Veteran boxing promoter Bob Arum recently revealed that he holds NO REGRETS for NOT promoting the highly awaited fight between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford. Considering the two welterweights as boxing’s most lucrative players, many in the sports industry deemed the match as a potentially blockbuster event. However, Arum’s latest statement has brought a new perspective into light.
In a candid conversation, Arum noted that the financially intensive sport of boxing doesn’t stand to benefit by focusing solely on premium fights that attract only the niche audience. He expressed his view vehemently, URGING the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to do more FREE FIGHTS on PRIME time television. This, he believes, can revolutionize the sport by expanding its fanbase and drawing in more sponsors.
Arum, who has over half a century’s expertise in boxing promotions under his belt at Top Rank Promotions, elaborated on the tough economic realities of the sport. The production of major boxing events is an enormously costly affair, with ancillary expenses often mounting to even outshine the revenue generated from the bouts.
With this being the case, Arum is a staunch advocate of more accessible fights being made available to the general public free of charge. The glitz and glamor of premium fights might be a crowd-puller, yet they seem to alienate viewers who cannot afford the steep price tags of Pay-Per-View subscriptions. Moreover, exclusive fights limit the visibility of the sport and presumably, the opportunities for aspiring boxers.
To elaborate on Arum’s point, a closer look at the sport across the globe reveals the success of boxing events aired on television channels. Whether it’s the heart-thumping local fights in Mexico or the electrifying events in the UK, these matches that are broadcasted require no viewer payment and have managed to maintain a large audience base. Most importantly, they have been instrumental in nurturing the sport at the grassroots level.
As a counter-argument to his stance, critics might indicate that free-to-air fights are likely to diminish its monetary value. However, Arum retorts that this move could enable the sport to draw increased revenue in the long term, explaining that boxing could secure more sponsorship deals from big companies and brands if it is more widely viewed and appreciated.
Arum continued to emphasize his stance by indicating that the PBC, an influential organization in professional boxing, has an important role to play. By actively promoting FREE FIGHTS on PRIME television for the greater public, PBC could make a major contribution towards extending boxing’s outreach.
It is yet to be seen how PBC will react to Arum’s perspective. However, the implication is clear – the way ahead for boxing lies in breaking free of its premium, closed-door format and embracing a democratized approach. By promoting free fights on prime time television, boxing can restore its universal appeal, re-engage disenchanted fans, and potentially brew a new generation of boxing enthusiasts.
In summary, Bob Arum’s NO REGRETS on NOT promoting Spence vs. Crawford represents much more than a personal viewpoint. It’s an urgent plea for boxing organizations to rethink the way they cater to viewers, to prioritize accessibility over exclusivity and thereby revive the sport for the better. Will this spark a revolution in boxing promotions? Only time will tell.
