Free TV should bring boxing back
Aside from those with Sky TV, boxing fans have been largely starved of their regular fight feast ever since the BBC and ITV decided to pull the plug on a sport that has always brought in the viewing figures. Those not willing or able to shell out extra on top of their annual licence fee are grateful for the internet, as it enables round the clock boxing coverage, including live streams of big bouts.
It is a far cry from the days of the 1980’s and 1990’s when BBC and ITV provided an outlet that first ignited my now seemingly life long passion for the modern day gladiator duel. Wednesday and Saturday nights regularly featured top British names Barry McGuigan, Frank Bruno, Duke Mckenzie, Lloyd Honeyghan, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, with commentary from legends Harry Carpenter and Reg Gutteridge. After the action ended, the debate continued in the classroom and playground, with several of us all keen to prove we were the expert.
The newspapers also recognised boxing alongside football and cricket, and this helped Barry McGuigan and Frank Bruno enjoy celebrity status. However, when Sky took their almost exclusive foothold during the mid 1990's, boxing became a secondary sport. Many newspaper editors decided boxing no longer demanded a place on the back page. As football increasingly became the mass obsession, trade papers Boxing News and Boxing Monthly kept the fight flag flying.
The BBC made a brief attempt to get back in the ring by signing 2000 Olympic gold medallist Audley Harrison, but a series of sub-standard opponents and dire performances helped the corporation decide that boxing was no longer worth the time and money.
In more recent times, ITV screened the likes of Carl Froch, who should now be one of the most renowned faces in British sport following his ever-enthralling battles. Amazingly ITV once again threw in the towel despite good viewing figures and positive feedback. Radio stations have also played a part in ignoring boxing, and unless a fight is deemed massive in their eyes it doesn't get a mention.
But in spite of the rejection, the noble art has fought on. Weekend shows are still well attended, and the fight army listen in their droves to BBC Five Live and BBC London's boxing hour. Last month, Channel 5 announced their boxing arrival by screening the British and Commonwealth heavyweight clash between Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury. Despite the two being largely unknown to the wider public, the show peaked at 2.9 million viewers.
Boxing is still in a healthy condition, with four British world champions in Amir Khan, Carl Froch, Ricky Burns and Nathan Cleverly. A host of potential champions include Kell Brook, Darren Barker and Kevin Mitchell.
Sky, to their credit, have been the sole long term TV backer, and without their loyalty boxing may have become a minor sport.
The last three Olympics have seen Britain capture two gold medals from Audley Harrison and James DeGale while Bolton sensation Amir Khan captured silver. With such an impressive record, you would think financial backers would be lining up in their droves to back a sport that offers many misguided youngsters an opportunity for prosperity.
In the wake of nationwide youth looting, the government would be well advised to ensure struggling amateur clubs are adequately resourced. These clubs are the lifeblood of many communities, and volunteers pour endless hours into the development of young boxers who one day may stand on a podium, instead of their lives being wasted in prison.
Boxing has always had its share of knockers, but wouldn't even the anti-fight brigade prefer their screens to be filled with images of two disciplined and respectful competitors battling it out, rather than some of the recent news footage?
Are you listening BBC and ITV?
