American boxing fans aren't the problem. The American boxing media is the problem

[Motorcity Cobra]

They tear down the sport with their ass kissing certain fighters and promoters and their agendas. Seriously, can you name another sport where the people that cover it up openly root for it to fail? They see boxing on HBO reduced to a shoestring budget, anything worth watching costs $69.99, yet they openly root for the failure of PBC. Boxing cannot survive on premium cable alone. They know that but t they root against more exposure for the sport. They root against more work covering fights.

They say Floyd was boring and he ran. But judging by the numbers who bought his fights, the majority disagreed with them. In boxing, like all sports, you have different styles. The Warriors don't play like the Thunder. The Patriots don't play like the Falcons. Instead of explaining how Floyd's style is different from GGG's, they say he's boring. The "boring" fighter sold more PPV's than any fighter in history. People vote with their wallets and they overwhelmingly choose Floyd time and time again.

Andre Ward was the last American gold medalist. Christian family man. Good role model. Has sought out and got the toughest challenges. You'd think the American media would push highlight that and push that storyline. But they don't. Instead they complain about his business practices. They use ever adjective in the book to explain why they don't like him instead of saying he's "uppity".

Adding up PPV's, cable network subscriptions, and tickets, we American Boxing fans spend damn near $1000 a year supporting this sport. Boxing fans in America are some of the best fans on earth. We aren't the problem, the people covering the sport are the problem.

[Sweet Jones]

Good post, bruh. But you already know what time it is.

The only sport I can think of that comes even remotely close to boxing's level of self sabotage is hockey/NHL, where a segment of fans/media folk still elevate 'grit', 'toughness' and fighting over 'skills'.

[JRB123]

Good post, bruh. But you already know what time it is.

The only sport I can think of that comes even remotely close to boxing's level of self sabotage is hockey/NHL, where a segment of fans/media folk still elevate 'grit', 'toughness' and fighting over 'skills'.

...and the thing is if hockey promoted that more, they would be better off. They can't bank on the playoffs and Winter Classic to keep them afloat. They need to spread out their coverage more and not have games on channels like USA Network who hasn't been known for showing any sports.

In reference to the original post, I agree...check some of the most recognizable columnists and how they cover certain fighters. There are so many good fighters and fights that have happened over the past six months (specifically in the 168 and 154 pound divisions) but they focus on about five fighters as a whole in the sport. That does not work.

[Jubei]

Boxing in the US is dying, the average american boxing fan is biased, uneducated and xenophobic. The media just adjusts to their audience.

[original zero]

The media has always pushed the HBO agenda, even though the HBO agenda was devastating to the health of the sport long term.

Now that Haymon is trying to change the model from HBO & PPV to network TV & Showtime, the media is freaking out trying to protect HBO.

[Jubei]

Haymon and Floyd killed the sport in the US, by just taking money and putting it into their own pockets.
What we have now thanks to Al and Floyd:

- Tons of Haymon fighters who are terribly promoted, have barely any fans (but are getting paid doe)
- Tons of Inactive fighters, fighting only once a year (but they are getting paid doe)
- Businessmen instead of fighters, getting paid fighting bums or not fighting at all, as long they dont complain about their god Haymon.
- Fighters no more being hungry, not going full out to win, rather fight defensive minded, not take any risks and depend on the judges, like Floyd did. (but Floyd doe)

There is literally no US American superstar in the sport, US Boxing is dead, the remaining fans are terrible, mostly xenophobic, uneducated and biased.

Thank you Al Haymon and thank you Floyd for ruining the sport, at least in the US.

[Motorcity Cobra]

Boxing in the US is dying, the average american boxing fan is biased, uneducated and xenophobic. The media just adjusts to their audience.

B*tch boy don't take me off your ignore list so that you can post in my topics. Quit doing that sissy ****

[Citizen Koba]

They tear down the sport with their ass kissing certain fighters and promoters and their agendas. Seriously, can you name another sport where the people that cover it up openly root for it to fail? They see boxing on HBO reduced to a shoestring budget, anything worth watching costs $69.99, yet they openly root for the failure of PBC. Boxing cannot survive on premium cable alone. They know that but t they root against more exposure for the sport. They root against more work covering fights.

They say Floyd was boring and he ran. But judging by the numbers who bought his fights, the majority disagreed with them. In boxing, like all sports, you have different styles. The Warriors don't play like the Thunder. The Patriots don't play like the Falcons. Instead of explaining how Floyd's style is different from GGG's, they say he's boring. The "boring" fighter sold more PPV's than any fighter in history. People vote with their wallets and they overwhelmingly choose Floyd time and time again.

Andre Ward was the last American gold medalist. Christian family man. Good role model. Has sought out and got the toughest challenges. You'd think the American media would push highlight that and push that storyline. But they don't. Instead they complain about his business practices. They use ever adjective in the book to explain why they don't like him instead of saying he's "uppity".

Adding up PPV's, cable network subscriptions, and tickets, we American Boxing fans spend damn near $1000 a year supporting this sport. Boxing fans in America are some of the best fans on earth. We aren't the problem, the people covering the sport are the problem.

So. I think you oversell some of your points - both Floyd and Ward, on balance, received more praise than criticism in the media IMO though they got their share of both. And PBC is a direct threat to HBO so the more established boxing media who may have ties and connections to HBO can be expected to toe the line, but criticism of PBC is far from being as universal as you suggest.

But, let's just say your hypothesis is broadly correct, what would you suggest should be done about it? More to the point, if it's an issue of concern to you, what specifically can you yourself do to help correct the problem?

[al-Xander]

Most of the top fighters are now fighting once a year. Forget the media. How can you ignore this if you are a true fan of the sport? It's pathetic.

[Motorcity Cobra]

Most of the top fighters are now fighting once a year. Forget the media. How can you ignore this if you are a true fan of the sport? It's pathetic.

The sport is bigger than any fighter. I'm talking about promoting the sport itself.