Boxing News Thread
- Thread starter heyzel
- Start date
Let The Mind Games Begin: Roach & Atlas Say Mayweather “Won’t Trade”
Timothy Bartolini
By Timothy Bartolini February 21, 2015 2:10 am
Related Articles
DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing Returns This Wednesday to B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in NYC 0 11.Aug
Eddie Gomez Wants A Santana Rematch or Soto Karass Fight 0 30.Jul
Golovkin-Proska: Both With Much To Prove and Everything To Gain 1 31.Jul
mayweather-pacquiao-1422475251Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was only confirmed a few hours ago, and the gamesmanship has already begun. It isn’t uncommon for coaches to let an off-hand comment or two get out before a big contest in order to get into the head of their opponent.
Legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson was notorious for doing this kind of thing in press conferences. He would plant the seed that the other team’s star player would always get away with certain things. The theory goes that just the mere mention would make the player think about it during the game, and the referees would be on the lookout for it. With 11 NBA Championships, we can just assume that he knows what he is doing.
Of course, this is not something that is restricted to an NBA setting. Boxing’s closest approximation to Phil Jackson, Freddie Roach, is up to the same games in some of his first comments since the fight was confirmed earlier this afternoon.
“I know my guy will be there I know he will, I don’t know about the other guy because I don’t think he cares much about the fans. I think he just wants to do enough to win. Manny’s not like that, he takes chances that’s why he gets knocked out.” is what Freddie Roach said to ESPN Deportes.
Roach continued, “… I’d rather see a fighter get knocked out trying to win then see the fight go the distance.”
The intention here is transparent. Freddie wants Floyd to start feeling pressured into standing and fighting. The more Floyd stands and trades, the more opportunity there is for Manny to do damage. Ruben Guerrero tried a similar tactic during his notorious “woman beater” press-conference, but it had little effect on the outcome of Mayweather’s fight with “The Ghost”.
It may be doubtful that this lone comment by itself would have any impact on how Mayweather approaches this fight, but if a groundswell were to build within the media and fan chatter, it is possible that Floyd could start feeling a little pressure to put on a show. The beginning of such a groundswell may have already begun. On tonight’s ESPN broadcast, Teddy Atlas also brought up Floyd’s willingness (and lack thereof) to stand and fight.
Teddy Atlas said, “As far as what’s going to happen in the ring, Pacquiao and his braintrust better understand that the greatest strength of Mr. Mayweather is also his greatest weakness. Sometimes he goes defensive too long.”
Atlas then went into greater detail on how Manny Pacquiao could use Mayweather’s inactivity against him.
“Pacquiao does put punches together to be able to steal moments when Mayweather is too defensive. In other words, to out-hustle Mayweather.”
Do not be surprised if this becomes a major plotline in the coming months. This is the biggest fight in history. With the talk of $250 million revenues. $1000 ticket minimums and $100 Pay Per View costs combined with six years of hype, the entire boxing world is going to be demanding more than a tactical display from Mayweather. They are going to want their money’s worth.
Pacquiao has a fan-pleasing reputation, so the pressure to trade will land squarely on Mayweather. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has never let outside pressure get to him in the past, but can anybody truly be prepared to deal with the kind of pressure that a fight this big will bring?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be meeting Manny Pacquiao at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 2nd, 2015.
Timothy Bartolini
By Timothy Bartolini February 21, 2015 2:10 am
Related Articles
DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing Returns This Wednesday to B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in NYC 0 11.Aug
Eddie Gomez Wants A Santana Rematch or Soto Karass Fight 0 30.Jul
Golovkin-Proska: Both With Much To Prove and Everything To Gain 1 31.Jul
mayweather-pacquiao-1422475251Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was only confirmed a few hours ago, and the gamesmanship has already begun. It isn’t uncommon for coaches to let an off-hand comment or two get out before a big contest in order to get into the head of their opponent.
Legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson was notorious for doing this kind of thing in press conferences. He would plant the seed that the other team’s star player would always get away with certain things. The theory goes that just the mere mention would make the player think about it during the game, and the referees would be on the lookout for it. With 11 NBA Championships, we can just assume that he knows what he is doing.
Of course, this is not something that is restricted to an NBA setting. Boxing’s closest approximation to Phil Jackson, Freddie Roach, is up to the same games in some of his first comments since the fight was confirmed earlier this afternoon.
“I know my guy will be there I know he will, I don’t know about the other guy because I don’t think he cares much about the fans. I think he just wants to do enough to win. Manny’s not like that, he takes chances that’s why he gets knocked out.” is what Freddie Roach said to ESPN Deportes.
Roach continued, “… I’d rather see a fighter get knocked out trying to win then see the fight go the distance.”
The intention here is transparent. Freddie wants Floyd to start feeling pressured into standing and fighting. The more Floyd stands and trades, the more opportunity there is for Manny to do damage. Ruben Guerrero tried a similar tactic during his notorious “woman beater” press-conference, but it had little effect on the outcome of Mayweather’s fight with “The Ghost”.
It may be doubtful that this lone comment by itself would have any impact on how Mayweather approaches this fight, but if a groundswell were to build within the media and fan chatter, it is possible that Floyd could start feeling a little pressure to put on a show. The beginning of such a groundswell may have already begun. On tonight’s ESPN broadcast, Teddy Atlas also brought up Floyd’s willingness (and lack thereof) to stand and fight.
Teddy Atlas said, “As far as what’s going to happen in the ring, Pacquiao and his braintrust better understand that the greatest strength of Mr. Mayweather is also his greatest weakness. Sometimes he goes defensive too long.”
Atlas then went into greater detail on how Manny Pacquiao could use Mayweather’s inactivity against him.
“Pacquiao does put punches together to be able to steal moments when Mayweather is too defensive. In other words, to out-hustle Mayweather.”
Do not be surprised if this becomes a major plotline in the coming months. This is the biggest fight in history. With the talk of $250 million revenues. $1000 ticket minimums and $100 Pay Per View costs combined with six years of hype, the entire boxing world is going to be demanding more than a tactical display from Mayweather. They are going to want their money’s worth.
Pacquiao has a fan-pleasing reputation, so the pressure to trade will land squarely on Mayweather. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has never let outside pressure get to him in the past, but can anybody truly be prepared to deal with the kind of pressure that a fight this big will bring?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be meeting Manny Pacquiao at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 2nd, 2015.
^^^ What else is new. The funny thing is that every opponent says that and to me it makes them look like they already know they are defeated. No one can get in Mayweather's head and make him fight they way they want him to lol. Its to funny. He's not a brawler, hes a technician. Manny will have to figure out the code just like everyone else that tried and failed. Got Em!!
Props:
trips and trips
People are going to buy this card anyway. Undercards in boxing, in terms of PPV sales, are being overrated by some people on here. The only people complaining about undercards are people that are buying the fight anyway. Look at the undercard for DLH Vs. Mayweather and then look how much that fight sold.
Canelo Vs. Kirkland works out perfectly for HBO the next Saturday especially if the deal is that both Showtime/HBO get rights to the replay. Who's gonna watch a replay on Showtime when the replay on HBO is gonna include a live airing of Canelo Vs. Kirkland?
I'd be extremely surprised if you see any big names besides the main event on the card.
Canelo Vs. Kirkland works out perfectly for HBO the next Saturday especially if the deal is that both Showtime/HBO get rights to the replay. Who's gonna watch a replay on Showtime when the replay on HBO is gonna include a live airing of Canelo Vs. Kirkland?
I'd be extremely surprised if you see any big names besides the main event on the card.
Props:
heyzel and heyzel
They won't because those guys, Cotto and Canelo, are looking at huge paydays headlining themselves. Even if their egos allowed themselves to fight on the undercard, they wouldn't want the pay cut. All the money is going to Floyd and Pacquiao. So don't expect big names. I'm hearing Lomachenko for Top Ranks undercard fight. Not sure who the others will be, probably a TMT fighter.
Roach On Cotto-Golovkin “I think he hasn’t fought anybody, they’re not that good let’s face it.”
Steve Calderon
By Steve Calderon February 21, 2015 4:19 pm
Related Articles
Kid Galahad Says Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton will Continue to Avoid Him 0 23.Jan
Amir Khan vs. Kell Brook-The Importance of Fan Perception 0 06.Oct
Lundy Fails to Make Weight Fight with Petrov is Cancelled 0 15.Jan
Roach-and-Cotto_WilliamsPugilistic pundit Freddie Roach is a throwback trainer; one who firmly believes that two equal talents in the same division make for competitive fights, regardless of size.
It is no secret that WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO), trained by Roach, is the smallest of current middleweight titleholders. Cotto, who began his career in 2001 at 140 pounds, made the move to middleweight last summer. He stands at 5’7’’ according to boxrec.com while fellow titleholders Gennady “GGG” Golovkin tops out at 5’10 ½ ’’, and Irish champ Andy Lee stands at a whopping 6’2’’.
“Well (Cotto) was much smaller than Martinez also and he kicked his ass, I mean size doesn’t really mean much in boxing,” proclaimed Roach, regarding the size disparity of Golovkin and Cotto.
Roach developed one of boxing’s biggest sensations in Manny Pacquiao and in 2010 shocked the boxing world when the two decided to campaign at junior middleweight to face Antonio Margarito. The night of the fight, Margarito was 4 ½ inches taller and 17 pounds heavier than Pacquiao. However, the size could not save Margarito from the whirlwind of punches stemming from Pacquiao, who became the first boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions.
Last June Cotto made history as well, under Roach’s tutelage, by beating Sergio Martinez and becoming the first Puerto Rican boxer to win titles in four weight classes. The win has also made Cotto the most sought out champion among middleweights, particularly by GGG.
Golovkin (31-0, 28 KO) walked through Marco Antonio Rubio for the WBC interim strap and will be fighting Martin Murray (29-1-1, 12 KO) on Feb. 21st for the WBC’s number one challenger spot. A victory over Murray makes GGG a mandatory challenger for Cotto’s WBC belt should Golovkin win, and many expect him to. Golovkin-Cotto
In an interview with FightHype.com Roach was asked about a potential showdown between Cotto and GGG. Roach has a deal with Cotto adviser Gaby Penagaricano in which names are given to Roach, and he picks the one he feels is the best for Cotto.
“(Penagaricano) gives me three names and asks me who I want to fight out of those three names, and that’s my piece of the pie,” said Roach. “And that doesn’t mean it’s decided either, I just give him my opinion and why I think it’s the best fight for him at that point.”
Of course the obvious questions now are: Is Golovkin’s name on that list? And if it is, will Roach pick him?
“It’s never been brought up to me yet,” said Roach, regarding GGG’s name on the list.
Abel Sanchez, who trains Golovkin, is as confident in his ward as Roach is and predicts a fifth round knockout for GGG should a fight between him and Cotto ever take place. Roach responded by bringing Golovkin’s resume into question.
“So the thing is you know, I think it’s a very competitive fight,” said Roach. “I think he hasn’t fought anybody yet. I mean these names he’s been fighting, I mean they’re not that good let’s face it.”
However, Roach acknowledges that Golovkin has been well schooled in boxing. Trained by the renowned Eddie Futch, Roach believes that ring generalship is a lost art, privileged to those like himself who benefited from the teachings of a bygone era.
“The thing is, I do think that (Golovkin’s) ring generalship is really good, I like that, I’m not sure if he got that from Abel or the amateurs. He impresses me with his ring generalship, which is not taught any more to fighters. But my fighter knows it well also, how to control the ring. And it’s something that most people don’t even know about nowadays. I mean I learned from the great Eddie Futch and the guys like that are gone.”
Another name being mentioned for Cotto is Timothy Bradley (31-1-1, 12 KO), who Roach knows well as a former Pacquiao opponent. Bradley split a pair of fights with Pacquiao in 2012 and 2014 and although many feel Pacquiao easily won both fights, Roach regards Bradley as a tough opponent for anyone.
“You know Tim’s a tough guy with anybody. I mean he’s a very hard guy, durable guy, in good shape. Depending on who the other two were that they mixed him up with if they could give me three names, I’m not sure what choice he would be without knowing those other two names.”
For now Cotto is still weighing his options, although GGG may take matters into his own hands quite literally against Murray. Some critics think Cotto will avoid Golovkin, believing in Sanchez’s prediction. However, Roach is unafraid.
“I don’t fear [GGG],” Roach said, “but I don’t have to fight him (laughs).”
Steve Calderon
By Steve Calderon February 21, 2015 4:19 pm
Related Articles
Kid Galahad Says Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton will Continue to Avoid Him 0 23.Jan
Amir Khan vs. Kell Brook-The Importance of Fan Perception 0 06.Oct
Lundy Fails to Make Weight Fight with Petrov is Cancelled 0 15.Jan
Roach-and-Cotto_WilliamsPugilistic pundit Freddie Roach is a throwback trainer; one who firmly believes that two equal talents in the same division make for competitive fights, regardless of size.
It is no secret that WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO), trained by Roach, is the smallest of current middleweight titleholders. Cotto, who began his career in 2001 at 140 pounds, made the move to middleweight last summer. He stands at 5’7’’ according to boxrec.com while fellow titleholders Gennady “GGG” Golovkin tops out at 5’10 ½ ’’, and Irish champ Andy Lee stands at a whopping 6’2’’.
“Well (Cotto) was much smaller than Martinez also and he kicked his ass, I mean size doesn’t really mean much in boxing,” proclaimed Roach, regarding the size disparity of Golovkin and Cotto.
Roach developed one of boxing’s biggest sensations in Manny Pacquiao and in 2010 shocked the boxing world when the two decided to campaign at junior middleweight to face Antonio Margarito. The night of the fight, Margarito was 4 ½ inches taller and 17 pounds heavier than Pacquiao. However, the size could not save Margarito from the whirlwind of punches stemming from Pacquiao, who became the first boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions.
Last June Cotto made history as well, under Roach’s tutelage, by beating Sergio Martinez and becoming the first Puerto Rican boxer to win titles in four weight classes. The win has also made Cotto the most sought out champion among middleweights, particularly by GGG.
Golovkin (31-0, 28 KO) walked through Marco Antonio Rubio for the WBC interim strap and will be fighting Martin Murray (29-1-1, 12 KO) on Feb. 21st for the WBC’s number one challenger spot. A victory over Murray makes GGG a mandatory challenger for Cotto’s WBC belt should Golovkin win, and many expect him to. Golovkin-Cotto
In an interview with FightHype.com Roach was asked about a potential showdown between Cotto and GGG. Roach has a deal with Cotto adviser Gaby Penagaricano in which names are given to Roach, and he picks the one he feels is the best for Cotto.
“(Penagaricano) gives me three names and asks me who I want to fight out of those three names, and that’s my piece of the pie,” said Roach. “And that doesn’t mean it’s decided either, I just give him my opinion and why I think it’s the best fight for him at that point.”
Of course the obvious questions now are: Is Golovkin’s name on that list? And if it is, will Roach pick him?
“It’s never been brought up to me yet,” said Roach, regarding GGG’s name on the list.
Abel Sanchez, who trains Golovkin, is as confident in his ward as Roach is and predicts a fifth round knockout for GGG should a fight between him and Cotto ever take place. Roach responded by bringing Golovkin’s resume into question.
“So the thing is you know, I think it’s a very competitive fight,” said Roach. “I think he hasn’t fought anybody yet. I mean these names he’s been fighting, I mean they’re not that good let’s face it.”
However, Roach acknowledges that Golovkin has been well schooled in boxing. Trained by the renowned Eddie Futch, Roach believes that ring generalship is a lost art, privileged to those like himself who benefited from the teachings of a bygone era.
“The thing is, I do think that (Golovkin’s) ring generalship is really good, I like that, I’m not sure if he got that from Abel or the amateurs. He impresses me with his ring generalship, which is not taught any more to fighters. But my fighter knows it well also, how to control the ring. And it’s something that most people don’t even know about nowadays. I mean I learned from the great Eddie Futch and the guys like that are gone.”
Another name being mentioned for Cotto is Timothy Bradley (31-1-1, 12 KO), who Roach knows well as a former Pacquiao opponent. Bradley split a pair of fights with Pacquiao in 2012 and 2014 and although many feel Pacquiao easily won both fights, Roach regards Bradley as a tough opponent for anyone.
“You know Tim’s a tough guy with anybody. I mean he’s a very hard guy, durable guy, in good shape. Depending on who the other two were that they mixed him up with if they could give me three names, I’m not sure what choice he would be without knowing those other two names.”
For now Cotto is still weighing his options, although GGG may take matters into his own hands quite literally against Murray. Some critics think Cotto will avoid Golovkin, believing in Sanchez’s prediction. However, Roach is unafraid.
“I don’t fear [GGG],” Roach said, “but I don’t have to fight him (laughs).”
Hershman and Espinoza Bring us this generations Tyson-Lewis in Mayweather-Pacquiao
Victor Salazar
By Victor Salazar February 21, 2015 2:32 pm
Related Articles
Froch-Groves 2 Set For May 31st 0 13.Feb
Mayweather Defends His Actions Against Former Fiance Miss Jackson 1 26.Nov
Canelo-Lara: Making The Case For 117-111 1 14.Jul
Stephen-Espinoza-floyd-mayweather In the midst of competition between rival networks, HBO and Showtime was in agreement for the biggest fight in boxing, Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao. The two faces of the boxing brand for the network, Ken Hershman of HBO and Stephen Espinoza of Showtime had praise for each other and their respective fighters after the announcement was made for the fight.
“”Everyone involved, including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, knows this fight simply had to happen,” Espinoza said. “All of us are thrilled to be able to deliver this event to boxing fans around the world.”
“Now, for the second time under his current deal with Showtime Networks, Floyd Mayweather has agreed to fight an opponent that many people thought he’d never face. We set an all-time pay-per-view record with the first event back in September 2013, and we look forward to another record-breaking performance on May 2.”
Hershman was just as giddy for the record-setting fight that will take place on May 2nd in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand.
oscar--500x276“Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have been the two most prominent fighters in the sport of boxing for the past decade, and fight fans around the world have been clamoring for them to face each other,” stated Hershman. “And now, on May 2nd, in what everyone believes will be the biggest boxing event of all-time, fight fans have been granted their wish. May 2nd will be a signature moment for the sport of boxing and HBO Sports is thrilled to be a part of this spectacular event. I know the fighters and their teams will be primed to excel, and we plan to work closely with everyone involved to deliver the same level of performance from a broadcast perspective.”
HBO and Showtime have done this before, and Hershman said, “Tyson-Lewis broadcast was a great road map for this fight. It showed that this can be done successfully. There’s a lot of mechanics that go into this when two networks are working together, and those mechanics carry forward in terms of how things operate behind the scenes.”
Victor Salazar
By Victor Salazar February 21, 2015 2:32 pm
Related Articles
Froch-Groves 2 Set For May 31st 0 13.Feb
Mayweather Defends His Actions Against Former Fiance Miss Jackson 1 26.Nov
Canelo-Lara: Making The Case For 117-111 1 14.Jul
Stephen-Espinoza-floyd-mayweather In the midst of competition between rival networks, HBO and Showtime was in agreement for the biggest fight in boxing, Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao. The two faces of the boxing brand for the network, Ken Hershman of HBO and Stephen Espinoza of Showtime had praise for each other and their respective fighters after the announcement was made for the fight.
“”Everyone involved, including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, knows this fight simply had to happen,” Espinoza said. “All of us are thrilled to be able to deliver this event to boxing fans around the world.”
“Now, for the second time under his current deal with Showtime Networks, Floyd Mayweather has agreed to fight an opponent that many people thought he’d never face. We set an all-time pay-per-view record with the first event back in September 2013, and we look forward to another record-breaking performance on May 2.”
Hershman was just as giddy for the record-setting fight that will take place on May 2nd in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand.
oscar--500x276“Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have been the two most prominent fighters in the sport of boxing for the past decade, and fight fans around the world have been clamoring for them to face each other,” stated Hershman. “And now, on May 2nd, in what everyone believes will be the biggest boxing event of all-time, fight fans have been granted their wish. May 2nd will be a signature moment for the sport of boxing and HBO Sports is thrilled to be a part of this spectacular event. I know the fighters and their teams will be primed to excel, and we plan to work closely with everyone involved to deliver the same level of performance from a broadcast perspective.”
HBO and Showtime have done this before, and Hershman said, “Tyson-Lewis broadcast was a great road map for this fight. It showed that this can be done successfully. There’s a lot of mechanics that go into this when two networks are working together, and those mechanics carry forward in terms of how things operate behind the scenes.”
if boxing was the wire al haymon would be marlo stanfield, the man is cold, brutal and calculated
Al Haymon Does A Dikembe Mutombo, Gonzalez-Russell Jr. Heading To San Antonio
Victor Salazar
By Victor Salazar February 21, 2015 1:27 pm
Related Articles
Elijah Pintabone Hopes to Be Easton’s Next Great Champion 0 29.Oct
Stafford Doesn’t Want Broner to Fight Matthysse Unless It’s for a Title 0 06.Oct
Michael “The Artist” Perez Ready To Paint A Better Picture 0 31.Jul
jhonny gonzalez vs gary russellThe fight between Jhonny Gonzales and Gary Russell Jr. is scheduled to be on March 28th on Showtime. When the fight was announced, the rumor mill was that the fight would be taken place in Carson, California. As Al Haymon (Funneling through a promoter) had the date on reserve beforehand even without a fight being scheduled.
That hold put a fight between Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov in limbo. In terms of a date and venue, because the promoters of note for the fight, Golden Boy Promotions, and Banner Promotions wanted to stage the fight in that venue on that date. Ultimately, it’s been reported that the Matthysse-Provodnikov fight date has been moved to April 18th on HBO. Provodnikov also tweeted that the fight would be taking place on the East Coast.
Everything good, right?
Well in an interesting turn of events, one of the people I follow on Twitter @Jrosales13 tweeted that he had been contacted by Leija-Battah Promotions about purchasing tickets for the Gonzalez-Russell fight, except that they called him to buy tickets for the fight in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
So in speaking to a source within Leija-Battah promotions, that it is indeed true. The fight on March 28th will take place in San Antonio according to the source and the ticket announcement for the fight will come next week as well.
Looking into things, the move by Haymon looks like a block against Golden Boy Promotions. Golden Boy works with Leija-Battah and will likely be co-promoting Canelo Alvarez’ return on May 9th in Houston. Interesting developments in the boxing world.
Al Haymon Does A Dikembe Mutombo, Gonzalez-Russell Jr. Heading To San Antonio
Victor Salazar
By Victor Salazar February 21, 2015 1:27 pm
Related Articles
Elijah Pintabone Hopes to Be Easton’s Next Great Champion 0 29.Oct
Stafford Doesn’t Want Broner to Fight Matthysse Unless It’s for a Title 0 06.Oct
Michael “The Artist” Perez Ready To Paint A Better Picture 0 31.Jul
jhonny gonzalez vs gary russellThe fight between Jhonny Gonzales and Gary Russell Jr. is scheduled to be on March 28th on Showtime. When the fight was announced, the rumor mill was that the fight would be taken place in Carson, California. As Al Haymon (Funneling through a promoter) had the date on reserve beforehand even without a fight being scheduled.
That hold put a fight between Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov in limbo. In terms of a date and venue, because the promoters of note for the fight, Golden Boy Promotions, and Banner Promotions wanted to stage the fight in that venue on that date. Ultimately, it’s been reported that the Matthysse-Provodnikov fight date has been moved to April 18th on HBO. Provodnikov also tweeted that the fight would be taking place on the East Coast.
Everything good, right?
Well in an interesting turn of events, one of the people I follow on Twitter @Jrosales13 tweeted that he had been contacted by Leija-Battah Promotions about purchasing tickets for the Gonzalez-Russell fight, except that they called him to buy tickets for the fight in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
So in speaking to a source within Leija-Battah promotions, that it is indeed true. The fight on March 28th will take place in San Antonio according to the source and the ticket announcement for the fight will come next week as well.
Looking into things, the move by Haymon looks like a block against Golden Boy Promotions. Golden Boy works with Leija-Battah and will likely be co-promoting Canelo Alvarez’ return on May 9th in Houston. Interesting developments in the boxing world.
Last edited:
If ESPN Rumors Are True, Al Haymon Has Already Won The War
Timothy Bartolini
By Timothy Bartolini February 22, 2015 12:31 pm Updated
Related Articles
Cloud: The Fight Can Only Go One Way, Hopkins is Going To Lose Bad 0 08.Mar
Jesus Soto Karass Discusses His Fight With Andre Berto and Incident At The Home Depot Center 0 26.Jun
Showdown at the Fairgrounds II: Results 0 14.Oct
al-haymon-860x1024If the stories about Al Haymon’s takeover of ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” are true, you can consider the war over. Al Haymon has won. A couple years from now the only promoter that will matter will be Al Haymon. Everyone else will have to work with him under his own terms. Five years from now boxers will probably be competing for the only belt that matters… the “PBC World Championship Belt”. Al Haymon may not have HBO, but he has taken control of every supply route that leads to the network. NBC, CBS, Spike TV and now ESPN?
Consider ESPN “Normandy”. In World War II, overtaking Normandy was a turning point for the allies that immediately threatened Germany’s industrial heart and opened up a land base through which the allies could safely bring in more troops. If the stories are true, Al Haymon can now use ESPN (along with other partners) as another avenue through which he can build his brand while denying his competition the most valuable resource in all of boxing… exposure.
In this “war” that Al Haymon has waged, the “industry” is the media and and “troops” are the fighters. ESPN is not just a content provider. They, more than any other source, create the narrative of the sports industry. ESPN makes stars. They turn regular season games into events and nobodies into celebrities. A partnership with ESPN means having a hand in molding the boxing narrative.
First, the obvious: having your fighters on ESPN increases their exposure. That should be a no-brainer. ESPN has a large audience and getting your prospects in front of a large audience is one of the main ingredients for star-making. If Al Haymon controls which young fighters appear on ESPN, he has a hand in deciding which young fighters take that next step to stardom.
Where will Top Rank build their stars of the future? NBC? Nope, Haymon has it. Spike TV? Nope, Haymon’s got it. CBS? Nope. Do you see what is happening? Al Haymon is controlling all avenues through which boxing stars can be built and ESPN with it’s 115 Million sports fans, is the ultimate strategic stronghold. Al Haymon is paving roads for his troops.
It’s not just about getting fights in front of people. There is also the ability to influence the message… let’s call it “propaganda” to continue with this war thing that I am doing. ESPN is the sports news provider for over 100 million people. Being in business with ESPN means having a hand in what they decide to talk about. It may be very subtle, maybe an extra question about Danny Garcia on “Around the Horn” or an extra minute on Sportscenter about the next PBC card. It’s the combination of little things like this that can mold public perception, and ESPN has hundreds of ways to do this kind of thing.
This isn’t even something that has to be specifically agreed upon between Al Haymon and ESPN. “The Worldwide Leader” is in the ratings business. It is in their best interest to increase the viewership and prestige of anything they choose to air. If adding some shine to Haymon’s “PBC” brand will result in adding value to ESPN’s boxing shows, you can be sure they will do it. They would be foolish if they didn’t.
A partnership with ESPN not only allows Haymon to get the inside track on influencing the limited boxing coverage but it also allows him a soft-monopolization of it. As Haymon’s guys get more ESPN online polls, stories and interviews, everyone else’s coverage will suffer. This will result in less discussion of Top Rank/Golden Boy fights and fighters, fewer polls, less talking points and ultimately less star-making power.
In theory, Haymon could grow powerful enough over time to be able to influence how much airtime ESPN devotes to negative stories about his fighters. The NFL has taken advantage of the partnership in this way. In the last year, ESPN suspended Bill Simmons for three weeks for calling NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a liar and the NFL reportedly forced ESPN to cancel their involvement in a PBS head injury special. Haymon may not be as powerful as the NFL, but these stories show that there is a precedent for ESPN doing what is in the best interest of their business relationships.
If Al Haymon can get ESPN in his pocket, he will control the information. The narrative is his. ESPN will make Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions look like the center of the boxing universe and that, in turn, will become the reality. A partnership with ESPN will a deathblow to the continued growth of any other rival promotions. It’s a strategic attack on the future of their industry, and it’s another brilliant move by Al Haymon.
The dynamic of the boxing industry is changing for the first time in 30 years. Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya look to be on the losing end of the first war. While Bob Arum was focusing on China, the real war was right in his own backyard. Top Rank and Golden Boy won’t go away, but their roles in the industry will be diminished as a direct result of their own complacency.
ESPN, CBS, NBC and Spike TV have all been available for years. Al Haymon was the only one that recognized their value and planted his flag. Instead of coming up with fresh ideas and new approaches, the old guard stuck with an antiquated battleplan that will leave them starved for resources. The war is almost over, and the ramifications will be felt in the years that come.
Timothy Bartolini
By Timothy Bartolini February 22, 2015 12:31 pm Updated
Related Articles
Cloud: The Fight Can Only Go One Way, Hopkins is Going To Lose Bad 0 08.Mar
Jesus Soto Karass Discusses His Fight With Andre Berto and Incident At The Home Depot Center 0 26.Jun
Showdown at the Fairgrounds II: Results 0 14.Oct
al-haymon-860x1024If the stories about Al Haymon’s takeover of ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” are true, you can consider the war over. Al Haymon has won. A couple years from now the only promoter that will matter will be Al Haymon. Everyone else will have to work with him under his own terms. Five years from now boxers will probably be competing for the only belt that matters… the “PBC World Championship Belt”. Al Haymon may not have HBO, but he has taken control of every supply route that leads to the network. NBC, CBS, Spike TV and now ESPN?
Consider ESPN “Normandy”. In World War II, overtaking Normandy was a turning point for the allies that immediately threatened Germany’s industrial heart and opened up a land base through which the allies could safely bring in more troops. If the stories are true, Al Haymon can now use ESPN (along with other partners) as another avenue through which he can build his brand while denying his competition the most valuable resource in all of boxing… exposure.
In this “war” that Al Haymon has waged, the “industry” is the media and and “troops” are the fighters. ESPN is not just a content provider. They, more than any other source, create the narrative of the sports industry. ESPN makes stars. They turn regular season games into events and nobodies into celebrities. A partnership with ESPN means having a hand in molding the boxing narrative.
First, the obvious: having your fighters on ESPN increases their exposure. That should be a no-brainer. ESPN has a large audience and getting your prospects in front of a large audience is one of the main ingredients for star-making. If Al Haymon controls which young fighters appear on ESPN, he has a hand in deciding which young fighters take that next step to stardom.
Where will Top Rank build their stars of the future? NBC? Nope, Haymon has it. Spike TV? Nope, Haymon’s got it. CBS? Nope. Do you see what is happening? Al Haymon is controlling all avenues through which boxing stars can be built and ESPN with it’s 115 Million sports fans, is the ultimate strategic stronghold. Al Haymon is paving roads for his troops.
It’s not just about getting fights in front of people. There is also the ability to influence the message… let’s call it “propaganda” to continue with this war thing that I am doing. ESPN is the sports news provider for over 100 million people. Being in business with ESPN means having a hand in what they decide to talk about. It may be very subtle, maybe an extra question about Danny Garcia on “Around the Horn” or an extra minute on Sportscenter about the next PBC card. It’s the combination of little things like this that can mold public perception, and ESPN has hundreds of ways to do this kind of thing.
This isn’t even something that has to be specifically agreed upon between Al Haymon and ESPN. “The Worldwide Leader” is in the ratings business. It is in their best interest to increase the viewership and prestige of anything they choose to air. If adding some shine to Haymon’s “PBC” brand will result in adding value to ESPN’s boxing shows, you can be sure they will do it. They would be foolish if they didn’t.
A partnership with ESPN not only allows Haymon to get the inside track on influencing the limited boxing coverage but it also allows him a soft-monopolization of it. As Haymon’s guys get more ESPN online polls, stories and interviews, everyone else’s coverage will suffer. This will result in less discussion of Top Rank/Golden Boy fights and fighters, fewer polls, less talking points and ultimately less star-making power.
In theory, Haymon could grow powerful enough over time to be able to influence how much airtime ESPN devotes to negative stories about his fighters. The NFL has taken advantage of the partnership in this way. In the last year, ESPN suspended Bill Simmons for three weeks for calling NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a liar and the NFL reportedly forced ESPN to cancel their involvement in a PBS head injury special. Haymon may not be as powerful as the NFL, but these stories show that there is a precedent for ESPN doing what is in the best interest of their business relationships.
If Al Haymon can get ESPN in his pocket, he will control the information. The narrative is his. ESPN will make Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions look like the center of the boxing universe and that, in turn, will become the reality. A partnership with ESPN will a deathblow to the continued growth of any other rival promotions. It’s a strategic attack on the future of their industry, and it’s another brilliant move by Al Haymon.
The dynamic of the boxing industry is changing for the first time in 30 years. Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya look to be on the losing end of the first war. While Bob Arum was focusing on China, the real war was right in his own backyard. Top Rank and Golden Boy won’t go away, but their roles in the industry will be diminished as a direct result of their own complacency.
ESPN, CBS, NBC and Spike TV have all been available for years. Al Haymon was the only one that recognized their value and planted his flag. Instead of coming up with fresh ideas and new approaches, the old guard stuck with an antiquated battleplan that will leave them starved for resources. The war is almost over, and the ramifications will be felt in the years that come.
@HERESY
I just found out the names of Cotto's list of possible opponents and it's worse than I thought. Embarrassed to type them.....Timothy Bradley, K9 Bundrage and Brandon Rios.