After Showtime’s Exit, Best Shot at Saving Boxing PPV Is for Al Haymon, Bob Arum, Frank Warren, Eddie Hearn, Oscar De La Hoya, and Other Promoters to Join Forces; There’s No Other Way Around It and Here’s Why

The sport of boxing may not be the same anymore after Showtime’s exit! It’s a thought that has kept boxing fans and experts awake at night. The boxing scene is undergoing a seismic shift with this recent development from Showtime Boxing. The stalwart broadcasting channel has been in the business for the last 37 years and will sadly exit the scene at the end of 2023. What makes it worse is the fact that their decision to exit boxing came after HBO’s departure five years earlier. 

Both companies, once considered mammoths of the industry, resorted to cutting ties with the sport. The departure of these two major networks accentuates the need for a fundamental shift in how the sport is promoted and broadcasted. So, while the boxing community is dealing with this new reality, there is consensus taking shape among them. What’s that? Well, the best way to combat this growing concern is for the sport’s most prominent names to join forces. It involves Al Haymon, Bob Arum, Frank Warren, Eddie Hearn, Oscar De La Hoya, and others. Here’s why this collaboration is vital to rescue the pay-per-view model in boxing!

The boxing world calls for teamwork

With this major setback on the horizon, most people have started to realize the fragmented nature of the promotions is causing harm. Traditionally, promoters have looked out for their own interests, working to benefit their own fighters. However, as other sports and entertainment options present a threat to boxing, a collective approach to promoting is necessary.

Moreover, many in the industry, including fighters like Ryan Garcia and Terence Crawford, have called for a change in the way things are done. Ryan said, “HBO and Showtime defined our sport for a generation, and now they are both out. All us boxers need to make this our collective fight.” Meanwhile, Terence Crawford stated, “I couldn’t agree more Ryan Garcia. The system we have isn’t going to fix this. We gotta think different…Us fighters need to come together.”

Oscar De La Hoya, a prominent promoter in boxing, echoed similar sentiments, asserting the need for everyone to work together for the betterment of the sport. “I am hopeful that we promoters can…put our differences aside and start working together…to help make more of the bigger fights and grow our sport,” wrote De La Hoya.

What can promoters do to save boxing?

All the promoters need to leave their differences behind and take a stand to rescue the pay-per-view model from its untimely demise. 

Al Hamon is the founder of Premier Boxing Champions, and he has the most noteworthy fighters in his camp. Haymon has been looking for broadcasting deals with Amazon Prime Video and DAZN. So, he can join forces with other promoters to help fighters maintain a platform to showcase their talents.

Bob Arum is the founder of Top Rank, and he has a wealth of experience in the boxing scene. Not to mention Arum’s strong relationship with ESPN and his ability to arrange PPV events with ESPN. So, by working with other promoters, Arum can build more blockbuster fights.

Frank Warren is a well-respected promoter in the UK and has a strong relationship with the Saudi boxing organizers. So, if he puts aside his rivalry with Eddie Hearn and works together with everyone, he can contribute to the entire effort.

Eddie Hearn is the chairman of Matchroom Boxing, and his collaboration with DAZN has proven to be a game changer. What’s more, his reach extends beyond the US and the UK. So, Hearn can ensure fights are accessible to more people.

Also Read: Showtime’s Exit From Boxing PPV Is a Wake-Up Call for All Greedy Boxers Who Want To Earn Billions Like ‘Money’ Mayweather Without Putting in the Hard Work That ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd Did

Oscar De La Hoya leads his Golden Boy Promotions, and he has shown a willingness to work with others. His input as a former boxer and talented promoter can prove to be highly valuable.

What needs to be done in the future?

By coming together as a singular force, they can tackle the most pressing concerns in the boxing industry. Firstly, it will ensure fighters from different promotions can fight each other, creating more interesting fights. Working together can help every promotion extend its reach to a global level. 

This will attract new audiences and investors to the sport while making everyone money. Moreover, working together will help them pool resources and expertise, giving rise to unique marketing campaigns. What’s more, having a united front, avoiding fragmentation, and ensuring that the best fighters come to the public eye.

While boxing’s PPV model is at a crossroads after Showtime’s exit, if these promoters willingly come together, things may start looking good for the sport. Whether that happens or not is yet to be seen. Until then, let us know about your thoughts on the matter. Do you think all the promoters mentioned here will choose to work together? Or is the sport destined to fail?

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