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by David P. Greisman - Hit and don’t get hit. It is the fundamental philosophy behind the Sweet Science. In 2008, it was the theme both behind the scenes and in the ring.
Between Roy Jones’ bout with Felix Trinidad and Manny Pacquiao’s match with Oscar De La Hoya – the pay-per-view shows that helped kick off the year and bring it to a close – boxing was carried forward worldwide by its indispensable nature, two men facing each other for pride. But the fight game in the United States also collided with its indispensable need, two men facing each other for money.
To be professional is to be profitable. Boxers seek to get paid, as do managers, promoters, networks, casinos, arenas and the guys who write weekly columns on Web sites.
When the market is full of cash, many thrive. Pugilism prospers. Bouts big and little can be made and aired.
But when the market crashes, the sport shrinks. In 2008, pay-per-view buy rates dropped considerably, with several marquee match-ups bringing in disappointing returns. The economic downturn left casinos far emptier, leaving arenas with empty seats. ESPN2 canceled “Wednesday Night Fights,” and Telefutura pulled the plug on “Solo Boxeo.” And as banks and firms saw their bottoms fall out due to poor investments, a certain network saw ratings bottom out despite pricy investments in aging stars.
Yes, boxing is a niche sport. But, as with the men at its core, it won’t go down without a fight. [details]
Between Roy Jones’ bout with Felix Trinidad and Manny Pacquiao’s match with Oscar De La Hoya – the pay-per-view shows that helped kick off the year and bring it to a close – boxing was carried forward worldwide by its indispensable nature, two men facing each other for pride. But the fight game in the United States also collided with its indispensable need, two men facing each other for money.
To be professional is to be profitable. Boxers seek to get paid, as do managers, promoters, networks, casinos, arenas and the guys who write weekly columns on Web sites.
When the market is full of cash, many thrive. Pugilism prospers. Bouts big and little can be made and aired.
But when the market crashes, the sport shrinks. In 2008, pay-per-view buy rates dropped considerably, with several marquee match-ups bringing in disappointing returns. The economic downturn left casinos far emptier, leaving arenas with empty seats. ESPN2 canceled “Wednesday Night Fights,” and Telefutura pulled the plug on “Solo Boxeo.” And as banks and firms saw their bottoms fall out due to poor investments, a certain network saw ratings bottom out despite pricy investments in aging stars.
Yes, boxing is a niche sport. But, as with the men at its core, it won’t go down without a fight. [details]
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