No more "Thursday nights, Channel 5" football...more boxing?!

Totally agree, put it on terrestrial at the right time, market it, build the fighters profiles a little and it will draw a big crowd.

There are lots of folk out there who will watch boxing if it's on and enjoy it but they will not go to great lengths to do so. They never have. They were spoonfed fights and fighters in the past and it worked.

 

I dont think that Fearons shows would be the type channel 5 needs to go for. I think though that Choi is the perfect "support bout fighter" popular and brings a crowd and exciting to watch may not hit the height but always good fun.

Thats the perfect appetiser to get fans to tune in and then that gives them the licence to make a big main event fight.

 

The second he reaches a certain level of fame 'hello PPV' just like Khan I bet!

 

not so sure i agree. choi ,with his non stop action, the story, the hair, the mongolian entrance etc would be of interest to the casual fan. i've taken my daughter to several fearon shows to watch nathan graham, and whilst she's got very little interest in the wider boxing scene she certainly knows who choi is .
choi, fury and eubank all have good stories and fighting styles for the casual to latch on to.
i'm sure there are more out there who are 'attractive propositions' who don't get the coverage that they could.
i know these won't be going to 5 ,but frampton, backed by mcguigan would be a natural for them as would curtis woodhouse and the walshes out of east anglia.all have got 'stories' behind them , are of a half decent standard and will give value for money with their styles. even if channel 5 could land a couple of british title fights the fact that they are generally honest, value for money, good fights would also appeal to the wider public

 

I agree with the middle part can not see Channel 5 giving up the rights and to be honest I don't think they will.

 

Excellent news if true.

Europa league is cack - much rather watch boxing over that 2nd rate champions league anyday.

 

Great news if true.

 

boxing puns to next level



football isn't up to scratch
boxing koes football
football outpointed

 

They've already lost the rights. ITV4 have snapped them up.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/oct/17/itv-uefa-europa-league

 

Nothing to do with them 'giving up', it seems ITV are going all out for Europa League football. Blew 5 and ESPN out the water when the TV deals went up for renegotiation late last year.

Edit : LosG beat me to it

 

Would rather watch Athletic than any of the boxers around at the moment.

 

A bit surprised Channel 5 lost the rights I'd find It a bit worrying If I was affiliated with Channel 5 that they lost the rights to ITV for one of there better drawing programmes.

 

What I like about the Channel 5 cards is that it's not just one boxer being shown typically- they now have three Henessey fighters who usually provide entertainment. This is in stark contrast to the Harrison/BBC debacle.

As for who'd want to be on Channel 5, I'd say Hatton would be the favourite if they aren't tied into a long term deal with Sky.

 

Hennessy fighters are matched harder than most, ie tyson fury at 20 and a handfull of fights goes into 10 rounder with john mcdermott, eubank jnr 2nd fight jason ball, ball central area champ, very tough, fit etc, john odonell, long time since he was matched soft, lenny daws apart from a warm up fight messes in top class, theopane imo is world class, even phil fury at 19 or 20 fights unbeaten lightheavys, but to finish, all else to oneside,tyson fury is uks most watchable boxer. i.m.o.

 

Can anyone post viewing figures for separate sports?