Is it true that the Americans didn't watch Calzaghe v. Kessler, even prime-time?

[Decebal]

"In the United States, this fight had the lowest ratings ever for a prime-time 'World Championship Boxing' telecast on HBO"

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

:-( :conf

Good thing we had to see it in the middle of the night, then, here in Britain.

:patsch

[sean]

you have to guess that because this was the wrst televised prime time bout in hbo history that is the reason HBO are not going with PPV for the hopkins fight.

not really a surprise, there must be very very few HBO events that have taken place overseas between 2 non americans and none of them a heavyweight.

[Decebal]

This nonsense has to stop. Europe should start believing that money can be made here by putting fights on prime-time and to make it happen.

[BigReg]

Americans don't care about fighters they don't know. I was at a friends house and had to watch the fight upstairs while everyone else watched "Beerfest"

[BewareofDawg]

Who's Calzaghe? :rofl

If Joes comes to the States to fight Hopkins, he's better be prepared for an ass-raping at the negotiating table after this :lol:

[Mendoza]

Any boxing fan who doesn't know who Joe Calzage is by now is not boxing fan at all. I saw the fight, and the replay.

[ThePlugInBabies]

Who's Calzaghe? :rofl

If Joes comes to the States to fight Hopkins, he's better be prepared for an ass-raping at the negotiating table after this :lol:

is anyone willing to translate this into english for me?

[MacManJr.]

I watched it and enjoyed every minute of it. The average American doesn't follow boxing like I do though.

[KayEpps]

Most of the people over here in America - go off Name Recognition. So - if you're not a big name in America - most won't watch the fight - regardless to how good the fighter is.

Household names like DLH, Mayweather, Jones, Hopkins, Mosley, ect...... - even those that aren't really Boxing Fans will watch the fight - because they heard of the name.

Damn near nobody over here - with the exception of Boxing Fans - knew who Kessler or Calzaghe were. That's the main reason the fight did poorly. However - because the fight was on HBO - more people got to see both. And now with Calzaghe fighting Hopkins - he'll get more USA exposure.

[BigBone]

I think those on this forum who say that 'the Kessler win was just a simple win for Joe so don't call him a world beater' haven't seen this fight.

They will watch Hopkins-Calzaghe though and there will be nobody on this planet who'll call him 'Calslappy' or 'Average Joe' after he's done ...

[ocelot]

Boxing is a fringe sport in America now. Even for the biggest fights, most sports fans don't care. So for a fight between two guys that they've never heard of, it makes sense that there wouldn't be much interest. I watched it at a sports bar down the street and the majority of the people in the place were watching college football. Pretty sad.

[fatcity]

None of my buddies wanted to watch Joe who?-so we went to the pub that evening instead.I caught it the next day on HBO 2.Joe just doesn't have a big fanbase here,me included.:-(

[RICH]

I Watched And Thought Kessler Was Going To Win But Calzaghe Proved Me Wrong The Guy Just Keeps Impressing Me.

[BewareofDawg]

is anyone willing to translate this into english for me?
Oscar is going to bend Joe over the Mahogany table and pump him in the rumpa :good

[ThePlugInBabies]

Oscar is going to bend Joe over the Mahogany table and pump him in the rumpa :good

didn't you learn anything from those pictures?

oscar quite obviously prefers to have the pipe laid down on him.

[BewareofDawg]

didn't you learn anything from those pictures?

oscar quite obviously prefers to have the pipe laid down on him.
Yeah you're right :good

But this is going to hurt Calzaghe in negotiations for sure if the fight is over here.

[H .]

I bet they don't have the same problem with Klitschko-Ibragimov. :hey

[C Money]

That sounds like horseshit.

I watched with the usual supects and the usual routine.
I think an awful lot have watched it, if not live? ON DEMAND on cable, DVR, TIVO etc.

I gotta believe those results are skewed somehow.

[Marnoff]

I watched the fight. It was a hell of a scrap.

[PH|LLA]

Calzaghe - Kessler was one of the best fights i've ever seen, and I've seen tons of fights.

[Boro chris]

Shame really. Oscars fight against Forbes will be considered of greater import. Or Jones farce against Tito.
The Calzaghe-Kessler bout was of the highest possible quality.

[eze]

It didn't help it was on at 2 PST during the day.

[sean]

hopefully HBO will stand by the policy of showing big overseas fights live, it will take a while but if boxing is to be a worldwide sport as far as the american public is concerned then shwoing overseas fights is a must.

[scott is cool]

Then why do we have to stay up until 4am, so ONE Amercican guy can watch the fight?

[sean]

It didn't help it was on at 2 PST during the day.

:huh
the fight took place at 2 am to 3am uk time
so it went on at 9pm to 10 pm new york time.
prime time america

middle of the night uk and europe.

[walk with me]

Americans don't care about fighters they don't know.

kjhk

[eze]

Then why do we have to stay up until 4am, so ONE Amercican guy can watch the fight?


IDK They timed it really bad. 2PST is a REALLY bad time for a fight here. I'd prefer it if it was 4-6 hours later.

[eze]

:huh
the fight took place at 2 am to 3am uk time



PST...

[sean]

PST...

still does not make it 2pm PST.

would have started 7pm and ended 8pm PST.

[BigReg]

IDK They timed it really bad. 2PST is a REALLY bad time for a fight here. I'd prefer it if it was 4-6 hours later.

The fight came on at about 9:30 EST, that translates to 6:30 PST not 2

[kirk]

because americans are idiots and pussy's... they were probably watching the ultimate fighter and american idol...

[eze]

The fight came on at about 9:30 EST, that translates to 6:30 PST not 2


Why did I think it was on at 2PST:huh


I dont know why. I remember a fight here recently being on early in the day.

[the_what]

I didnt see the fight live. I saw it on a replay.

[eze]

I watched Kessler-Calzaghe at least =D

[JETSKI]

Americans don't care about fighters they don't know. I was at a friends house and had to watch the fight upstairs while everyone else watched "Beerfest"

Not true in my case. I was interested. I saw the fight. Too bad Kessler didn't look better. Wanted to see him KO JC. But it didn't happen. Thats usually the case when all you have is a decent 1-2, which Joe ducked under all night.

BTW, how can you be an American fightfan & not know or care about a JC vs MK fight?

[PH|LLA]

Not true in my case. I was interested. I saw the fight. Too bad Kessler didn't look better. Wanted to see him KO JC. But it didn't happen. Thats usually the case when all you have is a decent 1-2, which Joe ducked under all night.
did you not see Kessler's uppercut?

"all he has is a decent 1-2"

fool, just cause its his best weapon doesn't mean thats all he has.

[drunkenspaniard]

I saw the fight live, and was thoroughly impressed with it. A good boxer is a good boxer regardless of where he's from. Sadly, the majority of people go off name recognition or have an ethnocentric relationship with boxing.

[JETSKI]

did you not see Kessler's uppercut?

"all he has is a decent 1-2"

fool, just cause its his best weapon doesn't mean thats all he has.

How many times did he throw it or land it during the fight? Once? I remember the punch, big deal. Kessler is still only a "1-2" fighter.

Fool.

[Pimp C]

I watched the fight live and enjoyed it.

[LiamE]

How many times did he throw it or land it during the fight? Once? I remember the punch, big deal. Kessler is still only a "1-2" fighter.

Fool.

Did you watch the fight?

[INFIGHT]

Didn't see the fight. Don't like watching fights unless I can get people I know to watch them with me, but none of them are interested in anything related to boxing barring the Oscar vs. Floyd fight and the UFC.

[BigReg]

Not true in my case. I was interested. I saw the fight. Too bad Kessler didn't look better. Wanted to see him KO JC. But it didn't happen. Thats usually the case when all you have is a decent 1-2, which Joe ducked under all night.

BTW, how can you be an American fightfan & not know or care about a JC vs MK fight?

Did you even read my whole post? I clearly stated that I had to go upstairs and watch the fight by myself.

[Brickhaus]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Yeah, it's the lowest (or at least was the lowest in 2007), but 1.6 million Americans still watched it, and still way more than usually watch BAD cards.

[Kostya Zoo]

I liked that the fight was live, but I hate that they make them fight at 2 AM over there. Honestly, I don't know ANYBODY besides me who watched it. And I'd much rather watch a fight at 5PM than at 10PM, that way it doesn't take up my whole night.

being a boxing fan is really inconvenient.

[King Dan]

Any boxing fan who doesn't know who Joe Calzage is by now is not boxing fan at all. I saw the fight, and the replay.

This is the truth!

[Lampley]

For skill and intensity, I thought it was the best fight of the year. I watched it on DVR the next morning because I was out of town that Saturday. I'm sorry it didn't get better ratings, but hopefully HBO will stick with it.

[sthomas]

hopefully HBO will stand by the policy of showing big overseas fights live, it will take a while but if boxing is to be a worldwide sport as far as the american public is concerned then shwoing overseas fights is a must.

Very good point Sean. Boxing in America generates interest in only a handful of marquee bouts: Oscar, Floyd, RJJ, and these are pretty old guys. Hopefully Pavlik and some of the other Americans will spark domestic more interest. Matches like Calz vs. Hopkins are great because they are both stars in their hemispheres.

Big overseas fights must continue to be shown on HBO, and HBO must build these fights up for what they are, world class. That Calz. vs. Kessler fight was my favorite fight of the year, because of the skills of both, and Calzeghes ability to adapt and beat a very good fighter.

[RICH]

I Think American Fight Fans Are Very Much Interested With Fighters Regardless Of Where They Are From The Problem Is The Exposer These Fighters Dont Get.

[rusticraver]

For skill and intensity, I thought it was the best fight of the year. I watched it on DVR the next morning because I was out of town that Saturday. I'm sorry it didn't get better ratings, but hopefully HBO will stick with it.

I agree, one of those fights where it was plain to see both were really top level fighters.

I don't think anyone would have beaten Joe that night, certainly in boxing today

[Boro chris]

How many times did he throw it or land it during the fight? Once? I remember the punch, big deal. Kessler is still only a "1-2" fighter.

Fool.

He threw the upercut numerous times throughout the fight. He was only able to land it about three times as Calzaghe, after a slow start, became far more adept at slipping the punch. However when he did land it it was apparent what a good punch it was and how devastating it would be when employed on a lesser opponent. Only Joe's very solid beard (down twice in pro career) saved him.
Kessler is a bit limited in what he does and that will probably prevent him from ever being an atg, but what he does is of the highest standard! That fight was one of the highest quality of last year whichever way you look at it.

[Lampley]

He threw the upercut numerous times throughout the fight. He was only able to land it about three times as Calzaghe, after a slow start, became far more adept at slipping the punch. However when he did land it it was apparent what a good punch it was and how devastating it would be when employed on a lesser opponent. Only Joe's very solid beard (down twice in pro career) saved him.
Kessler is a bit limited in what he does and that will probably prevent him from ever being an atg, but what he does is of the highest standard! That fight was one of the highest quality of last year whichever way you look at it.
I view Kessler as a fringe top 10 PfP fighter, as he impressed me immensely during the Calzaghe fight. He made Joe work for everything he got, stunned him on a few occasions, and legitimately won rounds.

He's clearly a more complete fighter than anyone at 160, and I'd favor only Chad Dawson (and Calzaghe, obviously) over him at 175.

[Boro chris]

I view Kessler as a fringe top 10 PfP fighter, as he impressed me immensely during the Calzaghe fight. He made Joe work for everything he got, stunned him on a few occasions, and legitimately won rounds.

He's clearly a more complete fighter than anyone at 160, and I'd favor only Chad Dawson (and Calzaghe, obviously) over him at 175.

Now Dawson is a fighter americans would do well to get behind. No point networks continually promoting ageing fighters as they have been. He's your greatest talent above welter but seems to be under the radar at the moment. Whilst inferior talents like Pavlik/Taylor and various old farts hog the limelight.
I'd pick him over JC given a little more experience.

[Lampley]

Now Dawson is a fighter americans would do well to get behind. No point networks continually promoting ageing fighters as they have been. He's your greatest talent above welter but seems to be under the radar at the moment. Whilst inferior talents like Pavlik/Taylor and various old farts hog the limelight.
I'd pick him over JC given a little more experience.

This is a direct result of HBO vs. Showtime. Unfortunately, Showtime just doesn't carry the same visibility, and fighters such as Dawson -- under the control of unofficial Showtime house promoter Gary Shaw -- get overlooked.

Now, Showtime did do well by Jeff Lacy, but he was a muscular, aggressive puncher. Dawson isn't as easy a sell.

If the fight were contested in the United States, I'd favor Dawson very slightly over Calzaghe now. I think he has the speed, reach and slick defense to win a decision, although certainly you could make a strong counterargument in the other direction.

[RealIzm]

"In the United States, this fight had the lowest ratings ever for a prime-time 'World Championship Boxing' telecast on HBO"

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

:-( :conf

Good thing we had to see it in the middle of the night, then, here in Britain.

:patschWho gives a fuck about the numbers?? People who have never watched boxing before watch DLH or PBF only because of hype...Me personally I live in the US and was anticipating the Calzaghe-Kessler fight from the moment it was announced..like I thought I was fighting lol...I was anticipating this fight maybe abit more than Taylor-Pavlik...which says alot as I'm a Pavlik fan...On that note after all the anticipation I was abit disappointed from both fighters as I thought both fighters couldve finished the other at certain points and did'nt...All said I'm a big fan of Joe and Mikkel and would rather see a rematch in Copenhagen or Vegas as I'm sure anyone would....Hopkins will get owned by Bslop...Now Roy Jones is the fight for Joe....If he beats Jones he's top 10 or 20 ATG..if he beats Bslop so what it won't be near as significant:good

[DobyZhee]

HBO can manipulate numbers all they want. These numbers are based on questionaires. I personally think HBO is trying to discredit Cal and his fanbase because of the so called sh*tty numbers put up. Add to the fact that Cal vs Bhop would be a boring fight to the general public and you won't see HBO trying to pawn off a Cal vs Bhop fight in America. I am guessing this fight never materializes in the states and we all know Nard ain't coming to the U.K. to fight. I think its a matter of money (Pound may be more than the US Dollar) , taxes and paid judges and shoddy refereeing. (See Kostya-Hatton fight and Manfredo fight for details)

The Point is, Calzaghe is not a well known here because he hasn't fought well knowns like RJJ and to a lesser extent, Bhop here in the United States. Lacy doesn't count, the guy is still an unknown even after he fought Cal.

Cal is just a british version of Pacquiao. He's got a popular and rabid fanbase in their respective home countries but not here in the United States.

Just a reminder UK fans, Beckham is considered a 'soccer guy' married to some ho named Posh Spice here in the United States. Beckham may be huge everywhere else, but he's not that big here.

I wouldn't gage America's sport knowledge of other sports as a barometer on how popular an athlete should or shouldn't be based on their ability alone. Its really how much ESPN and local sports news gives exposure to their athletes.

Oh and btw, I did catch the Cal vs Kessler fight at the Palms Hotel in Vegas. I almost literally fell asleep. The only people that caught it were European tourists and anybody else in the sportsbook. Boxing is not that big of a sport here in the U.S. Again, you guys seemed to have loved it. I couldn't stand the fight myself. Different points of view..doesn't make me any less of a fan.

You've got to understand the U.S. Mindset

[Sardu]

I saw it at home on HBO. It was an excellent matchup and more than lived up to its billing. Calazhe was amazing. He beat a younger, slightly larger, stonger man and took his best shots. He even almost stopped Kessler. His speed is incredible. JC has got to be considered in the top three PFP in the world today. I have him #2 after FMjr.

[sean]

HBO can manipulate numbers all they want. These numbers are based on questionaires. I personally think HBO is trying to discredit Cal and his fanbase because of the so called sh*tty numbers put up. Add to the fact that Cal vs Bhop would be a boring fight to the general public and you won't see HBO trying to pawn off a Cal vs Bhop fight in America. I am guessing this fight never materializes in the states and we all know Nard ain't coming to the U.K. to fight. I think its a matter of money (Pound may be more than the US Dollar) , taxes and paid judges and shoddy refereeing. (See Kostya-Hatton fight and Manfredo fight for details)

The Point is, Calzaghe is not a well known here because he hasn't fought well knowns like RJJ and to a lesser extent, Bhop here in the United States. Lacy doesn't count, the guy is still an unknown even after he fought Cal.

Cal is just a british version of Pacquiao. He's got a popular and rabid fanbase in their respective home countries but not here in the United States.

Just a reminder UK fans, Beckham is considered a 'soccer guy' married to some ho named Posh Spice here in the United States. Beckham may be huge everywhere else, but he's not that big here.

I wouldn't gage America's sport knowledge of other sports as a barometer on how popular an athlete should or shouldn't be based on their ability alone. Its really how much ESPN and local sports news gives exposure to their athletes.

Oh and btw, I did catch the Cal vs Kessler fight at the Palms Hotel in Vegas. I almost literally fell asleep. The only people that caught it were European tourists and anybody else in the sportsbook. Boxing is not that big of a sport here in the U.S. Again, you guys seemed to have loved it. I couldn't stand the fight myself. Different points of view..
does`nt make me any less of a fanYou've got to understand the U.S. Mindset

yes it does.

[C Money]

HBO can manipulate numbers all they want. These numbers are based on questionaires. I personally think HBO is trying to discredit Cal and his fanbase because of the so called sh*tty numbers put up. Add to the fact that Cal vs Bhop would be a boring fight to the general public and you won't see HBO trying to pawn off a Cal vs Bhop fight in America. I am guessing this fight never materializes in the states and we all know Nard ain't coming to the U.K. to fight. I think its a matter of money (Pound may be more than the US Dollar) , taxes and paid judges and shoddy refereeing. (See Kostya-Hatton fight and Manfredo fight for details)

The Point is, Calzaghe is not a well known here because he hasn't fought well knowns like RJJ and to a lesser extent, Bhop here in the United States. Lacy doesn't count, the guy is still an unknown even after he fought Cal.

Cal is just a british version of Pacquiao. He's got a popular and rabid fanbase in their respective home countries but not here in the United States.

Just a reminder UK fans, Beckham is considered a 'soccer guy' married to some ho named Posh Spice here in the United States. Beckham may be huge everywhere else, but he's not that big here.

I wouldn't gage America's sport knowledge of other sports as a barometer on how popular an athlete should or shouldn't be based on their ability alone. Its really how much ESPN and local sports news gives exposure to their athletes.

Oh and btw, I did catch the Cal vs Kessler fight at the Palms Hotel in Vegas. I almost literally fell asleep. The only people that caught it were European tourists and anybody else in the sportsbook. Boxing is not that big of a sport here in the U.S. Again, you guys seemed to have loved it. I couldn't stand the fight myself. Different points of view..doesn't make me any less of a fan.

You've got to understand the U.S. Mindset

How about YOU're mindset:huh

Plenty of US fans saw that fight and it was a good fight. Not the best i've ever seen but a good fight none the less.

You are a CASUAL Boxing fan with that attitude:good

[Punisher33]

I believe the numbers, I dont know anybody besides myself that watched the fight. Your casual boxing fans barely know who Calzaghe is, and probably never heard of Kessler. As many posters already pointed out, it seems people only come out of the wood work when guys like Oscar, Mayweather, Mosley, Hopkins, Pac, and a few others. Most guys around my age are into the UFC shit, not so much boxing.

The Kessler/Calzaghe fight was pretty good, nothing to write home about though, Kessler didnt really impress me at all, I felt he under performed in a sense, I think fighting on a big stage shook him up a bit. I see Kessler being a pretty good fighter in a couple years, certainly not a great fighter.

[DobyZhee]

yes it does.

Excuse me for not breaking out with the lube everytime Cal threw a 3 punch combo against a tattooed stiff in Kessler.