Comments Thread For: Showtime's Espinoza Talks Ratings, Content Critics, More

[warp1432]

How would that be possible if Pacquiao's return was originally booked for November 10th and wasn't switched to December until September 5th. Golden Boy moved Mares-Moreno to 11/10 once Top Rank moved Pacquiao's date.

Right, I forgot about Pacquiao switching. It still sounds like they would have passed regardless of the date, but maybe they would have taken it if Top Rank budged to the third. Who knows?

Regardless, I think Espinoza is actually doing a good job at TR. There is an alarming "friendship" between GBP, Haymon, and Showtime with 14 of their 20 shows being either of the two. Still, he's increased their ratings and deserves credit for that.

Hopefully he just doesn't overspend their budget and waste it. He's sepnt a lot of money so far. Although it looks like that's paid off for their network.

[southsidegym]

HBO overpaid for fights for more than a decade even out-biding THEMSELF for fights HBO also has had Al Haymon managed fighters exclusively since the 90's why wasn't this an issue when it was HBO who was doing the exact same thing for a solid 5-6 years2004-2009 80% of hbo fights were GBP fights why is it an issue now that show time has an output deal I got both channels which between them cost me around 30 dollars a month so I dont care who has the better fights as long as I get to see good fights

[ShoulderRoll]

Competition between HBO and Showtime can only be good for the fans. Both networks will try to outdo each other and will be more reluctant to pay out for fights that don't bring in ratings.

[RSBonos]

HBO overpaid for fights for more than a decade even out-biding THEMSELF for fights HBO also has had Al Haymon managed fighters exclusively since the 90's why wasn't this an issue when it was HBO who was doing the exact same thing for a solid 5-6 years2004-2009 80% of hbo fights were GBP fights why is it an issue now that show time has an output deal I got both channels which between them cost me around 30 dollars a month so I dont care who has the better fights as long as I get to see good fights

It was a huge issue and the main criticism of the Greenburg era.

This is really bad for boxing, and the only people who seem to be pleased are the the "Top Rank is evil" crowd. Showtime's only saving grace is that they have deep cards. A lot of the matchmaking has been mediocre.

[Ringlife]

I like what Showtime has done lately they cut money from the Nascar and MMA to have more money for boxing events. I remember when Showtime would only have one great fight on the first saturday of the month. Espinoza has done a great job this year with Showtime. I like watching 4 fights on the network without it being a PPV event. HBO has to make some moves or it will be what showtime used to be a couple of years back second place.

[southsidegym]

I am not a top rank hater I have always like the way they bring up fighters to stardom but I am saying Bob always complain about anyone who is comp I remember when he was *****ing about HBO doing the same thing and you are right that is one of the reasons Ross got the can, IMO I think because GBP has a Overall more valuable stable of fighters the net works will always cater to them, Like I love Rios as a fighter but we will never see him vs lucas/danny/ojoesae/khan etc. or any solid 140 except Alvarado/ and his only option is Pac which is great but he is boxed in just like I would love to see donaire vs the Mares/Mareno if he and rigo wont fight but that wont happen either TBob beiong Bob is boxing himself into a corner the only way a GBP vs TP fight will happen now is if it is a mandatory like Vanes v. Lara

[ShoulderRoll]

This is really bad for boxing, and the only people who seem to be pleased are the the "Top Rank is evil" crowd.

You don't think Showtime has been putting on better shows under Espinoza? The increased ratings seem to confirm it.

[mrpain81]

Money talks, bull**** walks.

In this case ratings talk, whether you like or don't like what Espinoza is doing Showtime has to like the numbers. I really don't know what HBO is doing lately, some of these cards are looking like Shobox.