The first pay-per-view system tested in the United states was the Zenith Phonevision system. Developed in 1949, it used telephone lines to take and receive orders as well as descramble a broadcast signal. Field tests were run for 90 days in Chicago. In 1950, Skiatron tested it's Subscriber-Vision system on WOR in New York City. The system used IBM punch cards to descramble the signal which was broadcast during the broadcasts stations "off-time". Both systems showed promise, but were denied permits by the FCC.
One of the earliest pay-per-view systems on cable the Optical Systems Channel 100, which first saw service in 1972 in San Diego through Mission Cable (acquired by Cox Communications) and TheaterVisioN, which ran out of Sarasota, Florida. These early systems quickly went out of business, as the cable industry adopted satellite technology and flat rate systems like Home Box Office became popular.
Pay per view began becoming popular when the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers began using the system after winning the championship in the 1977 season. During that time, it was operated on a few pay-TV services such as Z Channel, SelecTV, and ON-TV in select markets throughout the 1980s.
I think Paulie is an exciting fighter... not only did he beat N'Dou, he did not lose a round... shut him out... Now most fights that are that one sided are unwatchable... I really enjoyed that fight...
Also, I think he can handle the guys he calls out, he has called out Hatton, I think that is a SuperFight at 140 especially if "the Magic Man" can fight a Harris or a Rees before, after his Dec. 1 against his mandatory... Especially after Ricky takes his beating against PBF, Hatton will want a fight at 140...
That would make it a unification fight thus "SUPER!"
Pavlik/Miranda and BHop/Winky... The first because Pavlik is my favorite fighter and he looked good... And the second because it turned out to be a good fight that could have been soooooooo boring.
In a story I read on this guy he is consumed with this record... wants to break it then step up in class of fighter... I think a real contender like Mean Joe Greene would expose this kid for the side show he is
I understand it would be a better fight... but why does Margarito deserve a shot at Cotto??? Didn't he just get OWNED by P. Will? The fight I watched he did, I couldn't believe Marg thought it was close... The "SuperFight" was the much better choice for the casual boxing fan, Mosley is a name that can still be recognized.
The first fight I remember was Tyson-Spinks... I was 4, my dad is a big fight fan... I remember crying when Douglas KTFO Tyson... and Fan-Man at Holyfield-Bowe II and predicted Moorer's win againgst Evander!