WTF has Happened to HBO Boxing ???

I think they used Kovalev to build Ward into a star, and not only did it fail, but the guy retired after.

They used to have GGG 3 to 4 times a year on HBO. Now we only see him once if we're lucky. He fought only two times in 2017, both times on ppv. When Canelo came to HBO Golden Boy said he would fight 2 times on HBO PPV and once in normal HBO every year.... Yet he fought one time on HBO vs James Kirkland. After that its been ppv, injury and ppv again. Not the way to keep people interested.

 

Yep and I also believe that the 2000s was an aberration for lower weight class fighters. Guys below 140 were drawing big numbers which is rare. And I doubt that will happen again.

If boxing is going to bust out of its slumber it will have to be from 147 and up.

200 had some good competition, but couldn't get a TV deal.

154 seems to be the hottest place for hard nosed young fighters right now. Some good fights to be made there.

 

Merchant was a biased clown!

 

Larry was getting on during those late years tho. slurring a bit and just dribbling on at times. Max at the very least is incredibly passionate about the sport

 

too many titles and the guys do not have good amateur experience. So the level of fighting is lower and people are fooled by lower levels.

 

the problem is Ward was not really a superstar in the Hagler or Leonard or Hearns level. He said, ok I won my big fight now I am getting out of boxing.. Boxing is just not exciting anymore. Even Bramble vs. Mancini in 1984 was exciting.

 

HBO keeps lowering their budget to the point of severe decline. It's their fault about not understanding they have to invest in the sport. That and their agenda that has nothing to do with boxing. If I have an HBO sub, it won't be because of boxing.

 

But he was special in his talents and he made HBO boxing different, and he had the great benefit of a better era of boxing when he was younger.

 

The Broadcast team isn't what it used to be.

Merchant retired. At the very least he brought integrity and wasn't afraid to call two pounds of crap in a one pound bag for what it is. When the match in the ring sucked, he was the anti-cheerleader, and often humorous during the process. His interviews can be good.

Lamprey is still a solid blow by blow man, he has slipped a bit and become a full-time cheerleader. Manny Steward has passed.

I do think Roy Jones can be insightful and sharp but his tone can be very biased. Harold Lederman scorecards are usually solid enough to show the views when the judges are off.

Max Kellerman is lucky to have this job.

The problem is it used to be an A- type of crew. Now its very C+

 

I can't stand Kellerman. Huge mistake bringing him on. Jones also talks about himself way too much.

 

Correct, they replaced the wrong old man, should have done away with Letterman. Still HBO's programming this year while maybe not being able to measure up to others in quantity of shows, matches up to Showtime & others in quality quite well imo.

 

They overpaid fighters that they shouldn’t have For the rights to televise the event on HBO.

I just don’t see them ever getting back into it like they did in the past. They will just host big PPV event and have the occasional boxing match.

 

Not doubting his knowledge but, he came across as a guy who wanted to be a boxer but, was scared or not good enough so he was jealous of the real fighters and it came out in his post fight interviews and round by round commentary. Condesending buttmunch!

 

Just when you think youve read the dumbest thing on this board someone comes along and tops it.

 

Merchant was honest, if the house fighter was losing or he thought they were he would say and score as such.