If it's Showtime, it's a coup for that network. After a dismal 2007, they are coming back big time this year, and if HBO doesn't step it up in the second half, it could be Showtime's year. PPVs shouldn't figure in for the HBO/Showtime battle.
It doesn't look very promising for HBO, though Vitali-Peter on HBO WBC sounds good. But, after Cal-Hopkins, there isn't a huge, five-star fight slated for WCB for the rest of the year.
I would venture to say HBO let Showtime outbid them. Same thing happened for Marquez-Vazquez I. HBO is probably thinking Kessler is to blame for the all-time low rating in the Calzaghe fight, and of course the last time they hyped Miranda, he was blasted out by Pavlik.
But don't be surprised if HBO's WCB budget is already very close to tapped out FOR THE YEAR, with the DLH fight gobbling up so much along with Cal-Hopkins.
It should be a great fight. I just believe that Kessler will outbox Miranda who will be looking to connect on a bomb all night long. I hope Showtime decides to show another fight on this night. I haven't seen Witter fight before , so that would be good .
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