Wonder Why The TV Ratings For Boxing Are So Bad? Ask Radivoje Kalajdzic

You don't need a great education to notice the problem

So, ESPN's Dan Rafael has just reported, via Twitter, that the ratings for last night's PBC card on NBC were most certainly not good. This, of course, is too bad. For Errol Spence made his mark on the world this past weekend by besting a game name opponent like Chris Algieri in fantastic fashion. If you haven't seen the fight - and it appears that billions haven't - then by all means, check it out. It's good stuff.

Having said that, the numbers were still disappointing, as viewership for primetime PBC cards seems to be declining these days. People will undoubtedly scratch their heads and wonder aloud why this could be, but the answer - or at least one of the answers - is pretty clear. No one trusts the powers that be in boxing. It really is that simple.

Boxing is now at the point where there's so much bad judging, so much unsportsmanlike maneuvering and so many BS titles that casual fans literally don't have a clue what's happening. Seriously. We watched the card with a friend last night who wasn't a fan and he had no idea how things worked outside of two people throwing punches. Why doesn't the better fighter always advance on to bigger and better things? How could judges give incompetent rulings? How in the world can anyone tell who the best fighter in a division is if the best can't or won't face off?

My friend is not a stupid man and these were not stupid questions. What other sports fans in the world would be as sure of an impending  bad decision as boxing fans were after the final bell rang for the Marcus Browne -  Radivoje Kalajdzic bout on last night's undercard? Browne got the decision after holding and being dropped and absolutely no one I know was surprised that the judges gave him the nod.

Wonder why the TV ratings for boxing are so bad? Ask Radivoje Kalajdzic.

Why Spence-Algieri Is Worth Looking Forward To

Some fights are just worth being on the lookout for

While it's true Errol Spence and Chris Algieri are not Pay Per View stars, their upcoming April battle is one I'm truly looking forward to. In fact, I'm perhaps looking more forward to it than any other fight in the sport. Why? Because there's no A Side/B Side nonsense here, no diva posturing, no arguing over trifles. It's just a battle between two hard working, eager guys who are pushing to prove themselves. If that doesn't make for good boxing, I honestly don't know what does.

Spence is the rising star here. When people wonder why Keith Thurman dismisses you, it's an indication you're someone worth giving a second look to. Sure, Spence has been hyped, but he seems to be willing to prove himself (remember when Danny Garcia used to be like that?). Considering that he may well get a chance against the formidable Kell Brook should be best Algieri, Spence has a lot to lose here.

Algieri, on the other hand, may have even more to lose. After winning in controversial fashion against Ruslan Provodnikov a few years back, the man was pitted against Manny Pacquiao, only to suffer from all too predictable results. Since then, however, the nutrition nut has teamed with John David Jackson and has become a force to be reckoned with. Believe it. This fight, however, clearly is a fork in the road for Algieri. Should he win, he's back in play as a serious welterweight. Should he lose, however...

In a fight world where very little rings true (did we really need Canelo-Khan?), it's nice to see a thoroughly legitimate throwdown between two talented dudes who have a ton on the line. This isn't an easy match for either man. That's saying a lot in a sport now dominated by what are essentially glorified tuneups and mid level snoozers.

Five Current Fighters You Can Tell Your Kids About

Some people deserve to stand out from the crowd

Here's the truth - I don't know what the following men are like in person. At most, I've spoken to them over the phone. For all I know they can be terrible people. Just terrible. The truth, however, is that we can ALL be terrible people - at least at times, and that's something to keep in mind when it comes to pointing fingers.

With that out of the way, here's five guys who parents can actually point out to their kids and say; "You could take a lesson from him." That's something that's rarely, if ever, said about boxers any more. Let's just say it's time for a change.

1. Shawn Porter: Gives it his all each and every time out. Isn't afraid to challenge himself. Isn't afraid to fail. Never arrogant in public. Always polite and positive. Lives clean.
2. Tim Bradley: Family man. Quite wealthy, but never obnoxious with his money. Determined to achieve greatness in his profession despite a notable lack of explosive talent. Succeeds by putting his nose to the grindstone.
3. Bernard Hopkins: Went to jail, got out and never went back in. Learned from his mistakes. Became a master craftsman through hard work and dedication. Went on to earn millions. Spokesperson for clean living. 
4. Chris Algieri: Looked silly in front of the whole world . Got up and kept going anyway. Got better rather than bitter. Came back and earned respect the hard way. Willing to challenge himself despite the odds.
5. Keith Thurman: Not afraid to be himself. Ever. 

Why Chris Algieri Deserves Huge Props

Algieri is always going in for a big piece of the pie

That's right, Chris Algieri deserves huge props. Sure, everyone had a good laugh for a short spell with the whole "out of the cage" silliness - but no one should be laughing now. For word's out - according to Dan Rafael over at ESPN - that Algieri may be fighting none other than rising star Errol Spence on an NBC primetime PBC card in April.

What's there to like about Algieri? The fact that he takes risks. That's right, a fighter in this day and age actually takes risks - when he could possibly make solid money going easy for a while, nonetheless. Yup, Algieri has been a work in progress since falling under the tutelage of top level trainer John David Jackson, yet he's going to put it all on the line, yet again, against the supremely talented Spence. Algieri likes to let online followers know what hes been eating - but it's doubtful he marinates anything.

Think about it - the odds here are clearly going to be in Spence's favor. For Spence is a fighter who some have marked to be the next big superstar - and not without sound reasoning. Indeed, there's a lot to like about Spence - and a lot to like about his chances against Algieri. No matter, Algieri is going for it. Because that's what Algieri does. Whether it's Ruslan Provodnikov, Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan or now Spence, Algieri steps up to the figurative plate over and over again.

This time, however, things may be different. For another loss may put Algieri in the same category as Robert Guerrero has now found himself in - that of the solid opposition. The fact that Algieri may indeed go forward with this regardless of the obvious career risk not only shows his confidence, it shows that he takes boxing seriously for what it ultimately is - a sport.

Other known fighters should take note.