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I'm a hardcore boxing fan. I've got all the upcoming fights written on a calendar with times, dates, networks, etc. It can be a chore.
I went to watch the Stevenson-Williams Jr fight on Spike TV. A message told me the fight was "region blocked and only available on PPV".
I clicked the PPV ($65 freaking bucks for a free card elsewhere) and it told me that the PPV "was only broadcast in Quebec and Northern Ontario". I live in Toronto.
I went through 5 channels before finding a PPV I was allowed to order. It was in French. I am fluent in French but my part-Mexican fiancee (who is hesitant of watching fight sports to begin with) was not amused. I guess she knows how I feel now when she's speaking Spanish to her parents and cousins.
The hoops we boxing fans don't have to jump through just to watch these fights. Luckily it was a fine PPV and a glorious main event. But this has to be part of the reason why boxing is not connected to the mainstream. Hardcore fans like me look for every avenue while casuals give up and tune into some MMA instead.
I went to watch the Stevenson-Williams Jr fight on Spike TV. A message told me the fight was "region blocked and only available on PPV".
I clicked the PPV ($65 freaking bucks for a free card elsewhere) and it told me that the PPV "was only broadcast in Quebec and Northern Ontario". I live in Toronto.
I went through 5 channels before finding a PPV I was allowed to order. It was in French. I am fluent in French but my part-Mexican fiancee (who is hesitant of watching fight sports to begin with) was not amused. I guess she knows how I feel now when she's speaking Spanish to her parents and cousins.
The hoops we boxing fans don't have to jump through just to watch these fights. Luckily it was a fine PPV and a glorious main event. But this has to be part of the reason why boxing is not connected to the mainstream. Hardcore fans like me look for every avenue while casuals give up and tune into some MMA instead.