Before Showtime came along, HBO had the entire boxing scene in the palm of their hands. After jumping head first in the industry in 1973 by broadcasting George Foreman’s knockout of Joe Frazier, HBO’s demise came 45 years later in 2019. However, the same fate was waiting for Showtime as the broadcasting company ended its relationship with boxing in 2023. Mike Tyson, who worked with both organizations during his prime, had a lot to say as Showtime bids adieu!

“Showtime Championship Boxing” aired its final boxing event with David Morrell Jr. taking on Sena Agbeko in a 168 lbs title fight at The Armory in Minneapolis. However, as the network worth $2.2 billion looks to pack its bags, they shared an interview featuring ‘Iron’ Mike on their Showtime Sports YouTube channel today. The former heavyweight delved into how his collaboration with Showtime shaped the boxing scene.

Mike Tyson describes his time with Showtime as ostentatious

During the interview, Jim Grey questioned Mike Tyson about his thoughts on the bygone era. “Ostentatious! Everything was big. The houses were big. The events were big. The afterparties were big. The fights were big. Everything was just for show,” said Mike. Hearing Mike’s response, Grey decided to ask Mike about what happened after he made the switch to Showtime from HBO.

“After I left HBO, I had expressed that I was going to showtime, and that’s when the whole boxing game had changed,” said Mike. When Grey probed further about the change that came about, Mike had an answer ready to go! “Because HBO lost me,” Mike responded. Further elaborating on how Showtime changed the game, Mike stated, “Showtime was giving us more money [and] giving us bigger deals. It stopped the Monopoly in boxing.”  However, it begs the question – why Tyson’s deal with HBO ultimately came unglued?

‘Iron’ Mike’s stint with HBO

According to an article written by Phil Berger for The New York Times on 12 December 1990, Larry Merchant, then HBO’s commentator, was at the bottom of it. The speculations back then were that Merchant was behind Tyson’s departure. Some claimed Tyson and his then-promoter, Don King, were not happy about the coverage Mike Tyson received during his fights on HBO.

So, Mike and King wanted Merchant removed from the network. However, Seth Abraham from Home Box Office refused the proposition from Mike. It’s also worth mentioning that Al Braverman, who worked as the director of boxing for King, claimed King and Tyson had no such intentions to get Merchant booted from HBO. However, they had compiled tapes of Merchant being especially critical of Mike. 

Also Read: “You Changed My Life”: Following Final Telecast of Showtime Boxing, Former World Champion Danny Garcia Pens Emotional Message for $2.2 Billion Network on Their Exit

As Showtime exits the sport of boxing, Mike Tyson, who transitioned into the network after leaving HBO, shared his perspective of how Showtime came as a blessing to the sport. What do you think about Showtime’s impact on the boxing scene? Do you agree with Mike’s claim that HBO lost him? 

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