Garcia vs. Barrios: A Shift in Welterweight Boxing and the Rise of DAZN PPV
Saturday night’s welterweight clash between Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas wasn’t just a title defense. it signaled evolving trends in boxing broadcasting and the competitive landscape of the 147lb division. The fight, streamed live on DAZN PPV and DAZN Ultimate Tier, showcased the growing importance of direct-to-consumer streaming in the sport.
The Streaming Revolution: DAZN’s Expanding Role
The decision to host the event on DAZN’s pay-per-view platform highlights a significant shift away from traditional television networks. DAZN is increasingly becoming a central hub for major boxing events, offering both subscription-based and pay-per-view options. This model provides fans with greater flexibility and choice, while also allowing promoters to retain more control over distribution and revenue. The pricing structure – a one-off purchase of $69.99 (US) or a PPV bundle for $99.99 including another fight card – demonstrates DAZN’s attempt to capture a wider audience.
Undercard Action: Developing Talent and Title Implications
The undercard provided a platform for both established contenders and rising stars. Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte for the IBF Super Lightweight Title and Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka for the WBA Super Lightweight Title added significant value to the event. Frank Martin’s controversial draw against Nahir Albright, despite controlling early rounds, underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport and the challenges faced by up-and-coming fighters.
Dominant Performances and Future Prospects
Bektemir Melikuziev’s unanimous decision victory over Sena Agbeko demonstrated his continued progression in the super middleweight division. Amari Jones’ stoppage of veteran Luis Arias further cemented his undefeated record and potential as a force in the middleweight class. Joshua Edwards’ six-round unanimous decision win, while his first time going the distance, showcased his jab and pressure. Mohammed Alakel’s quick stoppage of David Calabro continued his unbeaten run.
Barrios and Garcia: Crossroads at Welterweight
For Mario Barrios, this fight represented a crucial opportunity to solidify his position as WBC welterweight champion after back-to-back draws, including a bout with Manny Pacquiao. Ryan Garcia, stepping into his third world title shot, aimed to finally break through at welterweight after a previous setback against Rolando Romero. The outcome will undoubtedly shape both fighters’ careers and influence the future direction of the 147lb division.
Broadcast Times and Global Reach
The event catered to a global audience with varying broadcast times. Prelims began at 3:00pm PT (6:00pm ET, 11:00pm GMT), with the PPV main card starting at 5:00pm PT (8:00pm ET, 1:00am GMT). Approximate main event ringwalks for Barrios vs. Garcia were scheduled for 9:00pm PT (12:00am ET, 5:00am GMT Sunday in the UK), acknowledging the late-night viewing for UK fans.
The Rise of the Super Lightweight Division
The inclusion of two super lightweight title fights on the undercard – Hitchins vs. Duarte and Russell vs. Hiraoka – highlights the depth of talent and competitive intensity in that weight class. This division is rapidly gaining prominence, attracting significant attention from fans and promoters alike.
FAQ
Q: Where could I watch the fight?
A: The fight was available exclusively on DAZN PPV and DAZN Ultimate Tier.
Q: How much did the PPV cost?
A: The one-off PPV purchase was $69.99 (US) / £24.99 (UK).
Q: What time did the main event start?
A: The main event ringwalks were approximately at 9:00pm PT (12:00am ET, 5:00am GMT Sunday in the UK).
Q: Were there other title fights on the card?
A: Yes, the card featured two additional world title fights: Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte (IBF Super Lightweight) and Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka (WBA Super Lightweight).
Did you know? DAZN’s strategy of offering both subscription and pay-per-view options is a key differentiator in the increasingly crowded sports streaming market.
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