Boxing had the mainstream audience in America what caused boxing to lose it completely was going to Showtime/HBO. At one point according to my dad and older brothers boxing was right up there probably a close 2nd with American football in terms of popularity and American Football has been the most watched sport since the late 60s or so.





Hagler-Antuorfermo 1 and Leonard-Benitez were championship bouts on network tv.



Tyson-Marvis Frazier was on network tv, ABC to be exact.



Holyfield-Qawi 1 was also on network tv.