By Steve Kim
It's been a strong 2017 for Showtime Sports in regards to their boxing franchise. They have featured an attractive slate of fights which have produced solid ratings for the network. And they are continuing to add more fights to their upcoming schedule for the spring.
Looking ahead, what takes place in the fall months?
In 2016, they didn't do much boxing programming during this stretch citing the popularity of college football.
Stephen Espinoza, the Executive V.P. and General Manager of Showtime Sports, told BoxingScene.com:
''Our intention last year was to slow down a bit, but not actually go as long as we did (without fights). There were circumstances outside of our control where we didn't get a fight or two done that he would've liked to. So I think we'll probably adhere to the original plan which is to be lighter but not disappear and certainly in the heavier months which are probably October, November,"
Showtime picked up the rights to televise the IBF welterweight title fight between Kell Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) and mandatory challenger Errol Spence (21-0, 18 KOs). The fight appears to be heading to Brook's hometown of Sheffield in the UK. The only question is just when this fight will take place.
"I've heard three dates," said Espinoza. "The 20, the 27th (of May) and the 3rd, that first Saturday in June. They're trying to get away from soccer conflicts. But I think it's one of those dates."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.