Fans React To Beterbiev vs. Bivol PPV Numbers – ‘Financial Flop’
Boxing fans have reacted to the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch PPV numbers, which sold 340,000.
The rematch took place on February 22, as Beterbiev avenged his defeat in the first fight via a majority decision to become the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion. It was a reversal of the first fight where Beterbiev’s works in the championship rounds had earned him the win. This time around, Bivol made the adjustments to give Beterbeiv the first loss of his career. There is a narrative in place to have a trilogy fight after the Saudis expressed their desire to make it happen.
However, things have also been complicated by the WBC. The WBC have ordered Bivol to defend his titles against David Benavidez. The two sides have until April 8 to come up with a deal, after which purse bids will be called. That places Bivol in a tricky situation, as he must decide whether to vacate and face Beterbiev or keep his undisputed light heavyweight title by boxing Benavidez. The PPV numbers were solid. However, compared to another recent fight, it did not cut the mustard.
PPV Numbers
Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga reportedly sold 650,000 PPVs on Mexican Independence Weekend last year. The fight was not undisputed after Canelo had been stripped for not facing his then-IBF mandatory William Scull. Meanwhile, Berlanga was not a big name despite being undefeated, as he had not faced any elite-level opposition.
The February 22 card between Beterbiev and Bivol had many big names on it. Joseph Parker knocked out Martin Bakole in their heavyweight clash. Meanwhile, Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his WBC Lightweight Title by stopping Josh Padley. Despite having a stellar card, with some claiming it to be the best boxing card ever, the PPV numbers did not necessarily reflect that.
The Vision
However, it is a step in the right direction, as fans are seeing the biggest fights happen. If PPVs can become more affordable moving forward, that will only draw in a bigger fan base.
“I dream of a PPV with a good price to make the fans happy and subscribe and get them to watch it legally. Usually when I see a high PPV, a lot of people go and watch the fight illegally and this is not healthy for boxing and the platform. What I will try to push is to have our Riyadh Season shows at less than £20 in England and less than $20 around the world.
“I would prefer to have one million fans subscribe and buy the PPV for £20 than less than 500,000 [for £40]. The people go around it illegally because the price is high. In the future, this will not build boxing. If I give the fans good fights at a good price then I will increase the fanbase,” Turki Alalshikh stated
Boxing fans had plenty to say over the PPV numbers, with some feeling they were impressive. However, others questioned whether the numbers were a success, feeling that it should have done more given the magnitude of the bout.
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