HBO finds itself at a bit of a crossroads in 2016 with the sport of boxing. With the advent of PBC and boxing showing up free tv in the US, HBO must find a way to counter. They have a new man in charge with Peter Nelson and if ever a time to change some in the philosophy in regards to its boxing content it is now. So with that here are some suggestions for HBO in 2016.
1. Expand use of its other networks in showcasing up and coming talent. This has a two fold effect. First, showcasing prospects on such channels as HBO Latino and HBO2 gives HBO a de facto farm system. They started this a little more aggressively in 2015 and need to expand upon it in 2016. Such fighters as Francisco Vargas, Joseph Diaz, Vyacheslav Shabranskyy and Sullivan Barrera appeared on other HBO networks last year. These fighters are all now ready to step up to HBO Boxing After Dark or HBO World Championship in 2016. The second thing this accomplishes is that it keeps promoters that HBO works with financially fit. HBO pays for these fights which allows Golden Boy, Top Rank, Gary Shaw Productions, Roc Nation, etc to put on shows to keep their fighters active and make a few bucks in the process. This keeps the promoters financially well of and be more willing to take risks in making bigger fights knowing they have continued financial support from HBO in developing their fighters (essentially HBO serves as the old Tuesday Night Fight Series). And maybe more promoters not affiliated with Haymon will come along as well which would further pressure the PBC's take over boxing model.
2. Start showcasing the lower weight divisions (under 118). Its time and the die hard fans want it. Roman Gonzalez was a huge hit last year and there are many more talented fighters south of 118. They will make get fights and maybe the ratings won't be there at first but good fights will get good word of mouth and bring more ratings down the line (again just look at the Gonzalez). Plus the budget for these shows will be relatively low compared to say what Andre Ward demands. Its time once and for all to start showing the talent of the lower wight classes in this sport on the biggest platform.
3. This kind of is similar to my number one suggestion but please HBO start showing the undercard fights of Boxing After Dark cards and Championship Boxing cards. It makes total sense if even just doing a web stream. The cameras and production is already set up for the big show so why not show the rest of the fights. It won't cost a thing and will again help showcase fighters that otherwise would not be seen.
4. Do all everything in your power to make Golovkin-Canelo. This is the biggest fight in the sport to be made and the winner is a true crossover superstar (meaning all sports fans will know the name not just boxing fans). Its a fight that is guaranteed as well given the styles of the two to be can't miss. Whatever it takes, even if we have to put up with Canelo-Rosado and Golovkin-Clottely in the interim it is worth it to get this fight.
5. Avoid all temptation to make Mayweather-Pacquaio II. The topic will certainly be brought up at some point and the fight is even a little easier to make given that Mayweather is not contractually tied to Showtime. And with all the money involved even Arum and Haymon would be willing to work together again loosely speaking. The first fight stunk and the second fight will not look any different. It will be bad and be bad for the sport as a whole. Just let it go and move on...
6. Pony up a few more bucks for some can't miss action fights. Provodnikov-Matthyssee II, Vargas-Miura II or Vargas-Salido, Kirkland vs anybody, etc. If the fight is going to provide action, make it worth the while of the fighters to get it done.
7. And last but not least do all possible to make Lomachenko-Rigondeaux. Rigondeaux is tough to deal with but there is a deal that can get done. How about giving him and Lomachenko one nice payday for interim fights with the contractual obligation that if they win they fight each other next? The purists want this fight and the ratings would be huge. Lets get it done.
1. Expand use of its other networks in showcasing up and coming talent. This has a two fold effect. First, showcasing prospects on such channels as HBO Latino and HBO2 gives HBO a de facto farm system. They started this a little more aggressively in 2015 and need to expand upon it in 2016. Such fighters as Francisco Vargas, Joseph Diaz, Vyacheslav Shabranskyy and Sullivan Barrera appeared on other HBO networks last year. These fighters are all now ready to step up to HBO Boxing After Dark or HBO World Championship in 2016. The second thing this accomplishes is that it keeps promoters that HBO works with financially fit. HBO pays for these fights which allows Golden Boy, Top Rank, Gary Shaw Productions, Roc Nation, etc to put on shows to keep their fighters active and make a few bucks in the process. This keeps the promoters financially well of and be more willing to take risks in making bigger fights knowing they have continued financial support from HBO in developing their fighters (essentially HBO serves as the old Tuesday Night Fight Series). And maybe more promoters not affiliated with Haymon will come along as well which would further pressure the PBC's take over boxing model.
2. Start showcasing the lower weight divisions (under 118). Its time and the die hard fans want it. Roman Gonzalez was a huge hit last year and there are many more talented fighters south of 118. They will make get fights and maybe the ratings won't be there at first but good fights will get good word of mouth and bring more ratings down the line (again just look at the Gonzalez). Plus the budget for these shows will be relatively low compared to say what Andre Ward demands. Its time once and for all to start showing the talent of the lower wight classes in this sport on the biggest platform.
3. This kind of is similar to my number one suggestion but please HBO start showing the undercard fights of Boxing After Dark cards and Championship Boxing cards. It makes total sense if even just doing a web stream. The cameras and production is already set up for the big show so why not show the rest of the fights. It won't cost a thing and will again help showcase fighters that otherwise would not be seen.
4. Do all everything in your power to make Golovkin-Canelo. This is the biggest fight in the sport to be made and the winner is a true crossover superstar (meaning all sports fans will know the name not just boxing fans). Its a fight that is guaranteed as well given the styles of the two to be can't miss. Whatever it takes, even if we have to put up with Canelo-Rosado and Golovkin-Clottely in the interim it is worth it to get this fight.
5. Avoid all temptation to make Mayweather-Pacquaio II. The topic will certainly be brought up at some point and the fight is even a little easier to make given that Mayweather is not contractually tied to Showtime. And with all the money involved even Arum and Haymon would be willing to work together again loosely speaking. The first fight stunk and the second fight will not look any different. It will be bad and be bad for the sport as a whole. Just let it go and move on...
6. Pony up a few more bucks for some can't miss action fights. Provodnikov-Matthyssee II, Vargas-Miura II or Vargas-Salido, Kirkland vs anybody, etc. If the fight is going to provide action, make it worth the while of the fighters to get it done.
7. And last but not least do all possible to make Lomachenko-Rigondeaux. Rigondeaux is tough to deal with but there is a deal that can get done. How about giving him and Lomachenko one nice payday for interim fights with the contractual obligation that if they win they fight each other next? The purists want this fight and the ratings would be huge. Lets get it done.
Suggestions for HBO in 2016
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