Matthew Paras ‏@Mparas1432 @boxingbookie 1.1 million for Donaire-Rigondeaux ten years ago February 15, 2003 HBO Tim Austin vs. Rafael Marquez Total average viewership of 2.8 million
This got less than Hopkins-Cloud, for that fight Hopkins got 750,000 and cloud got 550,000 which adds up to 1.3 million, Donaire got 1.32 by himself he got more than Cloud and Hopkins combined for less ratings, he's not a star.
talking up a chess match is never a good thing. casual fans want rock 'em sock 'em robots or rocky-like fights. unless they're purists who understand the finer points of boxing...they're not going to appreciate the artistry that was on display last saturday.
10 years ago there were alot less options on tv. HBO has a smaller overall share of the consumer market percent wise. 1.1 for last weeks show is pretty good. And yeah, Donaire is vastly overpaid.
You should check on the ratings thread by Ripper Donaire gets under 1 million sometimes, as the A-side fighter the ratings are on him.