It must be quite tempting to illegally stream a lackluster event like the upcoming $90 Canelo-Berlanga fight this Saturday.
Personally, I try to avoid piracy as much as possible, but I have resorted to using unauthorized methods like the Firestick hack to watch certain shows not readily available in Mexico. However, for the average consumer, it’s understandable why they would choose to pirate when faced with exorbitant fees for events that may not even meet their expectations.
Last week, Saudi figure Turki Alalshikh made headlines by proposing to lower the prices of his Riyadh Season pay-per-views to combat piracy. He stated that lowering prices would attract more fans to boxing and mentioned reductions for upcoming events like the Beterbiev-Bivol PPV.
Despite Alalshikh’s efforts to lower prices, some skeptics questioned the need for pay-per-view charges for events that were previously free to watch on platforms like DAZN. This shift in pricing strategies may not entirely solve the piracy issue or expand the fan base in the long run.
Piracy is a multifaceted problem that cannot be solely attributed to high costs. The boxing industry’s rigid pay-per-view model restricts consumer choice and often fails to engage new audiences effectively.
Turki’s focus on elite-level events overlooks the potential of promoting young fighters to grow the sport and attract new fans organically. By reshaping pay-per-view pricing, there is a need to consider who will bear the financial burden and whether reduced fees will lead to increased viewership.
In reality, addressing piracy requires a more holistic approach beyond pricing adjustments. The underlying issues in boxing’s current landscape must be tackled to safeguard the sport’s future and combat illegal streaming effectively.
Ultimately, the boxing industry needs to prioritize long-term solutions over short-sighted measures to ensure sustainable growth and fan engagement.
If you have any feedback for Magno, feel free to reach out at: paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com
