So did Bob Arum shout out a little early when he told the AP that a network deal had been reached by HBO and Showtime or maybe the AP was just wrong in the title. “We had four issues, and we resolved two,” said Arum. “Now we’re working on resolving the other two. Unless something else comes up at the last minute, that’s what my take is.”
Maybe I’m blind but I didn’t read that the network deal was done in the Associated Press article
Either way sources from both sides of the network negotiations told ESPN and Yahoo Sports that the report was false, and still issues remain. What are those issues you ask? It seems like the La Times has the most pertinent information on that.
The source told the La Times that there are, “a handful of meaningful network and fighter/promoter issues remaining.” In the report, the source says neither a television or fighter contracts have been signed.
The report also states that although the deal not finalized, the talks closed with James Brown from CBS/Showtime as the host of the fight with Jim Lampley of HBO doing the play by play. Al Bernstein of Showtime will serve as the lead analyst with HBO’s Max Kellerman and Sho’s Jim Grey doing the network fighter interviews.
With issues still remaining, the world awaits to see a great triumph in the saga or another huge letdown for the sport.
