Good old Floyd “Money” Mayweather is still alive and kicking, thriving no less, with some news that went under the radar lately.
Yes, his rematch with John Gotti III is confirmed. That is a given. It also takes place in Mexico City on August 24th.
But now it has actually being picked up by live on DAZN no less.
The first fight in 2023 ended in a wild brawl.
The Appeal of Novelty Fights
While purists may scoff at these non-traditional matchups, they have proven to be incredibly popular, especially among younger audiences.
Novelty hybrid boxing also seems to be growing at the moment. Along with the likes of professional bareknuckle boxing.
The combination of celebrity appeal, social media buzz, and the unpredictable nature of these fights has drawn in viewers who may not typically follow boxing.
Mayweather boxing a grandson of a former mob boss adds intrigue to this dynamic.
Expanding Boxing’s Reach
By showcasing these events, DAZN has successfully tapped into a new demographic of boxing fans.
The crossover appeal of influencer and exhibition fights has introduced the sport to a wider audience, potentially generating long-term interest and expanding the sport’s overall fanbase.
The Mayweather-Gotti Rematch: A Strategic Move
The decision to broadcast the Mayweather-Gotti rematch in Mexico is a strategic one.
Mexico has a rich boxing history and a passionate fan base, too.
Mayweather knows the power of this and had a good Mexican and Latin American fan base in his day, still does.
It also gives new Mayweather Promotions partner/CEO Richard Schaefer his first run at an event.
By bringing this high-profile event to the country, DAZN is not only catering to existing fans but also potentially attracting new viewers.
This is where thinking big is good for boxing.
Hopefully those showing Olympic Boxing at amateur level this year in Paris will see this trend also and get boxing out to the masses there too, which they will, of course.
NBC Sports in the USA is your go to place in America for boxing but every country will be showing it this summer.
The Future of Boxing
As the lines between traditional sports and entertainment continue to blur, the rise of influencer and exhibition boxing is likely to continue.
DAZN’s willingness to embrace this trend has positioned them as a leader in the evolving landscape of boxing broadcasting.
By catering to a larger audience and showcasing a variety of fights, DAZN is not only expanding the sport’s reach but also potentially shaping its future.