Featured Articles
Pay Per View, Boxing and the Damage Done
I came home the evening of February 15, 1978 to find my stepfather in front of the TV, cackling like a keeper of crypts. He was a Vietnam vet, and the thing that was bringing him joy was there on national television. Leon Spinks was beating Muhammad Ali. Just walking in on the event, I asked him what was happening.
âSpinks is about to beat that draft dodging son of a bitch!â he squealed.
âOh no!â I replied.
I suppose I can point out now I never did like my stepfather very much, but thatâs a story for another time.
As fight fans already know, Spinks did take the bout in a split decision in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport. I went to bed brokenhearted that nightâAli has always been a hero of mine. Little did I know, that the saddest thing that happened that evening wasnât Aliâs loss (he would avenge the defeat just seven months later). No, the thing that hurts the most now is knowing that will never happen again. I now know I will never walk through the door of my home and again find a boxing match of any significance on regular television. As unfortunate as that truth may be for me, it has been much worse for the sport I grew up on and still love to this day.
I may have just recently entered my middle ages, but when it comes to loving the art of fisticuffs, I already feel like a dinosaur. I have literally one friend in my life whom I can talk to about boxing and know he is up on current events. To all my other sports loving friends, I am a fringe dweller. Hell, I know more people who follow the Tour de France than boxing nowadays. Think about that, Americans getting excited about a bunch of guys riding a bike through the mountains, en francais no less, instead of one of the most compelling and immediate sports ever invented. Donât Americans hate the French anyway?
There is a reason boxing has been relegated to a lower tier sport. Itâs not because of the corruption, the bad judging, the porous state of the heavyweight division (I know, I know, itâs not the Klitschkoâs fault), or even fights like Mayweather-Pacquiao never happening. Sure, all those issues are of genuine concern, but it pales in comparison to one simple fact. The casual fan has no access to the premier fights in the sport without coming out of pocket in a way no other major sport asks you to do.
The first boxing match to broadcast through PPV was Ali-Frazier 3, the âThrilla in Manillaâ in 1975. It wasnât until the early 80âs that PPV really started to take over the most significant matches in the fight game. Duran/Leonard and Leonard/Hearns were so successful that the practice became the norm throughout the decade and the use of PPV is now the accepted standard.
The reason for this is clear.
Money.
A lot of it. Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis brought in nearly $107 million in 2002 and Mayweather/de la Hoya topped $120 million. Thatâs like, real money. Not only for the fighters, but for the various promoters too. It is not however, good for the sport.
Itâs hard to create new fans when the best fighters in the game are seldom accessible unless their tune-up fight is against a lower level opponent. In the case of someone like Mayweather or Pac, that doesnât even happen. People become fans of a sport through regular access to the best the game has to offer. That simply doesnât happen with boxing. Not only has the sport lost an entire generation to the short term PPV benefit of fast money, but over the last decade, MMA has become a legitimate competitor in the field of combat sports. Of course, the UFC is now entering the PPV arena with regularity as well, chasing boxing down the same rabbit hole.
Obviously, those cleaning up on PPV (the promoters, the various alphabet orgs, and a select few fighters) have the control over the pervasiveness of its use, and anyone who knows anything about boxing knows we are stuck with this system. It is a painfully shortsighted business plan though. Much like the United States economy, too great a percentage of the income and power is held by too few and those happy few have no interest in the long term health of the venture. Itâs all âI got mine, screw you.â In case youâre wondering, that âyouâ is probably the you reading this right now.
As it stands now, there are essentially three tiers levels of boxing on television. PPV for the marquee fights. Showtime/HBO for the tier level just below that, and finally ESPN and the fledgling Fox, CBS, and NBC cable sports networks for the lower rung fights. The days of the major networks showing any fights at all are long gone. So, the only way to see a boxing match on television is to have at least basic cable. And even then youâll be stuck with journeymen andâif youâre luckyâup and comers on Friday Night Fights, while Teddy Atlas waxes less than poetically, using analogies that both puzzle and amuse. Otherwise, you need an upgraded package to include HBO or Showtime for the better fights and then come off even more money to see the best contests. Much like trickle-down economics, this makes it hard on the middle class and blue collar types to take an interest in an endeavor they just might enjoy, should they ever be able to view it.
This all but ensures that the sport will continue to decline in popularity and be left with nothing but aging die-hardsâlike, gulp, meâas fans. To be honest, Iâm not so sure we arenât already there. Oh sure, there will be some exceptionsâthere always areâand there will be a bottom to the decline. But as long as people will have to pay $75 to watch Floyd Mayweather fight an all too carefully matched opponent with a lousy undercard preceding his bout, boxing will remain on the outer limits, and even those die-hards like me will start wondering what else could have been done with that money. 75 bucks is three oil changes, 5 six packs of my favorite craft beer, a couple of nice dinners, et cetera, et cetera. If those thoughts already cross my mind, what do you think is going through the minds of those who are not already initiated into our extraordinary sport? I can answer that for you. Anything but boxing.
Featured Articles
Luis Nery is Devoured by a Monster in Tokyo: Naoya Inoue KO 6
In March of 1988, three days after the official opening of the Tokyo Dome, Mike Tyson christened the arena for boxing with a second-round stoppage of Tony Tubbs. The announced attendance, 51,000, was a record for a boxing match in Japan that would stand for 36 years. A multitude somewhat larger (the exact tally isnât yet official) was on hand today to witness their hero Naoya âMonsterâ Inoue get off the deck to humble Tijuana import Luis Nery.
A former two-division world title-holder, Nery stunned the faithful in the second minute of the opening round when he put Inoue on the canvas with a sweeping left hook. It was the first time that the âMonsterâ had ever been knocked down and (shades of Tyson-Douglas!) it appeared for a moment that another monster upset was brewing in the building that locals fondly call the Big Egg. But Inoue returned the favor in round two when he caught the lunging Nery off-balance and put him down with a sharp left hook and was in control of the fight from that point on.
Inoue produced a second knockdown in round five with a short left hook and closed the show in the following round with a vicious right hand that snapped Neryâs head back and splattered him against the ropes. Referee Michael Griffin waived it off without a count. The official time was 1:22.
Inoue, who won his first pro title in his sixth pro fight, improved to 27-0 (24 KOs) while successfully defending his unified 122-pound title. It was his eighth straight win inside the distance, a run that began with a seventh-round stoppage of Jason Moloney at the MGM Bubble in Las Vegas. Luis Nery, who lost for only the second time in 37 fights, was 2-0 in previous visits to Japan, stopping Shinsuke Yamanaka twice, the second KO of which rucked Yamanaka off into retirement and established Neryâs reputation as a bully.
There were three other world title fights on the card, all of which went the full 12 rounds.
In a mild upset, Yokohama southpaw Yoshiki Takao won a world title in his ninth pro fight, overcoming Australiaâs Jason Moloney (27-3) to capture the WBA bantamweight belt. Moloney mustered a big rally in the final round but couldnât seal the deal. There were no knockdowns but Takao had a point deducted in round two for low blows. The scores were 117-110 and 116-111 twice.
Takuma Inoue, Naoyaâs younger brother, successfully defended his WBA world bantamweight title in his second title defense with a unanimous decision over Osakaâs Sho Ishida (34-4). Takuma, who improved to 20-1, is a good technician but with only five stoppages to his credit, lacks the firepower of his celebrated brother.
In a rematch, WBA super flyweight title-holder Seigo Yuri Akui scored a unanimous decision over countryman Taku Kuwahara. The scores were 118-110 and 117-111 twice.
Akui (20-2-1) was making the first defense of the title he won in January with an upset of long-reigning title-holder Artem Dalakian. In their previous meeting at adjacent Korakuen Hall, Akui saddled Kuwahara (13-2) with his first defeat, scoring a 10th-round stoppage.
To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE
Featured Articles
Canelo Alvarez Turns Away Jaime Munguia to Remain Undisputed King at 168
Saul âCaneloâ Alvarez remains Mexicoâs top fighter and the undisputed super middleweight world champion with a resounding victory by unanimous decision over the hard-charging Jaime Munguia on Saturday.
If Mexico had a monarchy Alvarez would be king.
âI am the best Mexican fighter,â said Alvarez.
An announced crowd of 17,492 saw Guadalajaraâs Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) patiently analyze the battle plan of Tijuanaâs Munguiaâs (43-1, 34 KOs) and then unravel it methodically every round at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
It was a battle for Mexico that pitted two dangerous fighters with Munguia entering the prize ring undefeated and hungry to establish himself as Mexicoâs new power. He just wasnât ready.
After Munguia opened up quickly behind a solid jab and combinations, Alvarez calmly blocked and parried the Tijuana fighterâs attacks for three rounds and then it happened.
After success in the first three rounds Munguia opened up with another attack in the fourth that Alvarez calmly timed and snapped a right uppercut to the chin that floored the Tijuana fighter for the first time in his career. He got up from the knockdown and was able to stave off a further Canelo attack.
The momentum suddenly changed and for good.
Alvarez stalked Munguia every round with a more aggressive approach and sometimes set traps for counters. Though the Mexican redhead found success he was unable to floor the taller Munguia again. But he did come close including the seventh when a left hook to the body visibly hurt Munguia. He survived.
It must have been frustrating for Munguia whose improvement in his boxing skills have been noticeable in his last three fights. Even in this fight his ability to defend and return fire against Caneloâs clever moves was a vast improvement over his career three years ago. But its not enough when battling one of the best fighters pound-for- pound in the world.
Four-division world champion Alvarez strategically proved his skills are another level that only a few today possess. It was a valuable lesson for Munguia to learn the same lesson Canelo received against Floyd Mayweather a decade ago.
Experience counts.
âHeâs a fighter with a lot of experience,â said Munguia who had hoped his youth and stamina would help against the 33-year-old Alvarez.
Canelo said Munguia was a great fighter and very strong.
âI take my time,â said Alvarez âHeâs strong but a little slow I saw every punch.â
Though it was the fifth consecutive fight without a knockout, Alvarez was satisfied with the unanimous decision to keep the WBO, WBA, WBC and IBF super middleweight titles. It was the first time two Mexican super middleweights fought for all the titles.
Alvarez said this win again proves he can fight whoever he chooses after fighting boxing greats like Miguel Cotto, Mayweather and other champions.
âI can do whatever I want to do,â said Alvarez.
Other Bouts
Mario Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) floored Fabian Maidana (22-3, 16 KOs) in the third round but found the hard-punching Argentine too tough to finish off. Instead, he used a steady stream of jabs to win by unanimous decision after 12 rounds.
A touch left followed by a rifle right cross dropped Maidana. Instead of giving up, the younger brother of the great Marcos Maidana unleashed his own big blows to force Barrios into a more careful strategic fight mode. Especially after one or two blows caused a swelling on his right eye.
But Maidana never could find the antidote for Barriosâs jab that won the majority of the rounds for the San Antonio, Texas fighter. After 12 rounds all three judges scored it 116-111 for Barrios who keeps the interim welterweight title.
After a sluggish start, Brandon Figueroa (25-1-1, 19 KOs) found his footing midway through the super bantamweight match against Jesse Magdaleno (29-3, 18 KOs) and ended the match with a one-punch belt to the body to win the battle of former champions.
Magdaleno took the lead in the fight with clever boxing but slowly Figueroa cranked up his punch out-put and while during a furious exchange the fighter from Weslaco, Texas connected with a left to the body. Magdaleno could not beat the count at 2:59 of the ninth round.
Figueroa retains the interim super bantamweight title.
Eimantas Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs) used a power jab to separate from Venezuelaâs Gabriel Maestre (6-1-1, 5 KOs) to retain the WBA welterweight world title by unanimous decision.
Despite two years from a ring appearance, Stanionis was able to out-work Maestre, a 37-year-old who was fighting for his first world title. Both had faced each other years ago as amateurs.
No knockdowns were scored but the fast-paced fight was won by the busier Stanionis whose jab was his primary weapon. All three scores favored the Lithuanian fighter 117-111, 118-110, 119-109.
Photo credit: Al Applerose
To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE
Featured Articles
Mielnicki, Ramos and Scull Victorious on Cinco de Mayo Weekend in Las Vegas
Two 10-round junior middleweight prelims aired as teasers for tonightâs four-fight pay-per-view at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In the opener; New Jerseyâs Vito Mielnicki Jr (pictured) scored his tenth straight win, advancing to 18-1 (12) with a wide decision over SoCalâs Ronald Cruz. Mielnicki, 21, put Cruz on the canvas in round three and again in round four, but So Calâs Cruz (19-4-1) stayed the course and maintained his distinction of never being stopped. The judges had it 99-89, 98-90, and 96-92 for âWhite Magicâ who had the noted trainer Ronnie Shields in his corner.
In the second bout â the main go of the prelims, so to speak â 23-year-old Arizona southpaw Jesus Ramos rebounded from his first loss (a narrow defeat to Erickson Lubin in this same ring) with a ninth-round stoppage of Johan Gonzalez who was making his third start in the U.S., having fought mostly in Venezuela and Panama.
Gonzalez was rugged, but his record heading in (34-2 with 33 KOs) was deceptive as he was out-classed by Ramos (21-1, 17 KOs) who was credited with landing roughly twice as many punches before he brought the bout to a conclusion. A counter left hook put Gonzalez down hard. He beat the count, but Ramos swarmed after him, rocking him with punches. There were only 5 seconds remining in the ninth frame when referee Harvey Dock waived it off. Gonzalez protested, but it was the right call.
Also
Super middleweight William Scull made his U.S. debut in an 8-round fight. A native of Cuba who had been living in Germany and now hangs his hat in Argentina, Scull, 31, scored a knockdown in the fifth round en route to winning a unanimous decision over New Orleansâ Sean Hemphill (16-2).
Scull is ranked #1 by the IBF, but you wonât find his name in the Top 15 of the other three major sanctioning bodies. Does the obscure William Scull have Canelo Alvarez in his future?
In another undercard bout of note, Mexico City super bantamweight Alan Picasso improved to 28-0-1 (16 KOs) with a fifth-round stoppage of Coloradoâs Damien Vazquez (17-4-1). Picasso, 23, is ranked #2 at 122 by the WBC.
Check back later as TSS West Coast bureau chief David Avila weighs in with a recap of the Canelo-Munguia fight and the three fights preceding it. The bouts are available for purchase on multiple pay-per-view platforms: e.g. Prime, DAZN, and PPV.com.
To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
In a Massive Upset, Dakota Linger TKOs Kurt Scoby on a Friday Night in Atlanta
-
Featured Articles2 weeks ago
In a Shocker, Ryan Garcia Confounds the Experts and Upsets Devin Haney
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Resurgent Angelo Leo Turns Away Eduardo Baez on a Wednesday Night in Florida
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Avila Perspective, Chap. 281: The Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia Show
-
Featured Articles2 weeks ago
Haney-Garcia Redux with the Focus on Harvey Dock
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
O.J. Simpson the Boxer: A Heartwarming Tale for the Whole Family
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Anderson Cruises by Vapid Merhy and Ajagba edges Vianello in Texas
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Avila Perspective, Chap. 280: Matchroom Snatches âBootsâ Ennis and More