How the Kovalev deal to fight on ESPN was made

[Motorcity Cobra]

But doesn't Kovalev already got the ratings history with HBO? Would doing 300k on DAZN or 1.2M on ESPN matter THAT much in said new deal? I'd say no.

Random question for anyone? Is Kovalev's deal with HBO done or is HBO opting out of showing this fight & if Kovalev wins (or loses competitively) they still have first dibs on his next fight? Or did their deal end with HBO turning down showing this rematch after the L (I know most deals give you the ability to cut a guy with a L)? Cuz it would seem like HBO has some sorta contract with Kovalev to be in position to turn down this fight.

300k is hardcore fans. 1.2 mil is when you start to spill over into casual fans. People who are watching only because they've heard of Kovalev before. Probably couldn't tell you he lost to Alvarez his last fight but they see the name Kovalev and they tune in. His name being able to bring in casuals holds more weight than only hardcore fans watching.

[KTFOKING]

But he won't be doing 300k on DAZN. At most he does like 80-90k which may be pushing it as well. DAZN won't crack 100k subscribers for AT LEAST a year, if not more.

[Randall Cunning]

Where do people get this idea that the Porter's aren't loyal to Haymon? Porter has gotten the best fights out of Haymon's whole stable and has fought on all the platforms, Network and cable TV. And he's gotten paid well to do so. The Porters have never shown any indication of not being loyal to Haymon. Unless there was something said that I missed?

They said Arum had been in contact Sunday, to discuss a deal. Said their priority is Spence, but are open to offers. Think the angle is they aint gunna be cheap.

[KTFOKING]

Where do people get this idea that the Porter's aren't loyal to Haymon? Porter has gotten the best fights out of Haymon's whole stable and has fought on all the platforms, Network and cable TV. And he's gotten paid well to do so. The Porters have never shown any indication of not being loyal to Haymon. Unless there was something said that I missed?

Haymon has done well for Porter, correct. But if Porter doesn't want the Spence fade then the best way to avoid it is signing with another network and having an out for why the fight isn't happening. That's all speculation really, but it is has been reported that Arum has already offered him a deal. Not sure when he offered him one, but he has. Hearn surely will give it a shot like he has with other Haymon fighters.

[Motorcity Cobra]

They said Arum had been in contact Sunday, to discuss a deal. Said their priority is Spence, but are open to offers. Think the angle is they aint gunna be cheap.

That's negotiating. Even before that there has been a narrative that the Haymon doesn't treat the Porters good or they aren't happy with Haymon. I've been seeing thast narrative for years. But when you look at it Shawn has always gotten the biggest fights. He has the best resume by far on PBC. Seems like whatever he wants, he gets. When the WBC said Thurman had to fight Garcia first then Shawn and Garcia didn't want to fight Shawn who do you think convinced Thurman to vacate the belt so that Shawn and Garcia could fight for it? Sounds like another favor for the Porter's from Haymon.

[Motorcity Cobra]

Haymon has done well for Porter, correct. But if Porter doesn't want the Spence fade then the best way to avoid it is signing with another network and having an out for why the fight isn't happening. That's all speculation really, but it is has been reported that Arum has already offered him a deal. Not sure when he offered him one, but he has. Hearn surely will give it a shot like he has with other Haymon fighters.

Then the WBC will call the Thurman mandatory and Porter will be right back on PBC fighting.

[Eff Pandas]

That was his last fight with them. They can match his next bout. They won't.

So they can match the rematch or are you saying they can still match the fight AFTER the rematch (cuz isn't this ESPN thing a done deal or hasn't HBO already opted out on it)?

[KTFOKING]

Then the WBC will call the Thurman mandatory and Porter will be right back on PBC fighting.

Lets see what the WBC ends up doing. I'm hoping we get the Spence showdown next May/June.

[KTFOKING]

So they can match the rematch or are you saying they can still match the fight AFTER the rematch (cuz isn't this ESPN thing a done deal or hasn't HBO already opted out on it)?

HBO had first and last rights on the the rematch that is now going to ESPN. So looks like they passed on it as they wanted Alvarez/Bivol instead. Kovalev is officially free from HBO.

[Eff Pandas]

That's negotiating. Even before that there has been a narrative that the Haymon doesn't treat the Porters good or they aren't happy with Haymon. I've been seeing thast narrative for years. But when you look at it Shawn has always gotten the biggest fights. He has the best resume by far on PBC. Seems like whatever he wants, he gets. When the WBC said Thurman had to fight Garcia first then Shawn and Garcia didn't want to fight Shawn who do you think convinced Thurman to vacate the belt so that Shawn and Garcia could fight for it? Sounds like another favor for the Porter's from Haymon.

Right. If Porter's the red headed step child of PBC its not bad to be the red headed step child of PBC. Try being the red headed step child elsewhere & you'll figure that out real quick.