The Best Damn Thing for Boxing
by
Brian Skjold
12/14 - With its second installment of boxing coverage, 'The Best Damn Sports Show Period' has put itself on the fighting map. They are a new player on the field with a unique mix of style and substance that just might be the best damn thing for boxing.
Out of nowhere, a few months ago, we got The Best Damn Sports Show Period throwing their hat into the ring, and suddenly there is an easily accessible television station that is ready to showcase boxing rather than down-grade it. Not only that, but they managed to put on fighters with contrasting styles and personalities, making the fights exciting to even a passing boxing fan.
The fights were significant within the heavyweight division, with boxers who are willing to step up and make some noise. These were not just bum-of –the-month club fights, or journeymen who had nowhere to go. Instead, these fighters had a chance to make a considerable impact on their division by winning. So, the BDSSP might not have been able to get the biggest fights out there, but they got good fights that are important and are apt to attract new fans to the sport.
Over the past few months boxing has been dominated by Pay-Per-View fights. Although PPV gives great exposure to the fighters on the event, it also tends to over shadow the “smaller” fights that might not get air time, but that still might have some significance within their respective divisions. This is why boxing needs shows like Friday Night Fights, NBC’s Budweiser Boxing Series, and now the Best Damn Sports Show Period. However, unlike the others it seems like the sky is the limit for the BDSSP and their boxing coverage. Recently it appears as if ESPN has kind of dropped the ball on boxing. They not only cut back their boxing coverage, but they also let Max Kellerman, who was possibly their biggest boxing advocate, leave. NBC has a good thing going with their Budweiser Boxing series, but it’s not on consistently enough to gain a solid following, other than hard core fans who will find boxing any how, anywhere, any time.
If the BDSSP can continue to bring high quality fights to the public on a consistent basis they will definitely become a powerhouse in the televised boxing world.
Fox Sports Net took a chance on a unique show and it paid off. The BDSSP has used their proven formula for success to carve out a niche in a world dominated by HBO, Showtime, and others. Their tried and true formula seems to be working on boxing, since their first installment set record rating highs for the show. Now they have an opportunity to break the current boxing broadcast format and bring in new viewers, and most importantly gain some new fans for the sweet science.
With their unique blend of comedy and expert opinions they just might be able to shake up the immaculately built world of Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant. The commentary might not be perfect, but it works. John Sally and Bryan Cox might not be boxing experts, but they obviously are fans. This gives the show a “real” feel for viewers who can see fight fans on the program getting excited about the sport. Tom Arnold might be an idiot at times, but at least he is going to be brutally honest and tell you exactly what he thinks. And finally the experts...Chris Byrd and James Toney might be as polar opposite as two people can get, but once again it’s their personalities that carry the show, and both lend tremendous credibility to the broadcast, because they have been there done that.
Sure, they could make some improvements, like including fights from other divisions and broadcasting the undercard fights as well as the main event. But, these types of changes will hopefully come with time if they continue to get support from fight fans.
All of the other major sports thrive on their ability to broadcast on easily accessible stations. We should all cross our fingers and hope that more networks break the recent traditions, and start bringing boxing back to the general public. A strong fan base is what drives professional sports, and the BDSSP is bringing the fights to the fans. Hats off! Don’t stop!
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