http://rearnaked.blogspot.com/2008/09/affliction-and-golden-boy-join-forces.html

 

Affliction and Golden Boy Promotions have entered into a partnership. They will co-promote a boxing and MMA event on January 17 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. Vice-President of Affliction Tom Atencio also claims the two companies are in talks with HBO about airing future events. It remains to be seen how this partnership pans out and how the public takes to events featuring boxing and MMA fights.

In some ways I see the potential of it, but in others it makes me worried. The assumption I hope they do not make is that MMA fans will tune into any boxing match they stage. The sports are vastly different in how events are put together. Boxing relies on the main event to entertain the viewers, while MMA goes for a solid series of fights with a popular main event.

I do not see MMA fans embracing events featuring non-mainstream boxers. The partnership will help Affliction stay in business, as they now have another set of deep pockets at their disposal. However, any one thinking a hybrid event of boxing and MMA is a sure thing should get their brain scanned for damage.

The only detail they shared is Fedor Emelianenko will be in action on January 17. His opponent will likely be Andrei Arlovski or Josh Barnett.