According to a source within HBO, the network is planning on unveiling a new, lower budgeted boxing program in January of 2012 with the intention of developing new stars.
The expected license fee for each of these shows, which are rumored to be running once a month, is about 100 thousand dollars. Though much lower than their flagship programs World Championship Boxing and Boxing After Dark, the fee is still much higher than what you would see for an ESPN or ShoBox card, which both serve a similar purpose in trying to develop new headliners.
According to the source, who spoke on anonymity, the promoters who have been tapped with putting these shows together are Golden Boy Promotions, Top Rank, DiBella Entertainment, and Gary Shaw Productions, with each promoter getting three of the dates.
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaeffer had no comment when asked about the validity of the statement. Representatives from both Top Rank and Gary Shaw made it known that they heard about the possible new addition to HBO’s boxing schedule but could not confirm whether or not they were involved.
If true, it poses as an interesting move by the network that has become synonymous with boxing. Though they have lost a bit of their edge in recent years to a comebacking Showtime Sports, HBO remains the king of boxing and this move, if true, makes the statement that they are ready to change with the times.
Expect more on this breaking story in the next few days…
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