Macklin's Take - Boxing Podcast · Andrew Clarke

Macklin's Take #144 with Thomas Hauser

·1 hr 21 min·5 clips

Andy Clarke and Matt Macklin kick off with a lighthearted chat about supermarket trips before diving into boxing's TV landscape.

This episode features hosts Andy Clark and Matt Macklin interviewing renowned boxing writer and historian Thomas Hauser. They focus on the business and media landscape of professional boxing, particularly the role of television networks. Hauser's deep knowledge of the sport's history and economics provides the foundation for the discussion. The conversation centers on the impact of broadcast deals with networks like DAZN, ESPN, and Showtime on the sport's accessibility and financial structure. They examine DAZN's strategy, including its move into UK pay-per-view with events like Eubank vs. Benn. The hosts reference the current scarcity of major fight cards in the UK, contrasting it with the vibrant smaller-hall scene, exemplified by recent area title fights at York Hall. Specific promoters and their relationships with networks are analyzed as key drivers in which fights get made. A major insight is the argument that television money has fundamentally altered boxing's competitive dynamics, sometimes prioritizing network alliances over the best sporting matches. Hauser presents a detailed critique of how exclusive broadcaster agreements can fragment the audience and inhibit cross-platform mega-fights. The discussion reveals the significant control networks exert over matchmaking, scheduling, and even fighter careers through financial leverage. The tone is analytical and conversational, blending insider industry critique with historical context. The style is interview-based, with the hosts prompting Hauser to expand on his well-researched perspectives. This episode is ideal for boxing fans interested in the sport's business side, media strategy, and the forces shaping the modern fight calendar. Listeners solely seeking fight predictions or training tips might find the focus too specialized.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Macklin's Take - Boxing Podcast