HBO or Showtime

[kayjay]

HBO still has most of the big names in boxing, but for the first time in my cable-purchasing lifetime (@ 12 years) this is a tough call. Showtime has planned the Super Six tournament, and today announced the signing of Fedor to a multi-fight contract through Strikeforce. The Super Six will give them twelve excellent fights. HBO on the other hand have continued to pass on the best matches in favor of milking their own hand-picked prospects. In the past two years that list was very poorly chosen: Berto, Gamboa, Angulo, Arreola, etc.

Another factor working against HBO is the decline in their weekly entertainment. The days of Sopranos and CYE are long gone, and none of the recent shows match that level.

[¤¤¤]

isn't a new season of curb your enthusiasm starting next month?

[Dambala]

HBO. But Showtime has been doing a great job, especially with the Super 6 tourney. Plus I can't stand Jim Grey.

[starjammer]

I'm liking Showtime's broadcasts more and more now. They seem to be getting the better quality fights. Plus HBO's crew have such big personalities and so much to say it just seems to take control of the fight...whereas, personally, with Showtime's crew...I can just relax more and pay attention to whats happening in the ring.

But of course I still enjoy listening to the HBO crew...

Oh and Sopranos? Greatest TV show ever made...

[¤¤¤]

showtime has had three of the last four "fight of the year" winners.

[mrpain81]

Got both of course.

[βetamax]

If you just want fights you order HBO or Showtime on a day-by-day basis the price would be pro-rated meaning if HBO is $18 a month the cost per day would be $18/30 = $.60 a day. You just cancel the next day. Some cable companies might charge some type connection fee for around $4 or so but it still might be worth it if this is the case. Of course there's the possibly that not all cable companies offer this option but my last 2 have.

[The Gambler1981]

JMM-Diaz is the best fight this year and that was on HBO. Either way is probably decent but you will miss some big fights for sure if you don't have HBO.

I still find HBO a superior network even with the current decline they are better and they have potential to get better. I mean Showtime has Dexter and what else.

[The Hammer]

HBO has the Klitschkos, Williams, Arreola, Mayweather, JMM, Pavlik, Cotto, Dawson, Hopkins, and Mosley. Showtime has some good fighters too, but not as many bona fide elite fighters.

Manny Steward and Jim Lampley are the best commentating team in boxing. Max Kellerman sucks, but so does Showtime's Al Bernstein. Gus Johnson is very good, but needs someone less biased than Bernstein to work with.

Showtime is trying hard, but HBO is still in the lead.

[Swoosh]

Showtime deserves tons of props for this upcoming tournament.