HBO has announced that it’s through being the so-called “heart and soul of boxing.” A statement read in part:

“Boxing has been part of our heritage for decades. During that time, the sport has undergone a transformation. It is now widely available on a host of networks and streaming services. There is more boxing than ever being televised and distributed. In some cases, this programming is very good. But from an entertainment point of view, it’s not unique.

“Going forward in 2019, we will be pivoting away from programming live boxing on HBO. As always, we will remain open to looking at events that fit our programming mix. This could include boxing, just not for the foreseeable future.

“We’re deeply indebted to the many courageous fighters whose careers we were privileged to cover.”

At the moment, the only fight on HBO’s schedule is an October 27 clash IBF middleweight title clash between Daniel Jacobs and Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

The one-time boxing powerhouse had in recent years been surpassed by longtime rival Showtime, ESPN/ESPN+, FOX/FS1 and the new streaming service DAZN.

If you currently subscribe to HBO mainly for boxing, that fee would just cover streaming subscriptions to ESPN+ and DAZN. Maybe now is the time to switch.