Comments Thread For: Rigondeaux's Manager: No Movement on HBO Fight

[Thickback]

I wish you dudes would stop it with this entertainment BS!! He's an elite boxer and deserves to be on TV after easily outboxing Donaire who was as high as #4 on a lot of p4p lists. Donaire has had quite a few snooze fests himself but hasn't been punished for it. It's absolutely rdiculous. Arum should just void his contract if he feels he can't promote him. And HBO has made dumb move after dumb move.

[Rapid Counter]

F**k HBO!!!!!!!

[BoxingFan82]

I wish you dudes would stop it with this entertainment BS!! He's an elite boxer and deserves to be on TV after easily outboxing Donaire who was as high as #4 on a lot of p4p lists. Donaire has had quite a few snooze fests himself but hasn't been punished for it. It's absolutely rdiculous. Arum should just void his contract if he feels he can't promote him. And HBO has made dumb move after dumb move.

Frankly, I think one of boxing's biggest challenges right now is that has to appeal to two audiences: "boxing fans" and "fight fans." I think just about everyone loves a good slugfest from time to time, but whereas boxing fans watch a Rigondeaux, Mayweather or Hopkins fight and see the application of skill in its highest form, fight fans see guys who they think are avoiding what they would consider a real "fight."

Guys like Mayweather and Hopkins have been able good enough in the ring and smart enough outside of the ring to fight their way through the nonsense. Unfortunately, as good as Rigondeaux is in the ring, it seems he's having trouble navigating the business side of things. Right now, it looks like he's being made to pay a hefty price for exposing an overhyped fighter who was expected to be a cash cow.

This is short-sighted, however. I would suggest that promoters and networks aren't doing the sport any favors when they try to create "entertainment" through shameful matchmaking. There's room for a lot of different styles in boxing, and if you try to devalue skilled boxers, over time boxing will become a joke of a sport with a lot less drama.

After all, just look at Floyd: despite a style that isn't dissimilar to Rigondeaux's, he's the highest paid athlete in the world, and richest boxer in history. The reason: everybody wants to see if brains can continually manage to beat brawn. Some fans might be disappointed when Floyd doesn't get knocked out, but the build-up to every one of his fights provides anticipation for months and millions of people tune in to watch. If that isn't entertainment, what is?

[RA-Box]

Isn't a Promoter obligated to promote as opposed to downplay your performance and marketability publicly as Arum did?

Where Sekou Gary when you need him?

[dmlarge]

Tell me one fighter under Arum that beat his cash cows. Like Cotto, Pacquiao or Donaire that went on and had a great career and payday with that network?

[Bushidō]

this is terrible news.

[Jack Napier]

no point crying tears for Rigo
try getting him an opponent he won't just beat, but shine against
somebody he can not only outbox, but KO and thrill the crowd
put that on HBO and see how he goes about it
if he comes through, showcase him again
if he stinks it out, fuck him
if Rigo wants to win, keep doing exactly what he's been doing
if he wants to be a star, he's got no choice but to tweak his style a bit

[deejd]

> boxing....

[deejd]

I don't think they should take Rigo off TV though, have him fight Avalos on FNF and then go overseas to fight Quigg.

Outstanding post, it's that simple.

[Jc8804]

I think hbo and the hbo subscribers agree with me.