Boxing's biggest problem is that it's on HBO/Showtime and not on regular tv

[generalbulldog]

I'm not sure its the biggest problem, but it is a big one. Financially would it make sense to put boxing on there? I think there's an argument for putting more young guys on network TV, but I can't see why either Mayweather or Pacquiao would do it when they make between $10-25m every time they get in the ring.

I think part of the problem is overly expensive PPVs & streaming. Personally I won't stream a fight unless I have no other way to watch it. While I understand some choosing not to if they don't feel it's worth it or don't want to support that particular fight (Pacquiao-Margarito), I personally think boxing fans who don't buy the fights they actually demand (Floyd-Shane & Manny-Cotto) are just justifying why they put all fights involving the two stars on PPV and also lose the 'leverage' argument that they dictate the fights.

What percentage of the population in the US have HBO/Showtime?

HBO has around 28-30 million subscribers, I don't know about Showtime. I remember that figure about HBO when it was said that they were airing Pac/Mosley 360 type shows on CBS (network tv) which can reach 115 to 120 million viewers potentially.