I remember when Setanta was a PPV channel they expected people to pay for Graham Earl v Kevin Bennett!

Now it was a cracking fight (as most of Earl’s fights were) but expecting people to pay for a small hall domestic bout was a little ambitious to say the least.

Cornelius Carr on PPV. Sounds like something Steve Bunce would reminisce over!!

It was a PPV channel, available only on satellite, which showed movies. Kinda like Sky Box Office. They decided to get into boxing at the beginning of 99, starting with Tyson v Botha. And my God, what a cock-up it was. Instead of a studio, they screened live from some nightclub (Shoeless Joe’s, or something like that) and they had numerous boxing personalities present – most of whom were hammered by the time the fight was about to start. Poor ol’ Billy Walker, who had been knocking back the ale like water from the start of the show, didn’t even make it to the Tyson fight.

The actual coverage of the fight was abysmal as well. The commentary, from Steve Holdsworth and the late Jim Brady, sounded like it was coming from a pay-phone in West London. I was expecting to hear a lady say “please insert 50p to continue this call” at any moment.

Worst of all, the bloody commentary was about 3 secs ahead of the action. So just before Tyson landed that killer right hand, we heard Steve and Jim screaming about a shot that didn’t happen yet!

Their next PPV venture was a Cornelius Carr fight (no word of a lie). I think about two people bought that and well, that was the end of Front Row’s boxing coverage. Thank the Lord!!!

Yeah this new Primetime channel is on a PPV basis. I ain’t complaining though. It’s either that or watch another stop, start stream on Justin.tv.

Looking forward to the Hunter-Booth fight, can’t see the Hartlepool man pulling it off but he’ll be as exciting as ever while it lasts.

Good prospect scouting bill, Jeffries, Price, Groves and the Dickinson brothers.

You could be right about the occasion getting to Dirrell, which goes back to my point about his inexperience. He’s never boxed at anything near this level. I think the safe bet is definitely Froch on points, but I give the American an excellent chance of victory if he doesn’t freeze early on.

I’ll be watching on this new Primetime channel. Hopefully it’ll be good coverage. Remember the now defunct Front Row and their coverage of Mike Tyson’s fight with Frans Botha? Embarrassing!

I’ve checked footage of Dirrell and he looks very smooth, quick and skilful but weak, a little lightweight. He was floored by Anthony Hanshaw with what didn’t look much of a punch (the ref fluffed the call too) and looked panicked when cornered.

I fully believe Froch is there to be outboxed, he’s very hittable since he went up in class however I don’t believe Dirrell has the right stuff to see it through.

I think he’ll run like crazy, he looked scared to death to me yesterday.

Off to Sunderland tomorrow then Nottingham Saturday, man it’s taking it’s toll on me already!!

The Froch and Dirrell fight is interesting. As soon as the tournament was announced, I said that the American was arguably the most naturally talented of the whole bunch, but also the most inexperienced. I was speaking with 411mania’s boxing editor Ramon Aranda the other day and he tips Dirrell to spring the upset. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did, but I’ll go with the home fighter who has proved himself at world class, rather than the away fighter who has yet to prove himself at this level. Froch on points.