One of the most sought-after fights of the year, the upcoming fight between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia, has sparked outrage in the boxing community. Fans expressed their anger after learning that the event, broadcasted by DAZN, will be charged at $80 for pay-per-view (PPV).
The primary source of dissatisfaction stems from the PPV price and the uncertainty surrounding the undercard's availability. With no additional fights announced, fans are reluctant to pay for the event, fearing it may not justify the cost. The expectation is that the undercard must feature exceptionally attractive and talented performers to warrant the price.
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Devin Haney, the defending WBC light-welterweight champion, is in a particularly delicate situation. Following his previous bout against Regis Prograis, which reportedly sold only 30,000 PPV units, earning him the nickname ‘Mr. 30K,’ Haney can ill afford another PPV disappointment. The backlash has been vocal on social media, with fans criticizing the $80 charge as indicative of the promoters’ “desperation” and “greed,” especially given the sluggish ticket sales for the event’s venue at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
In light of the backlash, some fans have suggested that ticket and PPV prices should be cut by half to offer a more palatable price point. This measure is seen as a way to potentially boost ticket sales and PPV demand, addressing the criticisms and making the event more accessible to a wider audience.
Image Credit: DAZN