Its synonymous with the decline of the major three networks and them competing with mass cable and media web now though. Back when you had basic cable finances were more readily available and they had much ore pull. Not to mention it doesn't help that peak weekend time slots are obese on 1001 college and bowl games of every sort. The last fight I remember seeing on ABC(?) was Nate Campbell vs Tiger smalls, or Darling Jimenez

You know what really hurt? ESPN watering down its yearly schedule and losing a USA Tuesday night fights so they could air more wrestling Those were prime developing grounds for many quality guys.