Boxing on Network Television?!

America has become a gullible society.  Easy to manipulate.  Naïve.  Susceptible to belief without credence… and in the universe of sports, it’s no different. 

Boxing’s decline in popularity to the mainstream public can be attributed to many different aspects.  Some blame it on promoter greed and matchmaking, while others look towards the fact that young kids and more importantly their parents don’t aspire for a career in combat.  But neither of the aforementioned issues compare to boxing’s  withdrawal from network television. 

Rumors are running rampant that Al Haymon is in the process of bringing boxing back to network television.  I’d be the first person to profess a lack of trust for anything regarding Al Haymon, but the thought of what boxing on network television could do for the sport is very intriguing.

Let's Talk Boxing w/ Gabe Gonzalez

ALL ACCESS - Scripted. Fake. Phony.

According to Showtime Sports, “All Access” provides viewers with an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at boxing champions as they prepare for their next epic showdown. 

Now intimate is defined as closely acquainted, private and personal… all adjectives that signify an authentic and deep look at the lives of two fighters leading up to a highly anticipated event.  The show is billed as “behind-the-scenes” not “reality television”… there’s a difference. 

Floyd Mayweather Jr. was called before the Nevada State Athletic Commission early Tuesday regarding a few incriminating scenes in the award winning “All-Access: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2”.  His response was simple… it was all fake.  A hoax.  Scripted for entertainment purposes. 

The 31-minute sparring sessions? Fake.  His female associates blazin’ up? False. Gambling on the “dog-house” fights? Nope.

What once was looked at as a cutting-edge view into the pre-fight process has been unveiled to be nothing more than boxing’s version of WWE Raw Backstage Pass. 

Those in defense of “All Access” and the scripting of the show offer up the argument that ALL reality television is scripted to a point.  My response is just as simple… it’s not needed.  To be a successful prizefighter on a stage big enough to warrant a “behind-the-scenes” series is a marvel in itself.  The training, preparation and lifestyle of the fighters are enough to satisfy the public’s interest.  We want more grit and less flash.  More Rocky in Russia and less Apollo in a top hat.  More substance and less fabrication. 

Will the public continue to tune in to “All Access” for Floyd Mayweather’s next bout? There’s no doubt.  It’s obvious that they’re catering to a younger audience who is enamored by the gaudy lifestyle that’s attached to “Money May”. 

Unfortunately, the show may have lost the hardcore fight fan.  It’s one thing to sift through Floyd’s Bugattis, private jets and ostentatious persona for a glimpse into his rigorous training regimen… but when the validity of every moment captured on screen is in question, it defeats the entire premise of the show.  

Follow me on Twitter: @RLMalpica 

Is Floyd Bad for Boxing?

You’re probably asking yourself “How can the #1 draw and pound-for-pound king be bad for boxing?” Let me break it down for you….

Photo courtesy of cnn.com

Floyd has done a brilliant job marketing himself and his brand to the point that when boxing is offered up to the casual sports fan, Floyd Mayweather is usually the response.  Boxing is in a precarious position of constantly fighting for a bigger fan base and market share.  When Floyd Mayweather is the face of a sport hinging on entertainment to garner new fans, the task is daunting. 

Ask yourself this question… When’s the last time you walked away from a Floyd Mayweather fight feeling satisfied?

Hardcore boxing fans can appreciate Floyd’s defensive wizardry, brilliant accuracy and sharp counter punching, but even the purist of fan possesses a feeling of emptiness after a Floyd bout.  Passionate fans offer up their heart and emotion in watching these modern day gladiators do battle and that’s why it’s extremely difficult to be a fan of a fighter who doesn’t offer up his own.

12 Rounds of Thought - Mayhem

My initial thoughts on the “mega-fight” rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Marcos Maidana.  Also, my thoughts on Leo Santa Cruz’s KO win, Mickey Bey’s controversial decision win over Miguel Vazquez and James De La Rosa’s upset of Alfredo Angulo. 

Round 1: Molina-Soto was by far the “Fight of the Night”… I could have been $77 richer today. 

Round 2: Alfredo Angulo needs to hang up the gloves.. he’s entered the Juanma world of shot fighters.  Lost 3 fights in a row and De La Rosa did everything he could to offer up a win to him, but he didn’t have enough left to take it.  Nice guy, but it’s time for him to walk away. 

Round 3: Mikey Bey vs. Miguel Vazquez wouldn’t even be worth a round if it weren’t for the GARBAGE decision.  How any judge saw Bey winning this fight 119-109 needs more than their eyes checked… they need to be committed.  The fight was beyond boring and Bey walked away with a gift.  Thank you TMT. 

Photo by Steve Marcus

Round 4:  Leo Santa Cruz is exciting… but my goodness, a showcase co-main event on a $77 card?  Roman had no right to grace the squared circle with Leo.  Leo-Rigo next please, it’s the ONLY way to redemption after this 2 round sparring match. 

Round 5: Floyd came into this fight with a clear cut gameplan… stay off the ropes, use the ring, clinch… and most importantly keep Kenny Bayless in his back pocket. 

Round 6:  I’m a huge Bayless fan… think he’s one of the best referees in boxing… but his showing left a lot to be desired.  It’s one thing to not allow a fight to get outta hand, but to penalize a fighter based off of a predetermined notion is absurd.  Anytime Maidana would get NEAR Floyd on the ropes, Kenny would be ready to jump in and break it up… I’m serious… watch the fight again… he was WAITING for an opportunity to jump in. 

Mayhem Breakdown & Prediction

On Saturday night, I’m expecting an even more competitive bout between Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana.  While the first bout was a tale of two halves, I foresee a little more back and forth between the two.

Maidana needs to parlay his aggression from the first fight with a little more poise early on.  He doesn’t need to go for broke like he did in the first few rounds.  By no means does he need to lose the aggression, but he needs to pace himself a bit more.  Maybe he throws 75 punches a round instead of 100?  Ruggedness mixed with a relentless attack is the key for Maidana.  He must make Floyd uncomfortable for ALL twelve rounds.  Also, his jab was key… not many fighters use the jab against Floyd and you could tell it bothered him in the first bout. 

Floyd can win this fight rather easily if he’s able to keep it in the middle of the ring for the majority of the rematch.  Unfortunately, I don’t believe Marcos will allow that to happen.  So, Floyd needs to counter off the ropes and evade Maidana.  If he sits on the ropes like he did in the first fight, it’ll be a rougher night than it needs to be.  Floyd’s key to victory is to frustrate Maidana by making him miss and making him pay.  If he’s able to do that consistently, Floyd Mayweather will walk away with his undefeated record intact. 

Ultimately, I’m expecting Floyd to do a much better job of evading Maidana’s attack early on.  Maidana will have his moments and I truly believe the majority of the rounds will be very competitive, but in the end Floyd will win a close fight. 

Floyd by split decision.    

 

Follow me on Twitter: @RLMalpica

Mayweather vs. Maidana 2 - Preview Podcast

Is Floyd Mayweather slowing down? Will Marcos Maidana finally crack the "May-Vinci" code?! Listen as I break down the highly anticipated rematch between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Marcos "El Chino" Maidana. Also, special guest Shawn Heimberger gives his opinion on the fight and much more! Let's talk boxing!!