Al Haymon has done what many consider to be the impossible, bring boxing back to primetime network television.
We’ve seen premium cable channels dominate boxing for the past 25+ years but Haymon and his team have made it a point to build boxing back up from it’s roots. Bringing the best fighters in the world to people’s living rooms for free.
Genius Idea!
Whether it is profitable is yet to be seen but a moveĀ of this magnitude is to be admired regardless. If Haymon fails and his deals runt their course in the next few years then at ;east a new generation of fans can say they’ve seen the best in the world. Not everyone has the financial capabilities to pay $100 for a PPV or to carry a monthly subscription for HBO/Showtime. There’s been a long while where boxing was considered an after thought. A sport you had to actively seek out to enjoy.
No longer thanks to PBC. These gifted young fighters will be exposed to the nation and it is up to them to do what Hearns, Hagler, Leonard, Robinson, Duran and others have done before them; make boxing relevant.
Tonight is the first step in that direction. The following match ups are worthy of any Showtime/HBO card the past decade and could have easily cost fans money, but instead they will battle on network TV tonight. They will battle for pride, for fame and for legacy.
Take a look at who we feel tonight will turn out.
Our Fight Predictions:
Adrien “The Problem” Broner vs. “The Gladiator” John Molina – Broner by Split Decision
Keith “One Time” Thurman vs. Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero for Thurman’s WBA regular welterweight title – Thurman by Unanimous Decision
Abner Mares vs. Arturo Santos Reyes (May be seen as tape delay on NBCSN at 11 p.m. ET) – Mares by 7th Rd KO
Tonight’s fights promise to bring excitement and intrigue back to casual boxing fans and the fighters are fully aware of what they will need to do to make this NBC venture a success.