Boxing’s small halls crisis: Why the sport’s lifeblood is struggling for breath

In the north of England, it costs Wood around £15,000 to stage a good card. That is before a fighter is paid.

Down south, it is more expensive. Steve Goodwin has managed more than 70 champions at various levels and promotes events at London’s York Hall. They cost around £22,000 per show.

Goodwin sees numerous reasons why it is becoming harder for small-hall boxing.

The cost of living has impacted on ticket sales. Interest has been affected by changes in television rights.

“People are poorer, generally in life, I’m a financial adviser by trade and the average working man is poorer,” said Goodwin, who is based in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.

“We’re definitely seeing a big negative on ticket sales, not only from boxers, but from what we can sell generally to the public.”

Boxing has had less television exposure since Sky Sports stepped away from the sport after its deal with Boxxer expired. Goodwin worries Dazn’s viewing figures are not high enough: That new fans are not being enticed in numbers.

Sky Sports plans to return to the sport in 2026 with new promoters.

“I personally don’t care what the spin that’s put on by various people, boxing is not in a great place,” Goodwin said.

“If I sit here and talk boxing to people that are boxing fans, generally, friends, and they don’t know who the boxers are any more.

“That can’t be good for boxing. If people don’t know the ones at the top, they’re less likely to be interested in small hall.”