But surely they can afford to pay more because they're the bigger platform. Outside of selling their mothers to fund AJ's future non-title fights, DAZN are clearly struggling to compete financially.
Ticket sales are not dependent on the platform. Smith could have went on sky sports years ago but stuck with Warren as at that time he likely believed he had a better deal with Warren. No better time to be a fighter than now as the money in the sport means they have options.
That's not how business works. You pay what you think the product is worth? If somebody believes the value is higher that doesn't necessarily mean you have to beat it.
Yes but a business needs to actually have a product to sell and DAZN's product in the UK seems to be dying. I was in favour of DAZN and hoped it would be "Game. Changed.", but I'm not subscribing at the moment because I wouldn't be paying for anything other than the odd 5am fight.
Hearn has a base of fans who take pride in paying for it as they see it as supporting Hearn. People call it Matchroom FC for a reason.
Can't see it. The US market is even more volatile and they are still operating there without the major sports. They could leave the UK if the business isn't sustainable but considering they just spent an absolute fortune on AJ the UK business doesn't look like its going anywhere. Why they have such belief in boxing I'm not really sure? The next epl rights though could be make or break. If they can't get those then yeah where else is there to go.
Despite the fact that he's past his best years, still a massive signing for Sky and one which will attract the UK crowds. He's still got a few fights left in him.
Hardly a big loss. Sour faced Liam Smith is a nobody in boxing. He's spent far too much time with his elder brother Sour Dour Paul Smith Jnr hence why Liam walks around with a massive chip on his shoulder.
Yeah Matchroom are going to have to overpay fighters quite significantly to keep them fighting on DAZN. Boxers can make some good money from their sponsors, but companies want their logo to be seen by as many eyeballs as possible if they’re going to continue paying the big bucks. There’s also the prestige. When you tell people you’re fighting on Sky Sports, that’s a big deal. If you tell them you’re fighting on DAZN they’ll won’t know what you’re talking about.
Eddie Hearn is not going to lose much night sleep over no longer having Liam Smith in his stable. Liam Smith is certainly a skilled boxer close to the world elite, but he does not provide new customers to DAZN UK.
It’s a clever signing by BOXXER though. A recognisable name that people will tune in to see, and will see a lot of their young fighters at the same time.
