Boxing has not fully embraced the studio setting but it may become an alternative
World Wrestling Entertainment took the initial plunge with fresh programming content.
Will boxing’s power brokers also carry out the same approach in jump-starting the sport during the coronavirus crisis?
A month removed from the last live boxing broadcast because of government social distancing mandates, TV networks have treated viewers, including fight fans, to replays of notable sporting events to fill air time. Last week ESPN broadcast fights which featured Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.
But WWE deviated from the norm when it showcased WrestleMania 36 April 5 and 6. Presented on pay-per-view at the company’s event center in Orlando, WrestleMania’s telecast provided viewers a break from the replays that have dominated sports networks since mid-March.
Without the need for arenas or stadiums, especially since mass gatherings are barred during the mandate, the studio setting has become an intriguing option for combat sports.
Ultimate Fighting Championships also seemed set on defying the status quo, pushing ahead with plans to showcase its next event Saturday night at an undisclosed location. But late last week UFC scrapped the event after strong objections from ESPN, which has a multi-year deal to televise its shows, and parent company Disney.
Boxing has not fully embraced the studio setting but it may become an alternative once the loosening of social distancing mandates. Meanwhile, air-date losses keep mounting.
Eight shows promoted by Las Vegas-based Top Rank and scheduled for the multiple ESPN platforms were cancelled because of the lockdown, according to Miami resident Brad Jacobs, the company’s chief operating officer.
“The studio option is on the table as part of our daily conversations,” Jacobs said. “It is a more controlled environment as to who is admitted to the facility. We deal with people from all around the globe and everyone is sort of looking at the studio environment as a possible first step before transitioning to arena settings.”
However, Jacobs said too many obstacles remain for the studio concept to take off in the foreseeable future, such as the cooperation of supervising state commissions and TV networks. WWE avoided regulatory supervision for WrestleMania because its events are not under state sanctioning.
“You have your active commissions and there is the likelihood of new rules,” Jacobs said of boxing’s hurdles compared to professional wrestling.
Lack of fight preparedness also deters the immediate resumption of boxing even with the studio backdrop. Gym shutdowns have left the majority of fighters needing the proper training and extended timeline to prepare for bouts.
In addition to Top Rank, other companies lost TV fight dates.
Premier Boxing Champions, overseen by influential manager Al Haymon, showcases its signature fighters on Showtime and multiple Fox networks. The lockdown resulted in the cancellation of PBC scheduled telecasts on March 14 and 28 and Saturday night.
Current restrictions dissuade the company from pursuing the studio model for boxing events during the pandemic.
“The state commissions would have to authorize them as they’re under their jurisdiction in whatever state they’re fought,” Tim Smith, PBC’s vice-president of communications, said in an email. “They would also have to staff them. Without universal testing I don’t see it.”
Before the suspension of social activities, Miami-based promotional company All-Star Boxing completed its four-week set of winter shows on Telemundo. Officials from the Spanish-language network recently informed All-Star Boxing president Felix “Tutico” Zabala that the next series beginning May 1 is postponed.
Streaming service DAZN, which has deals with Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions, suspended four shows in April and May.
“Whenever we return, it’s going to be a whole new world,” Jacobs said. “We don’t know what tomorrow brings but we’ll deal with it when it comes. We will execute to the best of our ability and present a good product.”