Don't Settle, Keep Moving Forward in 2008

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

By Jake Donovan - What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, boxing watched itself sputter down the stretch, with three consecutive weekends of showcase bouts concluding a dismal 2006 campaign for HBO, the industry leader for all intent and purposes. The throne was available for the taking, but none of the other networks seemed terribly interested in stepping up.

The best fights that could be made in the ring were to never be, unable to overcome such obstacles as feuds between promoter and fighter, or promoter v. promoter, or promoter v. network. Fighters reserving one date, only to pull a bait-and-switch for a lesser product while further mulling premature retirement plans. [details]

[Motofan]

New stars were born on HBO, while Showtime foolishly invested in boxing's most unwanted, badly faded one-hit wonder Antonio Tarver.

I dont like Tarver, but damn that is harsh.

[mrpain81]

Showtime has had alot of great prospects on ShoBox........They cant really compete with HBO, because all the money HBO has.

But HBO had its best year in a very long time.

[-Antonio-]

Showtime turned down Margarito/Judah for Tarver/TBD.

**** them.

[Migs]

Great article. I really hope everyone mentioned in that piece, from the networks, fighters, and promotors, to the fans like us, to take those suggestions to heart and follows through with them. If that indeed does happen i believe we can expect an even better year of boxing in 08'.

[Mike_Dee]

good read. "Unify" is the word of the year in 08. they (fighters, promoters, networks) better make that **** happen

[Sweet Pea]

New stars were born on HBO, while Showtime foolishly invested in boxing's most unwanted, badly faded one-hit wonder Antonio Tarver.

I dont like Tarver, but damn that is harsh.

Perhaps harsh, but Tarver is driving away his fans in droves and has lost our respect. Before his RJJ success he was fighting all comers and talking **** and BRINGING IT. Now look at the delusional fool squandering what he worked so hard to attain. Sadly, he become Roy Jones Juior.

[Sweet Pea]

Great article. I really hope everyone mentioned in that piece, from the networks, fighters, and promotors, to the fans like us, to take those suggestions to heart and follows through with them. If that indeed does happen i believe we can expect an even better year of boxing in 08'.

I agree, Migs, and mucho props to the author. Excellent analysis of the scene.

[TopDawg]

Good article, and I can see boxing being just as good, or even better in '08 with all the potential fights that can be made. I have a feeling that this is going to be another great year for the sport of boxing.

[Mr. Ryan]

An excellent article by Jake. I can't imagine a way to pen what people need to hear about boxing, and what makes boxing something people need to appreciate.