just wondering why TV networks such as ITV don't sign the fighters without needing a twat like F Warren. they could get someone who knows the business to work for them and control who the opponents are, basically acting as promoters themselfs and having full control.
Similar to what HBO do in America. HBO don't sign long term contracts with promoters but sign fighters to short term contracts. I think Hatton's new deal with HBO is for 3 fights. HBO also 'sanction' opponents as well so there aren't many mismatches (though that's not always the case, see Pavlik-Lockett) IMO, this would be better for the fans than the current format. The way the British networks work is fantastic for the likes of Warren-they get a long term contract to showcase their fighters on TV and can feed them bums. This is why Sky got fed up with Warren the first time though, so I hope Sky have more control over the quality of opponent this time. The only similar deal to the HBO format in the UK is David Haye's deal with Setanta for his own fights. It's a 4 fight contract and there is a clause in the contract that the first two opponents are ranked in the top 10 of any of the 4 main sanctioning bodies. This ensures that Haye faces a decent quality of opponents.
imagine ITV sign degale, frankie gavin and some other youngsters, build them up and when when they are ready for world titles they would have control and get value for their investment. and no F Warren complaining about fights going out at 11:00
Excellent idea but it would only work if ITV(or anyother TV network) have a boxing person in charge of it all. Otherwise there's no point.
you're right TV is full of boxing-illitirates/enemies, but surely they would employ a person who knew the sport to advice them, although its something HBO have not done thats why they've been duped by GBP and putting Mosley/mayorga on PPV
I read an article by Thomas Hauser on the state of HBO and the conclusion was that the current people in charge of boxing on HBO aren't boxing people. He and many promoters said that a boxing person was needed to to ensure fans get the best fights, otherwise there will be just more mismatches.
But there is no guarantee they will reach World title level, of course they wouldn't have to, to make money off them. Like the way they showcased Khan, only if Warren wasn't there.
Look how badly the BBC got its fingers burnt after signing Fraudly. Cant see them wanting to make that mistake again in a hurry.
yeh they have tried it and it hasnt worked. first of all they could not sign just 1 fighter, as they need to put on shows with at least 5 fights, theres so much more to putting on a boxing show than tv.
harrison and the BBC was no different than signing a multi-fight deal with a promoter, they only difference was fraudly was the promoter,fighter and everything in-bitween. thats not the same as signing a fighter and having control of who he fights, when he fights. the TV network would basically be the promoter
no they have not tried it. if you're talikin about harrison and the BBC that was just like signing with warren, but harrison was his known promoter. Thats why i said they would need to sign a bunch of talented youngsters (degale, gavin, saunders) and build them up
