VERSUS Presents The Return of the Saturday Boxing Matinee

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

By Jake Donovan - It's brought up every time a card of which we disapprove airs on premium cable - "It's nothing but an infomercial for a future pay-per-view card."

The statement, of course, is followed up by a response longing for a return to the old days - "Back in the day, a show like this wouldn't be worthy of free TV."

From there, the conversation momentarily pauses, as those in the debate quietly think back to all of those Saturday afternoons spent watching Kung-Fu Theatre, followed up by championship-level boxing on any given network. Not the occasional one-and-done fight on ABC, or a five-week season on NBC featuring nothing but prospects. Championship-level prizefighting, all before dinnertime, and none of it requiring you to spend an extra $10-12 per month on your cable or satellite bill in order to access the channel. [details]

[-Antonio-]

I hope this isnt a one time deal.

[audibleone]

I hope the commentators aren't as worse as usual.

[JakeNDaBox]

I hope this isnt a one time deal.

It didn't sound like it. The rep from VERSUS was cryptic with responses pertaining to the network's future, other than to say that their deal w/ Top Rank soon expires, and that they're exploring the possibility of re-signing w/ the network and also working with other promoters (like Oscar). They also like the idea of airing fights from overseas, which is probably the most effective way to offer top-notch afternoon boxing.

[The Hammer]

Saturday afternoon is the perfect time for me to watch boxing, since I like to go out on Saturday evening.

There's important fights in Europe virtually every weekend. It would be wonderful if Versus would start showing some of the Universum and Sauerland title fights in Germany.

[-Antonio-]

It didn't sound like it. The rep from VERSUS was cryptic with responses pertaining to the network's future, other than to say that their deal w/ Top Rank soon expires, and that they're exploring the possibility of re-signing w/ the network and also working with other promoters (like Oscar). They also like the idea of airing fights from overseas, which is probably the most effective way to offer top-notch afternoon boxing.

Something in between what FNF and the pay networks have to offer would be nice.

[Froch You]

There's important fights in Europe virtually every weekend. It would be wonderful if Versus would start showing some of the Universum and Sauerland title fights in Germany.

Agreed

[BabyFaceAssasin]

Please everyone!!! Don't give up on our sport stay faithful, even if it is just us watching. I've always said Boxing fans our born not made.

[The_Italian]

I dont think its going to be a one-time deal and i think versus will do a better job in production of this fight than if it would be done by ESPN...

Dont get me wrong i like what teddy and joe do on ESPN when covering the fight but the overall production isnt there...

Versus does a pretty decent job in production AND (like espn, but unlike hbo and shotime) when the regular card is over if there is still air time left they show other live fights which is good...something that SHO and HBO should really start doing.

I remember the cotto v. mosley PPV card ended way early (i think like 3 of the undercards were first round knockouts) and they basically said, "thanks for the $50, goodnight" and thats not fair...especially when you PAY $50 to see world class boxing.

Versus and ESPN go out of their way to show you exactly what is advertised...if its a 2 hr. tv slot; they will show 2 hrs of fights...if its a 3 hr card...they will show 3 hrs. of fights...PPV's and SHO/HBO should follow them to be honest.

Anyway I hope someone like Golden Boy Promotions gets the contract with versus instead of Bob Arum because im tired of (what seems like) continuously seeing nothing but Tye Fields, Andrey Tsurkan (Spelling???), etc. I think GBP will go a much better job and showing good fights.

Boxing is making a comeback...while its a slow process this is definately in the right direction...

You have ESPN on wed and fri...you have Versus on Thursdays and (what could turn out to be) saturday afternoons...and HBO/SHO on saturday nights (sometimes sho has friday fights and the osccasional sunday fight).

boxing is really shaping up and coming back. now only to know what to watch on monday's and tuesdays...just kidding.

in all honesty HBO/SHO and PPV's should be cut off...and replaced with free tV boxing.

[ferocity]

I can't belive this fight is happening this weekend almost forgot when this fight was to take place. I will hopfully be watching this fight at my carnals house. I don't want to miss this fight. Regardless of what some people say about this fight its going to be a good one.