I think they did for that event but not sure any others outside of that. I know a few people who have been involved on the smaller cards who have only been there later in the week. I agree with the financial struggle point though, a lot less people have BT than have sky so they’re already fighting an uphill battle for viewers and to add costs by paying for 25 people an extra 3/4 nights in a hotel isn’t cheap. I think you are right that its undercards that Hearn has lined up, but that said his supporting fight is normally set up to replace the main event if needs be.
Thats true but have you seen this card? Theres better cards from MTK on youtube for free. Putting this on BT is a travesty. Even the fact Matchroom dont have replacement main events the fact that the weakest card they have announced was Warrington vs Lara. If that fell through they would have bumbed Barrett vs Martinez to main event which last minute is a solid main event given Covid. Putting on Khademi vs Ahmed either shows Franks BT budget is getting smaller by the day or he just doesnt have the stable. Surely his stable must be chomping given the last 12 months. Theres Umar Sadiq, Edmunson, Archie Sharp who could easily have been out in a reasonably watchable tickover.
He's made some good signings recently in Callum Johnson and Zach Parker. The problem is a lot of his talented fighters aren't being put in competitive fights.
The British boxing scene revolves so much around PPV nowadays, there’s no incentive for the broadcasters to stump up for decent cards otherwise. BT couldn’t care less what Frank is putting up as long as they get Fury’s fights on PPV. And Sky very rarely put on a show where the headliner isn’t somebody they are grooming for PPV - Warrington, Kelly, Okolie, Buatsi, Benn, Taylor, Harper etc. There’s not really any incentive for Hearn or Warren to put on decent cards on a typical Saturday night, as there’s no money in it.
I agree but with Sky you can atleast see the path to groom them to PPV with BT it seems miles off. It surely makes sense to atleast plan forwards amd realise after the AJ fights fury will retire and then there is not 1 single PPV fighter on BT.
Your talking as if this was the original card. Frank lost Herring v Frampton (for whatever reason) and then Cacce v Woodstock yesterday which was a good fight. BT have agreed to go ahead & run it and have basically rebranded it as prospects show, which is okay with me as Frank has good young kids, who need to start somewhere. He has 2 very good cards lined up for the 26th & 27 March and let’s just hope he doesn't have any more bad luck with Covid for those. He has an excellent British fight in Bentley v Cash to go off in May assuming Felix is going to be a Man of his word. Very solid fights in Sheeraz v Williamson & Arthur v Salamov (WBO final elim) are scheduled to be announced. He has just signed Callum Johnson & Zach Parker and both are main event ready and should be fighting for the WBO titles within the next 12 months. I don’t know about Edmundson, but Sadiq wouldn’t be ready after his last fight and Sharpe is out injured.
Don’t reckon? I’m a big fan but personally think once these fights are done he will be gone. can’t see him being motivated for a Joyce vs Usyk winner etc
I agree that the fights coming and his signings are fun. but he lost Frampton 3/4 weeks ago. He knew 5/6 weeks ago he didn’t have US tv backing and couldn’t put the fight on. Plenty of time to put on some other fights. do you think BT are honestly satisfied with putting on that quality of card? it’s poor and there’s no reason not to atleast have 1 fight on the card someone would be interested in watching. There’s plenty of tune ups he could have put on.
There is a maximum of 5 fights that they can put on TV. As we have already established, Frank has a number of young fighters who need to get out and some are making debuts. I think at least 2 of them have already had to be pulled off shows last year due to COVID which is why he wanted to put them on the first show of the year. By your logic, these kids would never get a chance to fight. As already pointed out, and you agreed the upcoming scheduled shows are of higher quality with more established fighters and lesser prospects. I don’t know the full story behind Frampton and Woodstock got covid, but if BT were not understanding of the situation, they could have pulled the plug on tomorow. As they haven’t, than they are obviously ok with it.
Seen an article with Cacace's manager saying he is hoping to be on in March against a ranking International opponent.
They are committed to the date and need the content. he’s got 6 fights on the card and on 2/3 of them should be on the tv portion of the event. No harm in putting in the fights but do t need to be taking up peoples BT subscription. All I’m saying is being honest imagine if that card was in sky sports. We would never hear the end of it
The card is about as rotten as Tommy Fury's 'stiff test' tonight in a 'good learning fight' - he is facing boxing's Eddie the Eagle