Boxing Needs to Get Its House In Order By 2011: Here's Why and How

Unlike many people who observe and comment on the world of sports, I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with boxing. There are things that could be tweaked or improved upon, but the last few years have proven that talk of boxing dying was either premature or downright silly.

Still, it amazes me whenever I delve into boxing history and learn more about the prime spot the sweet science occupied in the American consciousness in the first half of the 20th Century. Boxing is still a huge deal in other countries–just ask Filipino fans about Manny Pacquiao or Germans about Arthur Abraham–but it's faded into the background of the sports scene in the U.S. for the most part.

It's not out of the question for boxing to regain some of its status as long as it takes advantage of opportunities that come along. And it's quite possible that a big opportunity is coming in the second half of 2011.

Why pick that particular time frame? Just read the sports news of the last few weeks. The NFL, the most popular sports league in the U.S., is heading for an uncapped 2010 season and the possibility of a lockout the following year that the executive director of the NFL Players Association recently rated a 14 on a scale of one to 10.

Negotiations on the next labor contract in the NBA have started out on even more contentious terms. If one or both leagues are on hiatus in the fall of 2011, that leaves a huge void that boxing can help fill.

Understand, boxing will never again become America's favorite sport. There are too many other options out there, too many competing forms of entertainment. On top of that, some fans will never be able to stomach the violence.

But boxing can regain some of its lost luster in the scenario outlined above. It may be able to do it even just following its current course, but its chances would be that much greater with some small changes, all of which can be made in the next 18 months.

I'll skip the obvious one right away–consolidating the sport's sanctioning bodies–because it's not going to happen.  That's not the end of the world because the title belts still resonate with casual fans, even if they are confused about why there are so many.  

What other modifications can be made to ensure boxing is ready for any possible chance to shine? Glad you asked...

Improve the sport's visibility and distribution

HBO and Showtime have shown their commitment to boxing more often than not, but they aren't enough. It's possible that the big networks would show more boxing if football and basketball were silent, but the ABC's and Fox's of the world don't have the same reach they once did and can't be considered the only answer.

The internet can be a big part of the solution. Far too few fights are streamed online, and that just doesn't make sense as this decade progresses.

Boxing needs to be on iPads and whatever new mobile devices arise in the next year. People can't fall in love with the sport if they aren't exposed to it.

Maybe the existing broadcasters can stream video for a small fee and audio for free. I'm sure someone with more knowledge than me can figure out a business model that works.

Embrace new technologies to hype the boxers

This suggestion is related to the previous one but focused more on the promotional side. In a sport where each individual fighter is responsible for building his own fan base, it amazes me how many boxers don't even have decent websites.

Guys like Andre Berto and Daniel Jacobs are regulars on Twitter, giving fans some direct insight into their fight preparations and daily lives. Others have Facebook pages or use other social networking methods, but in general there could be a much more concentrated effort to let the public see more of the boxers' personalities.

I'm not saying boxing needs to jump on every new bandwagon, but it does need to be closer to the front of the technological curve than it is right now.

Invite in and educate new fans

Diehard boxing enthusiasts don't need to have their hands held. Just put two good fighters together, show the action with some competent announcers, and they are all set.

But if boxing is going to entice new fans or recapture some lapsed ones, they need to be the focus.  Time needs to be spent at the top of broadcasts explaining the basics, including the rules, terminology, and judging guidelines–if those can even be explained. 

Don't worry about turning off the hardcore fans. They can go get a drink or something, because you can bet they are still going to watch the fights.

Make the best fights and price them to sell

The simplest part of the overall plan is also the most difficult one to actually pull off. Boxing blew a big chance to make a mainstream splash when Floyd Mayweather and Pacquiao couldn't come to terms on what was almost certain to be one of the biggest bouts of all time.

Even so, the sport is moving in the right direction in giving people what they want to see, which is top boxers fighting other top boxers. And lo and behold, those fights usually are the most lucrative to boot. That trend needs to continue.

Unfortunately, people who show up to see boxing in person are often in for a bit of sticker shock. Cutting the live crowd some slack on ticket prices wouldn't be a bad idea for all but the most premium fights.

The fans watching at home deserve a break too. It's understandable that promoters turn to pay-per-view for some matches, but the sorry undercards on those shows are almost inexcusable at times.

Boxing can take a page from the UFC and WWE to see how it's possible to build interest in a big card without putting all the eggs in one basket. Adding more perceived value to pay-per-views makes them feel more like can't-miss events and makes casual fans curious to see what all the fuss is about.

I love pro football and basketball too, so I'd hate for the NFL and NBA to miss any time due to labor strife. If they do, though, boxing definitely stands to gain. I just hope the sport is ready.

Nick Tylwalk is the editor and co-founder of BoxingWatchers.com. Follow his Twitter feed @Nick_Tylwalk.