Pacquiao key in Arum’s goal to bring boxing back to network TV

Bob Arum is reaching deep into his old playbook for a formula that he thinks can pump new life into boxing.

The Top Rank chairman, whose star attraction, Manny Pacquiao, fights Shane Mosley on May 7 at the MGM Grand Garden, has joined forces with CBS and is hoping to use network television to help the sport attract new fans and eventually bring boxing back to free TV.

"That's my ultimate goal," Arum said Wednesday. "Boxing needs to get back on terrestrial television, and in Manny Pacquiao, I believe the vehicle is there for that to happen."

When Arum promoted in the 1970s and 1980s, boxing was a staple on network TV. Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Sugar Ray Leonard were featured, and fans tuned in to watch.

"If you're on network television, not only do you create new fans, you create new stars in boxing," Arum said. "There's a lot of good young fighters no one knows about because they never see them unless they buy the pay per view. You put these guys on network television, they'll become big, big stars."

The last time CBS showed a title fight was 1982 when Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini fought Duk Koo Kim at Caesars Palace. Kim was hospitalized after the brutal 14-round fight and eventually died from injuries to his brain.

Ultimately, the networks lost interest, and boxing found itself a staple of cable television. Now, with Pacquiao, who has won titles in eight weight classes and is 52-3-2 with 38 knockouts, Arum thinks it's time to try to get back on free TV.

"I'm looking to get the nonsports fan involved," Arum said. "It enables us to reach millions more people given the reach of CBS. ... CBS reaches 115 million homes. If this is successful, and I believe it will be, it will lead to a return to terrestrial television for boxing."

Pacquiao-Mosley will be shown on Showtime Pay Per View, a subsidiary of CBS. The network plans to promote Pacquiao-Mosley during its coverage of the NCAA Tournament in March and April and will air a prime-time special of the Showtime reality series "Fight Camp 360" in late April. In addition, CBS's recently revamped "The Early Show" might broadcast live from Las Vegas during fight week to promote the event.

Arum said a return to free TV will ultimately depend on whether major sponsors are willing to foot the bill.

"If the sponsors come on board," Arum said, "it opens a whole new parameter for the sport."

Arum said stars such as Pacquiao, who have interesting life stories, make boxing an easier sell to networks and sponsors.

"(Pacquiao's) story can open the door in the future for other fighters who have great stories themselves to tell them on network television," Arum said.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.