From fightnews on September 11, 2012: [h=1]HBO and ESPN marketing agreement[/h]HBO and ESPN have announced a multi-year, multi-tiered boxing programming and marketing agreement which includes coordinated support for major pay-per-view boxing events, including sharing programming content, cross-promotion elements, highlight packages and additional assets to be featured across multiple ESPN and HBO platforms. As part of the agreement, ESPN and ESPN Deportes’ news and information platforms, led by SportsCenter, will have access to key content and information surrounding marquee HBO Pay-Per-View boxing events, including fighter interviews. In addition, ESPN Deportes Television and ESPN3 will carry live fighter weigh-ins plus pre- and post-fight press conferences for HBO-Pay-Per-View Events and HBO’s 24/7 series. When I read this earlier in the week, I thought "Hmm. Makes sense for both sides." I haven't seen anyone comment on it at the forums I frequent. However, as I skimmed through last night's ESPN2 card, it went decent fight/Interviews and hype for HBO PPV event/decent fight. This isn't so unusual except for the fact that Showtime has a superb card going on this weekend, as well, and apparently this new agreement between HBO and ESPN2 means that Showtime no longer exists for ESPN2? Am I wrong? Did ESPN2 go over the Showtime card, too, and I just missed it? I know they didn't give it much time if they did. For all of ESPN2's faults, at least we haven't had to put up with them hyping events while ignoring others.
Gut reaction says this is good.....so long as HBO doesn't start to DICKtate to ESPN. A long time ago I was worried about HBO coming DOWN to ESPN's level. Now I am hoping ESPN can avoid being dragged down that far themselves.
GOOD News, on the Surface...But Pretty SHITTY if Showtime Gets LOST in the Shuffle, as mikE Alluded To... REED:34:
If it means better cards on ESPN...............then good. If all this means it more saturated coverage of step-up fights for those considered the chosen ones by the brass at HBO...................then this will suck giant donkey balls.
Unfortunately this is the most likely outcome. It's near impossible to look at anything boxing related on the business side of things without a hefty dose of skepticism. And by healthy dose, i mean the kind Keith Richards size amounts.
Up next on ESPN II. Another interview with Amir Khan telling us he's still undefeated. Amir: "It has been proven that Danny Garcia fed me bad shellfish, the night before me epic clash with this monster. He came to me room under false pretenses, telling me he only wanted to rub me feet for good luck. One thing led to another, and gooey shellfish was ingested into me digestive system" Teddy Atlas: "Amir, having made these wild accusations, I believe it's only in the best interest of the sport to insert you lb. for lb. #1 in the ESPN Ratings Diary. In exchange for this frivolous title and another shot on HBO, will you support me in my bid to become USA Boxing Czar and chief John McCain dick-sucker?...............you know..........for the good of the sport." Amir: "Oh, for sure Teddy. Boom Shaka! Me and me boys respec the hell out of your arrogance in this matter. I's just lookin' fo me rightfully eaaarned chance at a payda................I mean crack at Manny Pac or Money May on HBO PPV. I is humble on the matter, but me fans keep ringing up me Blackberry, demanding these fights happen............as Allah willed it." Teddy Atlas: "Amir, you are a hero to the sport I am trying to save, and also to HBO. God bless you on your efforts to help me clean up the sport of boxing. Remember, keep your chin up..............I mean, err...........don't keep your chin up. Stand up straight............but not too straight.........you'll get tagged and KTF onto queer street again................and keep up the good fight...........err, but don't exchange too much on the inside.............you can't fight for shit on the inside." Amir: "May Allah bless me!" Teddy Atlas: "What?" Amir: "You said, God Bless me, I corrected you to Allah." Teddy Atlas: "Yea, ok Amir, who gives a shit...........I once held a gun to Mike Tysons head and got cut in the face by a stripper during a bar fight." Amir: "I is humble." Teddy Atlas: "I'm gonna throw this back to Bob Papa to tell everybody that he agrees with me." da da da..........da da da
:: How will this thing work? Will ESPN be making the fights and having them broadcast on HBO in exchange for a cut of any profit?
