Ever since the de-evolution of the highly controversial Mike Tyson, Pay Per View and Professional Boxing seem to go together as well as Ricardo Mayorga and his former WBC Title. My point is that PPV is getting harder and harder to sell to the boxing public, especially since the dominance of the heavyweight division has eroded.
Now don’t get me wrong, some of the fighters in the smaller weight classes have done a remarkable job of self promoting PPV events whether it’s by marketing or simply their fighting style, such as Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao. Still, even though some fighters draw in a fan base that justifies the demand for a PPV event, for the average or casual fan, at about 50 dollars, that is a tough ticket to sell.
As a boxing journalist, I get frustrated at virtually every pre-fight press conference when some of the best bouts scheduled are announced as a PPV event as opposed to being aired on a pay cable network. Not only does PPV deprive me, a high definition flat screen Plasma TV owner, of a crisp clear picture, they charge me for the broadcast. All this at a time when the sport of boxing ranks fairly low compared to the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.
With this being said, I took a look at my top 8 fighters. Fighters, who I do not claim to be the best, but enjoy watching and may potentially pay to watch. I added reasons why I would pay to watch them or why I would not.
Floyd Mayweather, JR. (36-0, 24 KO’s)
Why I will pay: #1 fighter alive today. He has the speed, the talent and arguably the power to knock anyone’s lights out. Reminiscent of a young Roy Jones, JR., Mayweather has it all. If you are going to pay to watch any fighter, it might as well be the best.
Why I will not pay: Attitude is not very appealing here. The epitome of why boxers get a bad reputation. How can someone with so much talent and promise have so many problems outside of the ring? He is still young enough though to turn it around.
Ricky Hatton (41-0, 30 KO’s)
Why I will pay: Old school means something when you see Hatton at his best. A hard headed puncher with a body attack that can make you wince on your couch as you are watching. He has an aggressive style that is conducive for a great fight, if paired with the right opponent. Oh, and he is genuinely a very nice guy.
Why I will not pay: If his future bouts will be anything like his USA debut a couple of weeks ago against Luis Collazo, than no thanks. I doubt they will be, but if I wanted to pay to watch a wrestling match discussed as boxing, I would watch John Ruiz.
Oscar De La Hoya (38-4, 30 KO’s)
Why I will pay: He can promote and sell a fight way before he gets to the initial press conference podium. A marketing man who knows how to hype an event, not to mention he gives 100% in the ring. He has the personality to attract a wide fan base.
Why I will not pay: Rounds 10, 11 and 12 against Felix Trinidad. Probably the biggest fight of his career and he decided to take the championship rounds off. Who’s to say that won’t happen again? Not on my dime.
Winky Wright (50-3, 25 KO’s)
Why I will pay: He is hard not to root for. This guy was avoided for years and when Shane Mosley finally was the man to give him his shot, he took it to him. Winky was so appreciative that he gave Mosley the opportunity to win his titles back, and Winky dominated him again.
Why I will not pay: You can’t hurt the man. He has a forearm to wrist length that seems so long, when he covers up there is no place for any fighter to inflict damage. With a defensive attribute like that, why take any chances and go for a knock out, so guess what, he doesn’t.
Jermain Taylor (25-0, 17 KO’s)
Why I will pay: Young, talented and full of promise. The Littlerock, Arkansas native is all that community has for a sport franchise and he prides himself on that. His no quit attitude in the ring and charisma outside of the ring are enough for me to pay.
Why I will not pay: Not quite there yet. Although he bested Hopkins twice by way of two very close decisions, he still needs a little seasoning.
Manny Pacquiao (41-3-2, 33 KO’s)
Why I will pay: Manny is nothing short of a ball of energy. I get physically tired while watching him. He is one of the few fighters that you will need to tape his fights because if you blink, you may miss the action.
Why I will not pay: Only if he is not fighting a tomato can. Why pay 50 dollars for one round?
Miguel Cotto (26-0, 22 KO’s)
Why I will pay: A young aggressive fighter who is on the verge of putting Puerto Rican boxing back in the limelight. Undefeated and slowly, but surely fighting tougher and tougher bouts as he gets seasoned. He is a hard hitter with the heart of a bulldog.
Why I will not pay: Cotto has not given me a reason not to pay, but unless his opponents are notable, I will wait for the highlights
Zab Judah (34-4, 25 KO’s)
Why I will pay: An impressive resume. Judah is a fighter with enough speed to blind just about every opponent (not including Mayweather, JR.). When he is on, he is entertaining to watch.
Why I will not pay: More valleys than peaks lately. You never know what Zab Judah will show up and besides, how much more money am I willing to donate towards the King Empire.
PPV events are always tricky. You really never know what you’re going to get even if the entire fight card looks great.
So just remember, if you pay for an event and get burned by the action, or lack thereof, just have solace in knowing that I got burned as well.
