It always amuses me that after every successful, profitable and big boxing show, a host of boxing writers will cite its success in some desperate hope that boxing is not in trouble in America. They toss in a quote such as, ?Not a bad showing for a sport that is supposedly dying.? They sound as ridiculous as the right-wing nut bags who try to refute climate change because there is a winter snowstorm.
Boxing is like the American economy in many ways. If you look at America?s wealthy, you could make the claim that, ?They?re doing pretty good in what some claim is a tough economy.? The point is that the wealthy doing well is hardly a measure of the overall economy. Some would argue the wealthy are a major reason for the problems with the overall economy. So in boxing, I would argue that it is in huge trouble and, in fact, dying in America. Much of that is to blame on the wealthiest in the boxing economy.
So why bring this up now? In chatting with a friend in the business today, he talked about the difficulties of putting on a local show and why it?s so difficult for hometown promoters. We are at a point now where there are maybe one or two shows in Atlantic City, maybe one show in Philadelphia and possibly two in the New York area in any given month. It wasn?t that long ago when there was a show every week at the Tropicana alone!
Boxing will not survive in America if only the multimillionaire promoters are doing well. So this year, I?m going to work harder at publicizing local shows. Instead of wasting money on more pay-per-views, I say we all put that money toward attending local shows and support boxing locally. Whether it?s with a group of guys with cheap tickets or dressing up with the lady and sitting ringside, it?s a lot better than another night in front of the TV.
Joey ?Eye? Honored as Philly Promoter of the Year
A great way to enjoy local boxing in the Philly area is at one of Joey ?Eye? Intrieri?s shows at Harrah?s Casino in Chester, PA. They?re good enough for Joey to be named 2011?s ?Promoter of the Year? at the recent ?Salute to Philly Boxing? dinner. And we need not wait long for his next show. Friday, February 24th, Joey is again at Harrah?s with a card featuring Tony Ferrante against Omar Sheika in a light heavyweight battle.
