HBO has been boxing fans' first choice for decades, however on Thursday the company announced it will drop coverage of the sport in 2019.
"There is more boxing than ever being televised and distributed. In some cases, this programming is very good. But from an entertainment point of view, it's not unique. Going forward in 2019, we will be pivoting away from programming live boxing on HBO," said the company in a statement.
Rising of competitors like ESPN is one of the reasons that HBO decides to quit boxing coverage. /VCG Photo
In its 45 years of boxing broadcasting, HBO has shown 1,111 fights on screen. The middleweight title fight between Daniel Jacobs and Sergiy Derevyanchenko at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 27 will be HBO's last coverage.
The company has been no stranger to some of the biggest names in boxing with its coverage: Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya and Mike Tyson, have all been at the center of 16 broadcasting programs.
Boxing itself is getting less popular. /VCG Photo
Competitors in boxing coverage, including ESPN, Fox Sports, Showtime and DAZN are increasing their shares of the business, which was one of the reasons for HBO's decision to quit. Meanwhile, though fans have witnessed so many historic moments and controversial fights through HBO, it's also true that subscribing demand is on the decline. Therefore, it is not surprising that the company chose to leave the sport behind.
"This is not a subjective decision. Our audience research informs us that boxing is no longer a determinant factor for subscribing to HBO," said Peter Nelson, HOB Sport's executive vice president in an interview with the New York Times.
(Top picture: The HBO Boxing Worldwide booth at The World Sports Content Media Convention /VCG Photo)