In December, boxing fans will be able to keep a little more hard-earned money in their pockets, as Showtime confirmed the light-heavyweight title match between Bernard Hopkins and Jean Pascal will not be a PPV event.
When the bout was initially confirmed for December 18, reports stated the clash was set for PPV. However, Showtime executives sees the fight fitting into their core boxing programming for that month, which includes the beginning of their four man, bantamweight tournament.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this important championship fight directly to our loyal subscribers and fight fans,” explained Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Showtime Sports. “This is a milestone fight for each man’s respective career and thus this matchup fits perfectly into our programming strategy to televise the most competitive and meaningful bouts in the sport.”
Golden Boy Promotions, who promotes Bernard Hopkins, have tried to lessen the criticism of their recent PPVs like Mosley-Mora and Diaz-Marquez II by making sure each card had competitive undercard bouts. Hershman, who created the Super Six Boxing Classic, credits Golden Boy with adjusting their business model and opting to not have another high-priced PPV to close out the year.
“I want to thank the promoters for this event-Group Yvon Michel Inc., Golden Boy Promotions-and of course the fighters themselves for working with us to bring this bout to our faithful audience,” Hershman stated. “It’s an early holiday present for Showtime fight fans.”
Fans can catch Hopkins and Pascal on tour at the below locations through October 20. Their match will be for the WBC light-heavyweight title.
PASCAL vs. HOPKINS TOUR DATES AND CITIES
Monday, October 18 Quebec City, Canada (Morning)
Quebec City Hall
Montreal, Canada (Afternoon)
Studio NRJ
Tuesday, October 19 Toronto, Canada
Air Canada Centre
Wednesday, October 20 New York City
Planet Hollywood – Times Square
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Thank God. Boxing fans have been treated to some wretched PPVs this year, and it’s good to hear that won’t be the case with Pascal-Hopkins.
It appears that Showtime is more flexible with boxing dates than HBO. A lot of times, promoters claim they have no choice but to go the PPV route because they can’t get any TV spots. As long as they have sufficient time to prepare, Showtime never seems to have that problem. When comparing them, HBO puts an emphasis on creating stars, while Showtime looks to create great fighters. That may change soon, since HBO has been more adamant about not letting their name fighters coast with repeated mismatches or uninteresting fights.
Unless your name is Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather, you shouldn’t be on PPV.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 