Ppv’s Offer May Be A Knockout Deal
If you relent tonight, sign up for the Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield pay-per-view and end up wondering if you are a sucker, you’re at least being honest with yourself.
Tyson will be facing a boxer noted for his strong heart, but Holyfield’s heart is the very reason he retired 30 months ago. Of course, a loss to Michael Moorer in his final fight before a heart problem was discovered proved to many - if not to Holyfield - that he is over the hill.
Still, this is not Peter McNeeley, Frank Bruno or Bruce Seldon, Tyson’s three previous PPV victims, who collectively lasted less than four rounds. At least Holyfield once could fight. And he reportedly is guaranteed $12 million for the bout (Tyson is assured $30 million).
“There is a natural cynicism when (promoter) Don King, Tyson or boxing itself is involved,” conceded Jay Larkin, who is overseeing the PPV production. He believes this affects customers’ attitudes toward the various PPV arrangements that cable systems are offering, which make it seem like a bit of a hustle, which it is.
One cable company, Cablevison, hoping to attract customers fearful of paying for a fast knockout, will charge $10 a round up to a maximum of $50, the PPV company’s recommended price. Continental will offer a month of movies on a pay channel for anyone who signs today, and will add a second month if the fight does not last three rounds.
The Tyson-Holyfield fight will be preceded by two 12-round heavyweight bouts, each with a title of sorts at stake. And a six-round bout between women will be wedged in. “Women now are firefighters, police officers, indulge in martial arts,” Larkin said. “It won’t be a freak show.”
No?
Larkin forecasts a gate “significantly higher” than the PPV-record 1.6 million buyers for when Tyson fought - using the term loosely - McNeeley, the first bout of his comeback. A record is anticipated despite that Tyson and Holyfield will not enter the ring until after 8 p.m. in the West. The late-late start will make it a prime-time event for West Coast fans and give the populace in the East more time to surrender to the marketing blitz.
If Larkin is correct about the size of the audience, the PPV telecast will generate $80 million, of which the fight promoters will keep 60 percent, compared to the usual 50/50 split with cable operators.
What a country.
xxxx ON CABLE TV Tonight’s fight card can be seen in Spokane on a pay-per-view basis for $49.95. Viewers must have a converter box. To order, contact Cox Cable today at 489-9000 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. It is not available in Coeur d’Alene.