Lee Groves

This has been decades in the making. @SmittyBoxing said one cause is the lack of firms willing to back boxing, which is one big reason why it left free TV. The Park Si Hun-Roy Jones theft might've been a catalyst, for after that, boxing was dropped from NBC's main Olympic sked.

In this clip from today's "ITC," which premieres at noon today here (youtube.com/@inthiscorner), @SmittyBoxing and I detail some factors that led to boxing's current state in terms of mainstream relevance. The common ties: Economics, greed and a generational changing of the guard:

In the wake of Usyk's rematch triumph over Dubois, @SmittyBoxing praises the versatility of the champ's lead hand and also declares him one of the most brilliant technical fighters he has ever seen. This clip from today's "ITC" premiere at noon ET explains why:

Last week, @SmittyBoxing said the only way Barrios wouldn't KO Pacquiao would be for him to show too much respect to the legend. In this clip from today's "ITC," which premieres today at noon ET here (youtube.com/@inthiscorner), he explains how that respect was expressed:

Based on the response to my post, it appears boxing is in even worse shape that I thought. Part of the intent was to compliment how boxing is marketed and presented outside the U.S. while decrying our current state. Boxing has always been resilient, and it's facing another test.

Of course, this only applies to the U.S.; boxing in the U.K., Japan, Australia and other nations is thriving because they still treat it like a serious mainstream sport in terms of structure, publicity and presentation. Thankfully, we Americans can enjoy how it SHOULD be done.

How sad. The powers chose pursuing the next buck over growing the sport for a new generation. Thus, boxing is now niche. Series were cancelled not due to ratings, but by new suits not raised on boxing due to pay-only options and disappearing mainstream press. And so it goes...

This is so sweet and positive. You won’t be disappointed that you took a few minutes to watch a happy kiss cam, sans kissing!

I began following the @NFL again after a few years away, and it was the @NFLRedZone247 channel -- and @ScottHanson's excellent juggling skills -- that helped re-educate me as well as rekindle my enjoyment of pro football. Looking forward to the upcoming season, and go @Steelers!

Ran across this video a couple of minutes ago and enjoyed it, not just because it's John Denver and Johnny Cash but because they are singing a song that offers a positive link to my home state. I've heard it sung in stadiums globally and it make me proud. youtube.com/watch?v=6eM9-B…

From time to time, I bring out my "tornado warning" when upset conditions are present, and sometimes, like last week, I go all in. Last week it didn't work out, but I tell @SmittyBoxing conditions are present for an Usyk-Dubois II upset. Do I go all in? Log in today and see.

During today's "ITC" that goes in-depth on Barrios-Pacquiao, Fundora-Tszyu II and Usyk-Dubois II, @SmittyBoxing discusses one possibility that could lead to a potential Pacquiao win: The psychological effect of fighting a legend overtaking the defending champion:

Many are discounting Manny Pacquiao's chances against Mario Barrios, but @TYankello is not one of them for reasons he explains to @SmittyBoxing and me in today's "ITC," which premieres today at noon ET. As much as he is rooting for "The Pac Man," does he pick him? Log in and see:

One of the stories we cover in this week's "ITC" that premieres today is that of Donald Curry and his sister who are confronting possible homelessness. His sister set up a Go Fund Me to raise $5,000 to handle expenses and they are nearly $600 away: gofundme.com/f/help-me-keep…

Me: I'll probably never look as if I worked out at Gleason's Gym, but.... My sister: Maybe Jackie Gleason's Gym... Har-de-har-har. :-)

If memory serves -- and it usually does -- @TeddyAtlasReal gave me this shirt during the days when I was working ESPN shows with @CompuBox. I never visited the famous gym, but know of its importance. Thankfully, all these years later, it still fits. Thanks!

In essence, return to the structure that briefly existed: Free network TV (40-plus weekends per year); basic cable (weekly shows), premium cable (monthly) and PPV (special events, 3-4 times per year). Free TV and basic cable set the table, the other two drive home the star power.

What a performance by Sheeraz, who brutally dethroned the man who deemed himself "The King of New York" and who made such a spectacle of himself at the press conference. Hopefully lessons will be learned. As for Sheeraz, where was that man against Adames? His career has new life.

Agreed. Right man won, but when future folks look at Stevenson's Boxrec page, the official scores paint a fight in which Zepeda was not even in the fight. Not the case. Zepeda pressed and had success, but Shakur was better when he needed to be. Close and competitive.

I picked the upset and though Zepeda fought the way he needed to in terms of pressure and work rate, Stevenson rose to the moment by staying in the pocket and landing more sharply. To me, the fight remained close through 10, but Shakur sparkled in crunch time and deservedly won.