Ward vs Froch: Showtime Staredown Sneak Peek (Video)

by Scott Christ on Nov 7, 2011 4:42 PM EST in Boxing Video - Showtime

As an aside to start, I don't know why anyone is critical of Showtime "stealing" this idea. Sure it was new to boxing (sort of), but it's not like it took geniuses at HBO to think of having an intimate, sit-down interview with two rivals or competitors or whatever. It has been done before. And even if, so what? Jimmy Page stole all the time.

Anyway, here's a preview of Showtime's "Staredown" interview with Andre Ward and Carl Froch, who face one another on December 17 in Atlantic City, with the winner not only the WBA and WBC super middleweight titleholder, but also the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament winner, and in all likelihood, largely considered the top super middleweight in the world, and one of the best in the sport pound-for-pound. The Ring Magazine world championship -- which we consider the legitimate championship of the sport -- will also be at stake.

Ward (24-0, 13 KO) and Froch (28-1, 20 KO) weren't the favorites to be here when this tournament started, but both have legitimized themselves as top forces over the last two years, and in the minds of many, are already the two best 168-pound fighters in the world. This fight is arguably the biggest in the division's history, with only a couple of bouts serious contenders too that title, with only Calzaghe vs Kessler in 2007 having much of an argument.

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These things just seem like unnecessary provocation, and I don’t like them.

I’m not sure what these things are even supposed to do. They can’t be to increase interest, and thus sales, because anyone who knows about the fight will watch anyway. And I don’t think they are intended to drum up interest among non-fans, because why would they care?

Are these things just so that sport fans have some reason to watch the network?

by DrRck on Nov 7, 2011 5:46 PM EST reply actions

It’s 2011. Video is easy to share on the internet and things like this spark more interest than you might believe. Promoting isn’t what it was 20 years ago, and these things are easy and cheap to make.

Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."

by Scott Christ on Nov 7, 2011 5:59 PM EST up reply actions

I’m sure they do. What I wonder is what demographic they might actually rope in that wouldn’t already be roped in.

If these are just the fight posters of the 21st century, that makes complete sense to me.

by DrRck on Nov 7, 2011 6:21 PM EST up reply actions

That’s pretty much all they are. They get people talking and interested, but you’re right that most of them would already be interested. It’s just hooking them earlier and spreading the word.

Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."

by Scott Christ on Nov 7, 2011 6:34 PM EST up reply actions

Actually, I dont mind silly things like this; and I reckon they do probably grab the attention of the odd passing channel-hopper; what with the moody lighting, and the vague narrative. Depends on the protagonists, I guess; I mean, Marquez/Pacquiao would be like squeezing blood from a stone, but the chemisty between Froch and Ward is quite funny in that they genuinally seem to annoy one another without actually going out of their way to do so. I think Ward thinks he has Froch figured out and is baffled by his confidence, while Froch doesn’t quite buy Ward’s apparent calm. They’d be perfect in a sitcom.

by abcdefghijklost on Nov 7, 2011 6:17 PM EST up reply actions

Ye Ward’s a bit nuts if he thinks Froch will just roll over like Kessler

by properdave on Nov 7, 2011 6:42 PM EST up reply actions

One thing I don't get is how does Ward not have more KO's?

I mean he’s in the prime of his career and is fast. Doesn’t speed = power? I think hes one of the best boxers today but I just find it odd he doesn’t finish opponents more. And he seems to fight more aggressive then Mayweather.

by The Art Of War on Nov 7, 2011 9:22 PM EST reply actions