Boxing on Primetime Network TV? When Boxing Really Hit Paydirt

Boxing on Primetime Network TV? When Boxing Really Hit Paydirt

227

by Charles Jay

Despite a depressing decline in the ratings for primetime boxing telecasts, as long as there were intriguing matchups involving some of the sport’s biggest names, especially heavyweights, there was going to be some interest. And for a while, it got even better than that. In fact, there was about a five-year period when boxing really hit paydirt with some high-profile fights, including non-heavyweights, before advancements in technology changed the sport, and the way the public viewed it, forever.

It could reasonably be said that the most dazzling heavyweight of the 1960s and 1970s, Muhammad Ali, always had a dazzling command of his audience, regardless of the sport’s overall condition. His fight with Earnie Shavers in September 1977 drew a 37.3 rating and 57 share on NBC. That means well over half the television sets that were turned on during that time period were watching the bout, and naturally, it was #1 in the Nielsen ratings for the week. Ali’s February 1978 loss to Leon Spinks drew a 34.4 rating, making it the second highest-rated primetime program of that particular week. Using Ali as an barometer wouldn’t be altogether instructive, since, well, Ali was Ali. Even so, since the heavyweight championship meant a lot to the networks and to U.S. audiences, Larry Holmes, who succeeded Ali as the consensus champion, was usually going to attract a crowd. In September 1979, Holmes and Shavers (with Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard in separate bouts on the undercard) drew 46 million viewers in what was an entertaining rematch, highlighted by a knockdown scored by Shavers in the seventh round. When Holmes battled Randall “Tex” Cobb in 1982, that fight, even as there was a tremendous gap in class between the two (and Howard Cosell’s disgust that prompted his “resignation” from boxing blow-by-blow), was the ninth-highest-rated show in primetime for its week.

Still, if we go back to June 1979, Holmes’ fight against Mike Weaver, even with the support of Duran’s first venture into the welterweight division, against Carlos Palomino, on the undercard, was not considered worthy by any of the over-the-air networks. That gives you a bit of an idea about what kind of standards they were looking to impose for their boxing programming. Home Box Office (HBO), a fledgling service at the time, bought the rights to the fight, which reduced the potential audience considerably.

ABC televised Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Wilfred Benitez in 1979, marking the first time in fifteen years that boxing was able to showcase those below the heavyweight division in a primetime spot on network TV. Leonard reportedly received a purse of $1.4 million while Benitez got $1.2 million, making it also the first time two non-heavyweights had each made a million dollars for the same fight. Those who go back that far can remember that there was a fair amount of skepticism about the selling power of the lower weight divisions, even with some of the great fighters that had come along over the years, but Leonard was pre-sold strongly during his Olympic experience, and virtually every step of his career to that point was chronicled on the networks, whether it was as a feature on weekend afternoons, or a semi-final on a primetime telecast.

Holmes, who’d had an unexpectedly difficult fight against Weaver, came back for an easier bout less than a year later, and this time ABC jumped on the bandwagon, although it was only a part of a unique prime-time extravaganza. And the term “extravaganza” cannot be used lightly; the show was scheduled for FOUR hours, which took it well beyond the traditional parameters of prime-time (OK, not necessarily on the west coast).

Set for March 31, 1980, one of the heavyweight bouts saw Holmes defend his WBC heavyweight title against the perennially overweight Leroy Jones in a fight that took place at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip. During the same block of airtime, Mike Weaver, who had more name recognition by this time, having also beaten Scott Ledoux in the interim, challenged former U.S. Olympian John Tate in Tate’s hometown of Knoxville, with Marvin Johnson vs. Eddie Mustafa Muhammad in a WBA light heavyweight title fight from the same location.

On top of that, Sugar Ray Leonard, who by now was the WBC welterweight champ, defended that crown against Britain’s Dave Boy Green at the Capital Centre outside Washington, D.C. The event was star-studded enough that such luminaries as Alexis Arguello, who was the WBA 130-pound champion, and Thomas Hearns, who would soon become the WBA welterweight titleholder, were left off the broadcast (they were on Holmes’ undercard at Caesars, along with the WBC cruiserweight title fight between Marvin Camel and Mate Parlov).

This time, however, Holmes was not the “main event” of the prime time presentation, at least as far as the television executives were concerned. Leonard had the most valuable slot, which went from 10-11 PM on the east coast, and ABC sold 30-second spots for $120,000. His viewership was even better than anticipated.

In fact, the whole fight card was a smashing success. It drew a 25.8 rating and a 41 share. The audience was estimated at 55 million viewers, and was reported to be the most-watched fight show up to that time that did NOT involve Ali. It was a Monday night program, and the championship boxing telecast was going up against the likes of NBC’s “Little House on the Prarie,” CBS’ “M*A*S*H” and “WKRP in Cincinnati” among others, so the competition was far from a walkover.

While it might be a little too dramatic to call this a second “golden age” of boxing on primetime network television, it certainly represented a second wave. In time, however, it would give way to a different way of doing things entirely.

227 Comments

  1. Service Ac Surabaya
    02/08/2025,

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you
    knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience
    with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  7. Jeromeaveno
    03/21/2025,

    alo 789 dang nh?p: alo 789 – dang nh?p alo789

  77. JasonLulky
    04/01/2025,

    Our store provides a comprehensive collection of certified medicines to suit your health requirements.
    Our online pharmacy provides speedy and safe order processing right to your door.
    Each medication is supplied by certified pharmaceutical companies so you get authenticity and compliance.
    Easily explore our online store and place your order hassle-free.
    Need help? Customer service will guide you at any time.
    Take care of yourself with affordable medical store!
    https://models.yclas.com/otros/nizagara-an-affordable-and-effective-treatment-for-erectile-dysfunction.html

  87. MalcolmPuh
    04/02/2025,

    Beste online drogist Apotheek Max Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept

  95. Edwintiz
    04/04/2025,

    mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa: mexican rx online – reputable mexican pharmacies online

  98. bs2beast.cc
    04/04/2025,

    Обзор BlackSprut: ключевые особенности
    Платформа BlackSprut привлекает интерес разных сообществ. Но что это такое?
    Данный ресурс предлагает широкие опции для тех, кто им интересуется. Интерфейс сайта выделяется функциональностью, что делает платформу понятной даже для тех, кто впервые сталкивается с подобными сервисами.
    Стоит учитывать, что BlackSprut имеет свои особенности, которые формируют его имидж в своей нише.
    Говоря о BlackSprut, стоит отметить, что определенная аудитория оценивают его по-разному. Многие отмечают его удобство, другие же относятся к нему с осторожностью.
    Таким образом, данный сервис остается темой дискуссий и вызывает внимание разных пользователей.
    Рабочее зеркало к BlackSprut – проверьте здесь
    Если ищете актуальный домен BlackSprut, вы на верном пути.
    bs2best at
    Сайт может меняться, и лучше иметь актуальный линк.
    Обновленный доступ легко узнать у нас.
    Посмотрите рабочую ссылку у нас!

  101. TrentChobe
    04/04/2025,

    best canadian pharmacy to order from: GoCanadaPharm – onlinecanadianpharmacy

  111. iMedix popular podcasts
    04/05/2025,

    Health coaching supports individuals in achieving wellness goals. Understanding the coach’s role in behavior change and motivation is key. Learning how coaching differs from therapy clarifies its purpose. Awareness that coaching can complement medical treatment plans is relevant. Knowing it focuses on lifestyle factors rather than prescribing medical preparations is important. Finding information about health coaching helps evaluate its potential benefits. The iMedix podcast explores various approaches to health improvement, including coaching. As a health advice podcast, it offers diverse strategies for wellness. Check out the iMedix Health Podcast for lifestyle change insights. iMedix: Your Personal Health Advisor includes behavioral support ideas.

  121. 1xbet казино официальный сайт
    04/06/2025,

    На этом сайте вы можете испытать широким ассортиментом слотов.
    Игровые автоматы характеризуются яркой графикой и захватывающим игровым процессом.
    Каждый слот предлагает индивидуальные бонусные функции, повышающие вероятность победы.
    1xbet казино
    Игра в игровые автоматы предназначена игроков всех уровней.
    Можно опробовать игру без ставки, после чего начать играть на реальные деньги.
    Попробуйте свои силы и окунитесь в захватывающий мир слотов.

  128. how-to-kill-yourself.com
    04/07/2025,

    Suicide is a complex phenomenon that impacts millions of people worldwide.
    It is often connected to mental health issues, such as anxiety, trauma, or addiction problems.
    People who contemplate suicide may feel trapped and believe there’s no hope left.
    how-to-kill-yourself.com
    We must talk openly about this topic and offer a helping hand.
    Mental health care can reduce the risk, and talking to someone is a necessary first step.
    If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek help.
    You are not forgotten, and there’s always hope.

  152. Robertglarp
    04/09/2025,

    oyun sitesi oyun sitesi oyun sitesi: casibom giris – canlД± bahis siteleri casibom1st.com

  156. Robertglarp
    04/09/2025,

    gГјvenilir canlД± bahis casino siteleri: casibom mobil giris – casino bonusu veren siteler casibom1st.com

  159. Robertglarp
    04/10/2025,

    bedbo: casibom – internet kumar siteleri casibom1st.com

  161. BradyAduck
    04/10/2025,

    en iyi casino oyunlarД±: casibom resmi – Гјcretsiz deneme bonusu veren bahis siteleri casibom1st.com

  163. официальный
    04/10/2025,

    На данной платформе вы сможете найти интересные игровые слоты от казино Champion.
    Ассортимент игр включает традиционные игры и актуальные новинки с захватывающим оформлением и уникальными бонусами.
    Любая игра создан для удобной игры как на компьютере, так и на смартфонах.
    Независимо от опыта, здесь вы обязательно подберёте слот по душе.
    чемпион регистрация
    Слоты работают круглосуточно и не нуждаются в установке.
    Также сайт предлагает акции и рекомендации, для удобства пользователей.
    Попробуйте прямо сейчас и испытайте удачу с казино Champion!

  172. WeldonCob
    04/11/2025,

    deneme bonusu veren siteler: casino siteleri – slot casino siteleri casinositeleri1st.com

  175. Micahpax
    04/12/2025,

    usa mexico pharmacy: UsMex Pharm – mexico pharmacies prescription drugs

  187. Randyror
    04/13/2025,

    п»їbest mexican online pharmacies Us Mex Pharm Mexican pharmacy ship to USA

  196. Georgevap
    04/14/2025,

    cheapest online pharmacy india: india pharmacy – п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india

  198. MichealFuM
    04/14/2025,

    The site features many types of medications for online purchase.
    Users can securely access health products without leaving home.
    Our range includes both common solutions and specialty items.
    All products is acquired via reliable pharmacies.
    https://www.hr.com/en/app/calendar/event/eriacta-the-unsung-hero-in-the-battle-against-ed_lprynutt.html
    Our focus is on quality and care, with encrypted transactions and fast shipping.
    Whether you’re treating a cold, you’ll find what you need here.
    Start your order today and get convenient healthcare delivery.

  206. my-articles-online.com
    04/15/2025,

    Этот портал дает возможность поиска работы в Украине.
    На сайте размещены актуальные предложения от уверенных партнеров.
    На платформе появляются вакансии в разных отраслях.
    Удалённая работа — выбор за вами.
    Кримінальна робота
    Интерфейс сайта удобен и подходит на всех пользователей.
    Начало работы не потребует усилий.
    Ищете работу? — сайт к вашим услугам.

  209. Как киллеры находят заказы
    04/15/2025,

    Платформа создан для трудоустройства на территории Украины.
    На сайте размещены множество позиций от проверенных работодателей.
    Мы публикуем варианты занятости в различных сферах.
    Частичная занятость — всё зависит от вас.
    https://my-articles-online.com/
    Интерфейс сайта удобен и подходит на всех пользователей.
    Начало работы не потребует усилий.
    Ищете работу? — начните прямо сейчас.

  226. my-articles-online.com
    04/17/2025,

    Данный ресурс создан для нахождения вакансий по всей стране.
    На сайте размещены свежие вакансии от уверенных партнеров.
    Мы публикуем варианты занятости в разнообразных нишах.
    Частичная занятость — всё зависит от вас.
    https://my-articles-online.com/
    Интерфейс сайта удобен и адаптирован на всех пользователей.
    Регистрация займёт минимум времени.
    Готовы к новым возможностям? — сайт к вашим услугам.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *