not a fight that has now been scheduled and announced for a third time will finally get in the ring. While I admit a bit of cynicism on my part, there is justification for such questioning.

For one, Tommy Fury was forced out of this potential fight twice, once because of injury and illness, and then his being unable to travel to the United States when the bout was rescheduled, which begs to question why the second attempt at rescheduling the bout was even announced when all parties knew of the unlikelihood of Fury being unable to travel to the U.S. due to what he said were Visa issues. While this is likely a reason why this bout is now at least scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, it has done little to quell my doubts as to whether or not this fight will finally be in the ring as opposed to the long-onging war of words between Paul and Fury.

Although such grandstanding, for better or worse, does generate buzz and draw interest, some might be justified to say that it’s been more hype than it has been about an actual fight between two Cruiserweight hopefuls. The term “Hopeful” should be used here because after all, we are talking about two fighters, who even though they are unbeaten are not at a stage where they could objectively be considered “Prospects,” let alone “Contenders.” 

Despite his bloodline, Tommy Fury has only fought eight professional fights, but only one of those opponents had a winning record. Paul meanwhile, has built his unbeaten record of six wins in as many fights by fighting a fellow YouTube star in his pro debut, a former NBA player in his second fight, followed by four fights against former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world champions, all of whom Boxing was not their primary discipline. In fairness to Paul, his last opponent future MMA Hall of Famer Anderson Silva, did have some professional Boxing experience as well, despite being many years removed from his athletic prime at the time Paul fought him in October of last year. Nevertheless, the fact remains that if this fight with Fury does indeed take place, it will be the first fight for Paul against someone with a primary background in Boxing and one might take it a step further by arguing that it would be his first true fight as a boxer rather than a curiosity based on that.

Only adding to the “Hype” surrounding this fight if it does indeed take place, is the World Boxing Council (WBC) proclaiming that the winner of the fight will receive a ranking in it’s Cruiserweight ratings. While clearly an attempt by the WBC to generate publicity and to possibly take advantage of Jake Paul’s fan base, which are not compromised of knowledgeable Boxing fans and for whom, the sport is either newly exposed to them or of only a casual interest, the fact that one of Boxing’s oldest and regarded both positively and negatively depending on one’s perspective, sanctioning organizations would make such a declaration based on the resumes of both Paul and Fury up to this point, is frankly a joke and disrespectful to other fighters not just in the Cruiserweight division, but in the entire sport because it sets a precedent that will only lead to more criticism and ridicule not just for the WBC, but Boxing overall.

As the reader can probably tell by now, I have done little to hide both my doubts as well as my cynicism regarding this scheduled event. As such, this is not the standard pre-fight column that many have come to expect from this observer. One can only hope however, that if the scheduled event does actually turn into a fight in the ring, it will not be a fiasco and we will finally see whether Jake Paul and Tommy Fury for that matter are truly intent on being legitimate boxers. Although ridicule will likely follow, in particular in regards to the WBC, it would be nice to see some standard of the sport respected.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Paul vs. Fury takes place on Sunday, February 26th in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. The fight can be seen in the United States on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View for $49.99 beginning at 2PM ET/11AM PT.

ESPN+ is available through the ESPN app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs. For a list of compatible devices and to order please visit: www.ESPNPLUS.com. *Check your local listings internationally.*

*Card and Start Time Subject to Change.*

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Vianello, Natalizi, And Silva Victorious In Rome, Italy

2016 Italian Olympian and current undefeated Heavyweight prospect Guido Vianello scored a workmanlike eight round unanimous decision over veteran Jay McFarlane on Friday night at at the Pala Atlantico in Rome, Italy. McFarlane’s best moment of the bout came in the opening seconds of the fight when he caught Vianello off guard with a solid overhand right to the head. From that point in the fight on however, Vianello showcased his Boxing ability keeping McFarlane at distance with his longer reach, landing combinations and using movement as well as tying McFarlane up on the inside whenever McFarlane was able to get close. Official scores were 79-73, and 80-72 (On two scorecards) for Guido Vianello. Guido Vianello advances to 10-0-1, with 9 Knockouts. Jay McFarlane falls to 13-7, with 5 Knockouts.

Also on this card:

Unbeaten Jr. Middleweight contender Mirko Natalizi scored a sixth round stoppage of veteran Tony Dixon. Natalizi was the physically stronger fighter from the outset. In the closing seconds of round two, Natalizi dropped Dixon with a combination of punches to the head, which in part appeared to land after the bell. At the conclusion of the fifth round, Natalizi hurt Dixion with a body shot that again landed after the bell. Dixon’s corner stopped the fight shortly before the beginning of round six. Mirko Natalizi advances to 13-0, with 8 Knockouts. Tony Dixon falls to 13-4, with 4 Knockouts.

Undefeated European Women’s Jr. Bantamweight champion Stephanie Silva scored a ten round unanimous decision over previously undefeated former European Flyweight champion Ewelina Pekalska. A very competitive bout throughout, the difference proved to be Silva’s compact combination and counter punching as she was able to outwork Pekalska to earn the victory in her first defense of her European championship. Official scores were 98-92, and 97-93 (On two scorecards) in favor of Silva. Stephanie Silva advances to 7-0, with 0 Knockouts. Ewelina Pekalska falls to 6-1, with 0 Knockouts.

Francesco Russos gradually broke down Francesco Sarchioto to score an eighth round stoppage to win the vacant Italian Jr. Middleweight championship. Russo put pressure on Sarchioto from the get go and even though he had trouble early with Sarchioto’s movement and combination punching, his power punches, body shots, and overhand rights took their toll. It was an overhand right that put Sarchioto down in the eighth round. Sarchioto’s corner got up on the apron of the ring following the knockdown and appeared to want the fight stopped, but the stoppage was delayed for thirty seconds while Russo continued to dish out punishment. Official time of the stoppage was 2:08 of round eight. Francesco Russo advances to 12-2, with 10 Knockouts. Francesco Sarchioto falls to 15-2, with 5 Knockouts.

In a three round amateur bout between Italian YouTube stars, Street Gorilla scored a third round stoppage of Sim1 Workout. Sim1 appeared to control the action early, but Street Gorilla kept up the pressure even after suffering severe swelling in the second round as a result of an accidental clash of heads. Street Gorilla unleashed a barrage of punches in the third round resulting in Sim1 getting a standing eight count and being counted out on his feet when he did not respond to the referee’s instructions to raise his hands and indicate he wanted to continue.

In a rematch from November of last year in which he scored a majority decision victory, unbeaten Jr. Welterweight Armando Casamonica scored his second victory over a very “Game” Mauro Loli, this time by six round unanimous decision. Although Loli was aggressive and brought the fight to Casamonica from the opening bell, it was Casamonica that landed the cleaner, more effective punches throughout to earn the decision victory. Official scores were 58-55, 58-56, and 58-57 in favor of Casamonica. Armando Casamonica advances to 8-0, with 1 Knockout. Mauro LoliMauro Loli falls to 7-5, with 3 Knockouts.

In a Middleweight bout, Francesco Faraoni scored a four round unanimous decision over Aleksandar Petrovic to begin his professional career. Francesco Faraoni advances to 1-0,! With 0 Knockouts. Aleksandar Petrovic falls to 5-28-4, with 4 Knockouts

Middleweight Mario Manfredi began the evening by successfully making his professional debut by scoring a four round unanimous over previously undefeated Stefan Vlku. Mario Manfredi advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Stefan Vlku falls to 2-1, with 1 Knockout.

This card, which was promoted by OPI Since 82, was the first between the long established Italian promotional company and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc. In recent years, OPI Since 82 has also established a successful collaboration with promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing in staging several cards in association with Matchroom’s Italian promotional branch. With OPI now also working with Top Rank, the winners will be not only be the fighters in OPI’s stable, but will continue to be Boxing fans here in the United States who thanks to the collaboration with Matchroom and now also Top Rank, have increased access to the Italian Boxing scene through each promoter’s respective broadcast deals with digital subscription sports streaming networks DAZN and ESPN+. As fighters like Vianello and Mirko Natalizi to name a few continue to move up the ladder, the depth of talent coming out of Italy will continue to enjoy exposure at a level that prior to the advent of streaming has not been seen before. Something that should be seen as a benefit for the sport.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth. “

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

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Should Networks Look At Recent Cancellations As A Sign To Change?

 

One of the many frustrations that unfortunately comes with the territory of not just Boxing, but all of combat sports are the potential for postponements/cancellations to occur that can put a halt to the plans of not just the fighters involved, not just the promoters, but more specifically the platforms, which broadcast the bouts. Recently, two events that were scheduled to take place during the month of August were cancelled both due to failure of conditions stipulated in a contract to be met by one fighter in a bout and an injury forcing the cancellation of another bout. 

 

This observer is referring to two Boxing events that were to be headlined by two separate YouTube celebrities in separate bouts. The first bout that saw the ax of cancellation come down upon it was the scheduled August 6th bout between undefeated Cruiserweight/ YouTube star Jake Paul who was scheduled to face Heavyweight prospect Hasim Rahman Jr. in a catchweight bout that stipulated that Rahman could not weigh more than 200lbs. prior to the bout. As most Boxing fans know, the bout was cancelled as it was deemed by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) that Rahman would be unable to make the weight in a safe manner resulting in the bout, which was due to headline a pay-per-view card broadcast on Showtime Pay-Per-View from New York’s Madison Square Garden being cancelled.  

 

The second was a scheduled bout to take place between YouTube stars KSI and Alex Wassabi, that was scheduled to take place on August 27th in the United Kingdom was cancelled due to Wassabi suffering what was deemed a serious injury in training. Much like the Paul-Rahman bout, this bout was due to headline a Boxing card from the United Kingdom broadcast by DAZN Pay-Per-View in several countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  

 

Out of respect for the reader, I will not go into the various grandstanding that has taken place in regard to both bouts prior to and since each respective cancellation because the fact is, it does little to change the fact that both bouts were cancelled and simply yours truly feels it would be a waste of both my and the reader’s time to rehash such grandstanding. What this observer will go into however, is what should be viewed as an opportunity for both networks Showtime and DAZN to view these cancellations as both a blessing in that they will not lose money on those events, but also an opportunity to change course. 

 

While this observer has frankly made a name for himself over many years in pointing out the flaws of the pay-per-view model, which in regard to the United States and Canada in 2022 has seen price points get out of control where it no longer is of value to the consumer and does little if anything to benefit and grow the sport of Boxing, in this case, we had two pay-per-view attractions mainly aimed at attracting the casual sports fan. Although that should be the aim of any network or promoter to increase the exposure of the sport, the fact that it was aimed for the outdated and often overpriced model of pay-per-view as opposed to more reasonable subscription-based streaming options exposes the flaw of those making decisions as to what qualifies as a pay-per-view attraction. 

 

Now longtime readers should know that I can and will when appropriate call out the flaws of the pay-per-view model and will do so until such a model either changes significantly or is done away with in favor of a model that serves not only to benefit the sport better, but also the consumer in the process. In most cases particularly when this observer was growing up in the 1980’s and even through most of the 1990’s when I began covering the sport of Boxing as well as combat sports as a whole where the pay-per-view concept was reserved for the legitimate major Boxing events, which normally saw the best fighters in the sport pitted against each other, that standard no longer exists and has done little to benefit the sport in the process. 

 

At this point in this column I feel it important to point out to those who may not remember or those who are reading this observer’s work for the first time that when the influx of social media/YouTube celebrity began to enter the sport of Boxing, I did say that those who entered the sport from those mediums would get a fair shake from me so long as they treated the sport with the respect it deserves. After all, Boxing is a combat sport, and I should not have to explain the inherent dangers that come with stepping into the ring. As someone who has covered more career ending injuries and unfortunately more deaths related to fights inside the ring than I would like to admit in my career covering the sport, it is important to me as one who does have Boxing’s best interest at heart that the sport be taken seriously by all and not treated as a joke by those who come into the sport from other mediums and more specifically the critics of Boxing that all too often have way too much ammunition given to them by way of decisions that are made, flaws in the sport’s regulation, and other aspects that continue to keep the sport from reaching its full potential.  

 

Although such criticism more often than not is justified, the sport for whatever reason continues to get in it’s own way as far as progress to increase exposure and grow. For the purposes of this column, the obvious flaw is a continued reliance on the pay-per-view model, despite continued underwhelming returns in the form of buys. In this case, while folks like Jake Paul and other YouTube celebrities have served a role in drawing attention to the sport amongst those who may not have been attracted to Boxing otherwise, we have yet to see one of these fighters compete against someone with a legitimate Boxing background and the fact that such bouts featuring such celebrities are continued to be pushed as pay-per-view attractions rather than fighters at the beginning stages of their careers as any other fighter at similar stages in their careers are regarded, is an indication that something needs to change. While it is important to point out that Jake Paul was scheduled to face a boxer in Hasim Rahman Jr., and that the cancellation should not be viewed as his doing, the cancellation does not serve him well as one who wants to be taken seriously as a boxer and unfortunately for him, the label of a novelty as well as one who is known primarily as a YouTube celebrity will follow him until such time as he boxes those with legitimate Boxing experience and proves that he can be viewed as a serious boxer even if his entry into the sport was in a word unconventional. 

 

What I am referring to when I say something needs to change is a broader subject regarding the pay-per-view model and more specifically, what networks like Showtime and DAZN should be focusing on. It should be no secret to longtime readers that yours truly has been supportive of digital streaming networks like DAZN and ESPN+ primarily for offering a viable alternative to the pay-per-view model with subscription-based options. Despite this, both have dipped their toes into the pay-per-view model, with DAZN insisting that their use of the model would be sparingly and would not dilute the value of a monthly or annual subscription to their network in insisting that it would be only used for legitimate big events that they could not make possible without the aspect of pay-per-view.  

 

It is understandable however, despite what the network claims, as to how consumers may be jaded by having to shell out pay-per-view fees on top of their subscription options, particularly because prior to the COVID-19 global epidemic, DAZN had been marketed as having more value providing competitive pay-per-view quality Boxing cards “Without The Pain of Pay-Per View” prices. While such marketing was legitimate and did succeed in showing that Boxing could succeed under a subscription-based model, the effects of the ongoing epidemic and likely the demands of fighters who have been conditioned to believe that the only way they can make significant money is via the pay-per-view model, despite continued evidence that it is the opposite, DAZN has for the time being been forced into using the pay-per-view model.  

 

Although I am on record in saying that I hope that their use of the model will be temporary and have even suggested that if returns are underwhelming in terms of pay-per-view buys that they need to show the fighters that insist on the model that it is not viable both for the network and for them to continue using pay-per-view, I will admit I was surprised when the KSI-Alex Wassabi bout was announced as a DAZN Pay-Per-View attraction. In no disrespect intended to either fighter and keeping in mind that the event prior to cancellation was actually priced at a reasonable $9.99 price point, it did not strike me as an event that would be seen as a “Big Fight” that necessitated the use of the pay-per-view model that DAZN has stated that they would only use when needed to make those “Big Events.” When one considers that the upcoming third fight between Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and two-time Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin, which will take place on September 17th will be a DAZN Pay-Per-View attraction at a $64.99 price point for current subscribers and a $89.99 price point for non-subscribers, the decision to put a card featuring YouTube celebrities on what they insist will be a selective model at any price point, it should not be hard to understand how an existing subscriber could have cause for concern. 

 

Even though DAZN’s entry into the pay-per-view model can be attributed to the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, there will come a point where they will need to make a decision as to what master they want to serve. The master of what has been proven to be a more economically reasonable model for consumers, or a master of a dying model that many involved with the sport refuse to acknowledge that needs to change. As supportive as I have been and will continue to be of a reasonably priced subscription-based model, I would be lying to the reader if I said that a network in DAZN’s position currently was not walking on eggshells because one decision that proves to be costly in a negative way can obviously affect their existing subscription model.  

 

While the ills/flaws of the pay-per-view model will take some time to solve, a question is should networks look at these recent cancellations as an opportunity to change and if so, how? In thinking about how those fighters who came to Boxing from establishing themselves as YouTube celebrities, I thought of the possibility that networks like Showtime and DAZN as well as others could use the YouTube platform as well as other social media platforms to stage these fights. Although some have used YouTube as a pay-per-view platform, perhaps what they should do is put one of these bouts that in honesty probably would not do well on pay-per-view on their respective YouTube and social media pages and use advertising as a vehicle to make up for hoped for pay-per-view revenue.  

 

Not only will this allow more eyes to be attracted to the sport that may not have viewed Boxing otherwise, but it would also draw in more viewers without the price tag that comes with pay-per-view. Although in regard to Showtime, I have said for a while that they and their parent company Paramount should consider using their parent company’s existing streaming network Paramount+ to do a Showtime Boxing on Paramount+ concept that would be an alternative to the network and parent company losing money on the pay-per-view model, using a fighter like Jake Paul to market a card streamed via Showtime’s YouTube channel and social media platforms could be used as a way to test the waters not only in terms of seeing how viewership across those platforms might do, but also as a way to see how advertising/sponsorship revenue can be monetized towards a potential use of the Paramount+ network to replace their use of the pay-per-view model. When one considers that Paramount has invested significantly in sports rights for Paramount+ including UEFA Soccer leagues as well as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) programming from the Combate Global MMA promotion, the potential exists to move those Boxing events that have been showcased on Showtime Pay-Per-View could be transitioned to Paramount+. Such potential is likely increased by increasing subscriptions to Paramount+ as more consumers move away from cable/satellite pay television. 

 

While these remain only suggestions by this observer again with the best interest of Boxing at heart, it is clear as I have said in other writings discussing the pay-per-view model over the years that something needs to change. Although some may not view cancellations featuring YouTube celebrities as a catalyst that could lead to meaningful change for the sport on a much bigger scale, the opportunity to use the cancellations as potential opportunity by the networks involved to turn negatives into positives is certainly there. The question is whether network executives recognize the opportunity and will seize it or if they will allow Boxing to continue to be limited to a paywall structure that unfortunately will continue to limit the sport’s growth. 

 

 
“And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

 

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

 

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