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Interviewer: Sir Richard, the Golden CEO it's been a while since we've had you on **********.com..."Well we have been very busy with all of these big promotions, but now as the year is winding down it's the perfect opportunity to go on the record with **********. We're already cooking up some big things for next year. I already know it's going to be another exciting year. I was telling Mark Taffet yesterday that Golden Boy Promotions did about 4.5M homes PPV. No promoter has ever done even close to 4M period so we were very happy about generating 4.5M homes and I told Mark next year our goal is to break 5!
"He was laughing and I told him don't laugh just watch. If the best fight the best, the people will want to see it and that's exactly what we have to continue into next year."
Interviewer: You guys ended the year with three huge PPV shows, how do you build off of that going into 2008?
Richard Schaffer: "I think it's not just us. I think 2007 has really shown a blueprint for all of the promoters. Look what Top Rank and Lou DiBella are doing with Pavlik and Taylor. And then in March with us and Top Rank with Marquez-Pacquiao, the trend has already been started. What the fans are getting are good meaningful fights, where you as the consumer turn on the TV and really don't know who's going to win and that in my opinion is making the difference. I hope that we can finalize this week or sometime next week the fight with Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe. Of course in May Oscar is back and when you look at that talent that will be on display in February, March, April and May it's the best fighting the best."
Interviewer: Ricky Hatton just lost to Mayweather but he fought like warrior, will...
RS: (cutting in) "It's like I said boxing is a form of entertainment. It's all about entertaining the public and you have to keep that in mind. What is entertaining? Entertaining is giving the public good fights. That's the name of the game in any sport. That's what fans want to see. Ricky Hatton didn't win, but I assure you that those people who were there watching that fight are going to go again and again and again. The guy is a true warrior and he doesn't know how to give somebody a bad fight and obviously more often than not he's the winner. It was not so on December 8, but watch and see. Don't count Ricky Hatton out."
Interviewer: Will Golden Boy Promotions continue to promote Hatton?
RS: "We had very good conversations with the Hatton's following the fight. Based on what we've been told by their attorney, I sure hope so. It looks that way. I think we have done a good job for Ricky. I think he has gained a tremendous amount of exposure in the United States. It was a wonderfully promoted fight and I believe that's the way the Hatton's see it as well."
Interviewer: Is there any chance Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya can still fight following Ricky's loss to Mayweather?
RS: "I feel if you have the two most popular fighters in the world fight each other and they're both guys who love to go toe-to-toe and **** it out. Would that be the kind of entertainment fight fans want to see? Absolutely. Between the De La Hoya fans and the Hatton fans there would be some interesting dynamics in the crowd. We'll be able to see who sings louder." (laughs) We would have to come up with a De La Hoya song."
Interviewer: Earlier you mentioned finalizing Hopkins-Calzaghe. Where would that fight take place?
RS: "We obviously have to run it by Bernard and Joe, but one place that is under consideration is the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas."
Interviewer: How do you think the atmosphere for Hopkins-Calzaghe would compare to that of Mayweather-Hatton?
RS: "If you were there and you saw the weigh-in and I know you were there. Joe Calzaghe got almost a louder ovation at the weigh-in than Hatton did. I think it's going to be an amazing atmosphere. And keep in mind the Mandalay Bay has only 10,000 seats. The other one had 16,000. I already heard that the Brits would want to have 15,000 seats for that fight and there's only 10,000 available. I think it's going to be again an absolutely amazing atmosphere."
Interviewer: What's next for Sugar Shane Mosley?
RS: "I'm going to be meeting with them sometime this week. He sort of wants to see how things unfold, but the only thing he's interested in is a big fight. He doesn't want any comeback fights. It was a very close fight with Cotto. Some people felt Mosley won, some people felt Cotto won, but the judges felt Cotto won and so be it. But I think Shane put on a tremendous fight and all of the doors are open for him as well."
Interviwer: When will Oscar fight next? Cinco De Mayo weekend?
RS: "I believe it will be May 3."
Interviwer: Who is on the short list of opponents for De La Hoya? Everyone from Zab Judah, to Winky Wright, to Vernon Forrest, the list goes on, everyone wants a piece of him.
RS: "That list is long but I think it really comes down to three names. Those three names are Ricky Hatton, of course Floyd Mayweather is another one and Miguel Cotto is the other name. In the next few days and weeks, I will be talking to their respective representatives and I will make some other calls as it relates to PPV and venues. Then I will present Oscar with the three options and then the chairman of the board will make his decision."
Interviewer: I'm far from the astute numbers man you are, but in my opinion in terms of gross revenue generated those names would rank, 1. Mayweather, 2. Hatton, 3. Cotto. Do you agree with that?
RS: "I would think that's probably the case. I agree with that. But obviously you have to take into consideration, revenues are one thing but deal structure is another one so you have to see at the end of the day based on the deal structure what kind of implication does that have on Oscar's purse."
Interviewer: For those reading this interview who are incapable of reading between the lines, that means that even though Mayweather is the biggest fight, Oscar could make more fighting one of the other names because Mayweather would want 50-50.
RS: "I'm not going to start discussing that right now. One has to take into consideration that Floyd Mayweather has arrived. He has clearly crossed over. It doesn't really matter who you put in with you, but these PPV fights have been known to generate anywhere between 300,000 and 400,000 homes. Mayweather has now become one of these crossover stars and he has really captured the public's imagination with his talent, his flash and his personality. Floyd Mayweather has become the only fighter to do 3.4M PPV homes in one year. That clearly speaks for him and I think he's got a new name now, I call him triple M."
Interviwer: What does triple M stand for Sir Richard?
RS: "You know what it stands for Greg."
Interviwer: I know but share with our readers.
RS: "Mainstream Money Mayweather. Love him, hate him, I think he's the kind of fighter who evokes emotions out of people."
Interviewer: What's the status of the February 9 fight between Diaz and Katsidis?
RS: "We think that this is a fight that has fight of the year written all over it. It's one of those fights that if you're a fight fan you don't want to miss it. We're dilligently trying to do what we can in our power to make that fight happen. That's what we're working on."
Interviewr: Barrera is already retired and the other three Golden Boy figure heads, Hopkins, Shane and Oscar are all on their way out. How important is it for Golden Boy to develop its young talent so there's somebody to pass the torch to?
RS: "I think not only for Golden Boy, but I think it's important for the sport period, but fighters have to be developed. When I say developed that's not just putting them on Showtime or ESPN, there has to be some complimenting programming that makes these kids more household name. Something like 24/7 does, but just for younger kids. This is something I am spending a lot of time on. Having these young kids fight six times a year on boxing shows is not enough. I am working on creating a program similar 24/7 that will be all about developing these young kids into household names."
Interviwer: If De La Hoya and Mayweather fight again, what are the chances that a Mosley-Hatton fight take place?
RS: "I don't know what the likelihood of that would be. It certainly would be a possibility. Ricky would like to do a rematch with Mayweather. If he can't get a De La Hoya at 147 or a rematch with Mayweather that would be something for him to consider. When I talked to the Hatton's they told me that they would be interested in a Pacquiao fight and we understand that Manny Pacquiao is interested in that fight as well. If everything goes well with Pacquiao with Juan Manuel Marquez, which is not a sure thing, who knows? Maybe the next fight could be with Ricky Hatton. Hatton could also fight Juan Diaz, there's alot of big fights out there for Ricky Hatton because he's an exciting guy. For Shane I think a rematch with Miguel Cotto would certainly be a possibility. A fight with Antonio Margarito might be another possibility."
Interviewer: Is there anything you want to say to the fans in closing?
RS: "We at Golden Boy will continue to give our fans the fights they deserve. The best fighting the best. That really has helped put the sport of boxing on the front of the sport pages again. That's where it's supposed to be and that's where it's going to say. We will continue to make the best fights."
"He was laughing and I told him don't laugh just watch. If the best fight the best, the people will want to see it and that's exactly what we have to continue into next year."
Interviewer: You guys ended the year with three huge PPV shows, how do you build off of that going into 2008?
Richard Schaffer: "I think it's not just us. I think 2007 has really shown a blueprint for all of the promoters. Look what Top Rank and Lou DiBella are doing with Pavlik and Taylor. And then in March with us and Top Rank with Marquez-Pacquiao, the trend has already been started. What the fans are getting are good meaningful fights, where you as the consumer turn on the TV and really don't know who's going to win and that in my opinion is making the difference. I hope that we can finalize this week or sometime next week the fight with Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe. Of course in May Oscar is back and when you look at that talent that will be on display in February, March, April and May it's the best fighting the best."
Interviewer: Ricky Hatton just lost to Mayweather but he fought like warrior, will...
RS: (cutting in) "It's like I said boxing is a form of entertainment. It's all about entertaining the public and you have to keep that in mind. What is entertaining? Entertaining is giving the public good fights. That's the name of the game in any sport. That's what fans want to see. Ricky Hatton didn't win, but I assure you that those people who were there watching that fight are going to go again and again and again. The guy is a true warrior and he doesn't know how to give somebody a bad fight and obviously more often than not he's the winner. It was not so on December 8, but watch and see. Don't count Ricky Hatton out."
Interviewer: Will Golden Boy Promotions continue to promote Hatton?
RS: "We had very good conversations with the Hatton's following the fight. Based on what we've been told by their attorney, I sure hope so. It looks that way. I think we have done a good job for Ricky. I think he has gained a tremendous amount of exposure in the United States. It was a wonderfully promoted fight and I believe that's the way the Hatton's see it as well."
Interviewer: Is there any chance Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya can still fight following Ricky's loss to Mayweather?
RS: "I feel if you have the two most popular fighters in the world fight each other and they're both guys who love to go toe-to-toe and **** it out. Would that be the kind of entertainment fight fans want to see? Absolutely. Between the De La Hoya fans and the Hatton fans there would be some interesting dynamics in the crowd. We'll be able to see who sings louder." (laughs) We would have to come up with a De La Hoya song."
Interviewer: Earlier you mentioned finalizing Hopkins-Calzaghe. Where would that fight take place?
RS: "We obviously have to run it by Bernard and Joe, but one place that is under consideration is the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas."
Interviewer: How do you think the atmosphere for Hopkins-Calzaghe would compare to that of Mayweather-Hatton?
RS: "If you were there and you saw the weigh-in and I know you were there. Joe Calzaghe got almost a louder ovation at the weigh-in than Hatton did. I think it's going to be an amazing atmosphere. And keep in mind the Mandalay Bay has only 10,000 seats. The other one had 16,000. I already heard that the Brits would want to have 15,000 seats for that fight and there's only 10,000 available. I think it's going to be again an absolutely amazing atmosphere."
Interviewer: What's next for Sugar Shane Mosley?
RS: "I'm going to be meeting with them sometime this week. He sort of wants to see how things unfold, but the only thing he's interested in is a big fight. He doesn't want any comeback fights. It was a very close fight with Cotto. Some people felt Mosley won, some people felt Cotto won, but the judges felt Cotto won and so be it. But I think Shane put on a tremendous fight and all of the doors are open for him as well."
Interviwer: When will Oscar fight next? Cinco De Mayo weekend?
RS: "I believe it will be May 3."
Interviwer: Who is on the short list of opponents for De La Hoya? Everyone from Zab Judah, to Winky Wright, to Vernon Forrest, the list goes on, everyone wants a piece of him.
RS: "That list is long but I think it really comes down to three names. Those three names are Ricky Hatton, of course Floyd Mayweather is another one and Miguel Cotto is the other name. In the next few days and weeks, I will be talking to their respective representatives and I will make some other calls as it relates to PPV and venues. Then I will present Oscar with the three options and then the chairman of the board will make his decision."
Interviewer: I'm far from the astute numbers man you are, but in my opinion in terms of gross revenue generated those names would rank, 1. Mayweather, 2. Hatton, 3. Cotto. Do you agree with that?
RS: "I would think that's probably the case. I agree with that. But obviously you have to take into consideration, revenues are one thing but deal structure is another one so you have to see at the end of the day based on the deal structure what kind of implication does that have on Oscar's purse."
Interviewer: For those reading this interview who are incapable of reading between the lines, that means that even though Mayweather is the biggest fight, Oscar could make more fighting one of the other names because Mayweather would want 50-50.
RS: "I'm not going to start discussing that right now. One has to take into consideration that Floyd Mayweather has arrived. He has clearly crossed over. It doesn't really matter who you put in with you, but these PPV fights have been known to generate anywhere between 300,000 and 400,000 homes. Mayweather has now become one of these crossover stars and he has really captured the public's imagination with his talent, his flash and his personality. Floyd Mayweather has become the only fighter to do 3.4M PPV homes in one year. That clearly speaks for him and I think he's got a new name now, I call him triple M."
Interviwer: What does triple M stand for Sir Richard?
RS: "You know what it stands for Greg."
Interviwer: I know but share with our readers.
RS: "Mainstream Money Mayweather. Love him, hate him, I think he's the kind of fighter who evokes emotions out of people."
Interviewer: What's the status of the February 9 fight between Diaz and Katsidis?
RS: "We think that this is a fight that has fight of the year written all over it. It's one of those fights that if you're a fight fan you don't want to miss it. We're dilligently trying to do what we can in our power to make that fight happen. That's what we're working on."
Interviewr: Barrera is already retired and the other three Golden Boy figure heads, Hopkins, Shane and Oscar are all on their way out. How important is it for Golden Boy to develop its young talent so there's somebody to pass the torch to?
RS: "I think not only for Golden Boy, but I think it's important for the sport period, but fighters have to be developed. When I say developed that's not just putting them on Showtime or ESPN, there has to be some complimenting programming that makes these kids more household name. Something like 24/7 does, but just for younger kids. This is something I am spending a lot of time on. Having these young kids fight six times a year on boxing shows is not enough. I am working on creating a program similar 24/7 that will be all about developing these young kids into household names."
Interviwer: If De La Hoya and Mayweather fight again, what are the chances that a Mosley-Hatton fight take place?
RS: "I don't know what the likelihood of that would be. It certainly would be a possibility. Ricky would like to do a rematch with Mayweather. If he can't get a De La Hoya at 147 or a rematch with Mayweather that would be something for him to consider. When I talked to the Hatton's they told me that they would be interested in a Pacquiao fight and we understand that Manny Pacquiao is interested in that fight as well. If everything goes well with Pacquiao with Juan Manuel Marquez, which is not a sure thing, who knows? Maybe the next fight could be with Ricky Hatton. Hatton could also fight Juan Diaz, there's alot of big fights out there for Ricky Hatton because he's an exciting guy. For Shane I think a rematch with Miguel Cotto would certainly be a possibility. A fight with Antonio Margarito might be another possibility."
Interviewer: Is there anything you want to say to the fans in closing?
RS: "We at Golden Boy will continue to give our fans the fights they deserve. The best fighting the best. That really has helped put the sport of boxing on the front of the sport pages again. That's where it's supposed to be and that's where it's going to say. We will continue to make the best fights."
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