Could a boxing channel work if ..

Most boxing shows in the UK lose money, with and without TV.

The reason? Not enough punters are interested to generate the money that fighters deserve.

Ticket sales are important because they are the difference between profit and loss, but for a lot of promoters the sales are too small and only dampen the hit they are taking financially.

The harsh reality is that many boxers are overpaid in terms of financial value. While boxers deserve every penny they receive due to their hard work, dedication and bravery, many do not generate enough income to cover their costs.

For example, say you have a young prospect turning over. He's doing four rounds against a journeyman. Paying him just a grand (which is the average for a four-rounder involving a none-stand out amateur) and his opponent a grand to £1500 (journeymen tend to cost more, especially if they are on late notice), you've got generate £2000-£2500 just to cover that fight. That's more than 80 tickets on most shows.

To make a four-rounder profitable, you need over 100 ticket sold. The reality is that many boxers (despite what they claim) cannot generate that many sales.

Then there's other costs involved in a show such as board tax, venue hire, officials, advertising etc.

In regards to a new TV channel, people need to realise the production costs involved. To film a basic show with an outside broadcast truck, five cameras, commentary etc you're looking at an outlay of between £15,000 and £35,000.

While such a TV channel is a good idea, for promoters that are fully versed in the flawed economics of the fight game, the venture would merely be an exercise in throwing good money after bad.

 

Pretty much sums up my thoughts, but far more eloquently put

 

Good interview with Luke Keeler (who's fighting in Prizefighter) worth a read. He mentions something along the lines of what you said about needing ticket sales in this article. http://the*****ofwrath.com/luke-keeler-the-life-of-a-prospect/

“I’ve got 150 tickets to sell,” Keeler tells me. “I need to sell them to cover me and my opponent. It’s that or you don’t fight.”