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Intelligent Fans or High Gas Prices?
Boxing promoters often spew hypocritical comments and construe illogical blather in ways that fit the particular agenda on which they are currently focused. Rarely are they asked to explain contradictions. Media conference calls can be nothing more than a bully pulpit from which promoters elicit mistruths, ultimately disrespecting the intelligence of their audience. Hyperbole – or ingenuity - is accepted, or at least overlooked, by an industry of enablers. Devious rhetoric is assumed to be an essential character trait inherent in successful event marketers.
It’s been noted that tickets for the June 7th middleweight mismatch between Kelly Pavlik and Gary Lockett are selling at a less-than-desired pace. This should not come as a surprise to anyone. There was never demand for this fight - neither from the fans nor the media. The contest is nothing more than an uninspiring showcase between a potential star and a virtual unknown from Wales. The odds are as long as 10-1 in some books, hardly the component of a blockbuster event.
Yet, rather than accept the obvious derivations underlying the unanticipated bout, the promoter opted to take the easy – nay I say cowardly - way out, blaming soaring gas prices as the culprit. Arum contends that an increase in international oil prices has led to poor ticket sales in Atlantic City. Perhaps Arum has been reading the New York Times too literally.
The contradiction, of course, is that just last week Mr. Arum was on tour touting the fantastic title fight between the world’s best welterweights: Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. Incredibly, despite the economic woes about which Arum complains, ticket sales are rumored to be doing quite well in Las Vegas. (That must be because of the booming Mexican economy.)
Perhaps Arum should stick to boxing politics where he’s a proven master. After all, the man convinced HBO to showcase Gary Lockett on their coveted Championship Boxing series.
Further, where are the hoards of Gary Lockett fans that should be expected to flock to Atlantic City to see their hero fight for the title? Shouldn’t a weak dollar ease economic pressure on the traveling British fans?
Presumptuous miscalculations can make one to look a fool.
It’s often easier when facts are allowed to tell the story.
Regardless of political affiliation, the economic laws of
supply and demand do not change. Evidence supports the
notion that fans can - and will - travel when a demanded
event is packaged, provided and promoted. Kelly Pavlik vs.
Gary Lockett does not fit this description. |
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