AR
I was delighted last year when I heard Frank Warren had signed up with ITV, which would see boxing return to the channel after a long absence.
But it has been plagued by problems from the outset.
Ricky Hatton, probably Warren's biggest asset, split with him soon after the deal was signed and all his subsequent fights have been on Sky. Whatever the real reasons for the split, there is no denying that from Warren's point of view, ITV not having access to a pay- per- view outlet leaves him at a distinct disadvantage.
Secondly, the making of the fights themselves has become more difficult. ITV have an exclusive contract with Warren whilst all other promoters are signed up with Sky. This makes organising fights between rival camps virtually impossible.
Compare the 2 stables:
Sky- Regular access to many British fighters backed by many different promoters, with regular live boxing most Friday nights. Add to this their regular coverage from the States on Saturday nights/ Sunday mornings, as well as a pay per view facility for Ricky Hatton fights and other big names.
ITV- Frank Warren's boxers fighting amongst themselves, on an irregular basis. Much of the coverage is tucked away on ITV4, and with the exception of the Calzaghe- Lacy fight, every bout covered on ITV1 has thus far been disappointing.
And things are getting worse. let's face it, this has been a terrible week for Frank Warren. This Saturday's line up actually looked quite credible for a while. The undercard was to feature Amir Khan against someone he should beat easily, followed by Scott Harrison versus Nicky Cook and then to top the bill Matt Skelton versus Audley Harrison.
But the whole thing has gone pear shaped.
Firstly Skelton pulled out to be replaced by Danny Williams, who fought Audley Harrison almost exactly a year ago in waht was an incredibly dull fight. This time round, no title will be at stake, and, let's face it, neither fighter is going to achieve much beyond this. In truth Britain's most exciting heavyweight is Scott Gammer- who fights on Sky.
And now Scott Harrison has pulled out, and has split with Warren. At 29, Harrison should be at his peak, and be one of Warren's strongest assets. Now he will no doubt be seen on Sky before too much longer.
So this Saturday's line- up looks pretty drab. In truth, ITV's return to boxing has been half- hearted. They are hugely hampered with the fact they only have access to one promoter, who can only really pit his fighters against others from his own stable or some nobody who can be beaten easily. They needed a second promoter to make this pay off. Add to this their reluctance to put many fights on ITV1 (albeit understandably).
I have a feeling Warren may be regretting this deal. Yes, boxing's popularity has undoubtedly increased during the past 18 months or so, and Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton being nominated for Sports Personality Of the Year reflects this, BUT from ITV and Warren's point of view the ability to put the big fights together has been severely hampered, as one by one his big names leave him. I am of the view Warren's influence has begun a decline.
But it has been plagued by problems from the outset.
Ricky Hatton, probably Warren's biggest asset, split with him soon after the deal was signed and all his subsequent fights have been on Sky. Whatever the real reasons for the split, there is no denying that from Warren's point of view, ITV not having access to a pay- per- view outlet leaves him at a distinct disadvantage.
Secondly, the making of the fights themselves has become more difficult. ITV have an exclusive contract with Warren whilst all other promoters are signed up with Sky. This makes organising fights between rival camps virtually impossible.
Compare the 2 stables:
Sky- Regular access to many British fighters backed by many different promoters, with regular live boxing most Friday nights. Add to this their regular coverage from the States on Saturday nights/ Sunday mornings, as well as a pay per view facility for Ricky Hatton fights and other big names.
ITV- Frank Warren's boxers fighting amongst themselves, on an irregular basis. Much of the coverage is tucked away on ITV4, and with the exception of the Calzaghe- Lacy fight, every bout covered on ITV1 has thus far been disappointing.
And things are getting worse. let's face it, this has been a terrible week for Frank Warren. This Saturday's line up actually looked quite credible for a while. The undercard was to feature Amir Khan against someone he should beat easily, followed by Scott Harrison versus Nicky Cook and then to top the bill Matt Skelton versus Audley Harrison.
But the whole thing has gone pear shaped.
Firstly Skelton pulled out to be replaced by Danny Williams, who fought Audley Harrison almost exactly a year ago in waht was an incredibly dull fight. This time round, no title will be at stake, and, let's face it, neither fighter is going to achieve much beyond this. In truth Britain's most exciting heavyweight is Scott Gammer- who fights on Sky.
And now Scott Harrison has pulled out, and has split with Warren. At 29, Harrison should be at his peak, and be one of Warren's strongest assets. Now he will no doubt be seen on Sky before too much longer.
So this Saturday's line- up looks pretty drab. In truth, ITV's return to boxing has been half- hearted. They are hugely hampered with the fact they only have access to one promoter, who can only really pit his fighters against others from his own stable or some nobody who can be beaten easily. They needed a second promoter to make this pay off. Add to this their reluctance to put many fights on ITV1 (albeit understandably).
I have a feeling Warren may be regretting this deal. Yes, boxing's popularity has undoubtedly increased during the past 18 months or so, and Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton being nominated for Sports Personality Of the Year reflects this, BUT from ITV and Warren's point of view the ability to put the big fights together has been severely hampered, as one by one his big names leave him. I am of the view Warren's influence has begun a decline.