RingTV has broken huge news concerning the future of Top Rank and Bob Arum. Reportedly the Manny Pacquiao/Jeff Horn matchup will be the start of a large partnership between ESPN and Top Rank that will effectively see Top Rank leave HBO. Unlike Golden Boy on ESPN, which is largely a prospect series, Arum plans to use ESPN and sometimes ABC as his main viewing forum for major fights. Top Rank will launch a streaming network similar to UFC Fight Pass or the WWE Network for its back fight library and smaller shows.
Bob Arum’s frustration with HBO and Showtime have been well documented over the last year or so, but I didn’t see something like this coming. Still, it is best to temper expectations as Top Rank has had TV deals before and done little with them. With fights like Pacquiao/Horn, Lomachenko/Salido II, and Crawford/Indongo slated for the network, however, it is difficult to not get a little excited by the idea. Especially since ESPN will have right of approval for the fights like HBO and Showtime always have had, meaning they can say no to bad matchups.
Top Rank has also pulled out of Solo Boxeo on UniMas as confirmed by Dan Rafael a couple weeks ago. This makes more sense now with the reportedly upcoming OTT network. Reportedly this internet subscription network will be used to build their younger generation of fighters with Michael Conlan, Shakur Stevenson, and Teofimo Lopez specifically mentioned. It is my hope that is also offers a platform for smaller promoters to get their cards broadcast much in the way UFC Fight Pass sometimes does, but I am just speculating here. ESPN will also be putting their very large library of fights into the streaming service for viewing.
The contract with ESPN is reportedly for seven cards for the remaining duration of 2017 and then eighteen for 2018. I must say with this and the smaller Golden Boy series, it is really great to see ESPN investing back in boxing. This really speaks to the quality run the sport has been on over the past year or so.
