Comments Thread For: How Much Might Forgettable Thurman-Garcia Fight Damage Future Viewership?

[Butch.McRae]

This is terrible writing from this platform (which is supposed to be helping to build the sport). It confirms for me that the contributors for this site participate in the comment threads (and may represent some of the worst of the bunch in terms of analysis).

This piece has me questioning the integrity of this site. This type of "writing" is why boxing has been challenged of late. Perpetuating unsubstantiated claims of a "dying" sport, when recent data shows boxing is actually out performing UFC in the Saturday prime time slot on Network TV since the launch of PBC and sites like this are actually experiencing consistent growth on social media platforms.

Where is the evidence for this dying sport? It seems that since the premium channels have lost their monopoly, the sport is starting to experience growth (although gradual). Where's the data for these "dying" assertions?

Yes, this isn't the 1980s, fights aren't pulling in 20 million eyes (although may - pac likely pulled in close to that many eyes). But boxing is actually right in the middle of the pack in terms of viewership for sports content. All of television viwership in down in comparison to 20 years ago. (Go check out data on the leadinh shows every year). Just provide some objective data when making these silly claims.

This fight was decent, it didn't need to be some unbelievable affair. It just had to be competitive, which it achieved. The viewership will keep rising with quality matchups. All that other stuff about "slugging" or "boxing" is for Internet trolls, like this author.

I'm willing to bet anything when Mikey Garcia fights in prime time on Saturday night on network TV, the ratings will be even higher.

[skinnystev]

keith "run time" thurman

[soul_survivor]

Ultimately, neither fighter is that good. Garcia coulld have been something but he stagnated by fighting sub par opponents. Thurman is just Thurman. This fight might be as bad for veiwership on free tv in the US as Haye v Harrison was for PPV in the UK.

[The Big Dunn]

Does anyone think the main event was spoiled by the incredible ko Lubin had prior to it?

I think the problem people have is they want all fights to be like the Hagler, Srl, hearns, Duran series of fights.

How is that possible when that group consists of 4 hof, with the "worst" being Hearns who many consider one of the 35-50 greatest fighters ever?

Consider that the ncaa tourney is amulti billion dollar business now yet no game has ratings higher then Magic V Bird in 79.

[taste]

I get it now.. if boxers aren't standing in one place taking turns beating their brains out the fight is "boring". it was a beautiful boxing match. Thurman outbrawled Danny then showed another layer to his game by boxing circles around him as well. he basically whooped him every possible way. that wasn't no damn split decision. if people wanted a bloodbath then get mad at Danny for not knowing how to cut a ring or set traps. so Thurman should not utilize his superior footwork because it'll make the fight "boring"? smh.

fck it lets just tie a rope around boxers and put em in a phone booth and let's watch em slug it out. what's the purpose of a damn ring if you can't move your feet.

let's make it illegal to block punches too. every punch thrown should land. if a fighter moves away from danger deduct a point.

This was a funny post. lol I thought it was a great fight as well. Answered alot of questions about both fighters for me. If anything was disappointing it was the lack of urgency from DG. But that's how he fights...

Was the fight that bad? Haven't seen it to judge. Wanted to Youtube it later.

Worth your time Ray, you're not a casual. I thought DG would land something big but Thurman showed he's the better fighter. Fight was not a MD...

[Sledgeweather17]

Boxers need to understand that professional boxing is largely an entertainment business.

While boxing is an art as Thurman says..it indeed it is... and yes the point system is there...

If you simply wanted to outpoint a guy and didn't care to entertain.. you can stay in the amateur ranks and fight in the Olympics.

People pay for boxing whether going to events live, paying for subscription channels HBO/Showtime or purchasing PPV events. And they want to see action.

Finding a balance is the key... box, move but please the crowd/fans.

Demetrius Andrade's style is the perfect embodiment of what you speak of. He has the perfect blend between the sweet science and brawling, or between offense and defense. He boxes circles around you while still maintaining a high punch output and trying to knock you out at the same time.

If only he had a better promoter.

[Kigali]

This is terrible writing from this platform (which is supposed to be helping to build the sport). It confirms for me that the contributors for this site participate in the comment threads (and may represent some of the worst of the bunch in terms of analysis).

This piece has me questioning the integrity of this site. This type of "writing" is why boxing has been challenged of late. Perpetuating unsubstantiated claims of a "dying" sport, when recent data shows boxing is actually out performing UFC in the Saturday prime time slot on Network TV since the launch of PBC and sites like this are actually experiencing consistent growth on social media platforms.

Where is the evidence for this dying sport? It seems that since the premium channels have lost their monopoly, the sport is starting to experience growth (although gradual). Where's the data for these "dying" assertions?

Yes, this isn't the 1980s, fights aren't pulling in 20 million eyes (although may - pac likely pulled in close to that many eyes). But boxing is actually right in the middle of the pack in terms of viewership for sports content. All of television viwership in down in comparison to 20 years ago. (Go check out data on the leadinh shows every year). Just provide some objective data when making these silly claims.

This fight was decent, it didn't need to be some unbelievable affair. It just had to be competitive, which it achieved. The viewership will keep rising with quality matchups. All that other stuff about "slugging" or "boxing" is for Internet trolls, like this author.

I'm willing to bet anything when Mikey Garcia fights in prime time on Saturday night on network TV, the ratings will be even higher.

[Kigali]

Does anyone think the main event was spoiled by the incredible ko Lubin had prior to it?

I think the problem people have is they want all fights to be like the Hagler, Srl, hearns, Duran series of fights.

How is that possible when that group consists of 4 hof, with the "worst" being Hearns who many consider one of the 35-50 greatest fighters ever?

Consider that the ncaa tourney is amulti billion dollar business now yet no game has ratings higher then Magic V Bird in 79.

the main event wasn't spoiled at all.

[Kigali]

keith "run time" thurman

Got Danny's straps

[SplitSecond]

Not much, it wasnt that bad, just a little underwhelming. The beginning showed how awesome boxing could be.