Being that it was hardly the most highly anticipated boxing match in recent weeks it is at least somewhat surprising that Wladimir Klitschko's recent title bout against Bryant Jennings drew more viewers that an other non-pay-per-view fight in recent years. Some sports news commentators are suggesting that the spike it HBO's rating may have had more to do with former Heroes actress, Hayden Panettiere, having been in attendance than any interst renewed interest in the sport. According to the latest gossip news updates, the real-life Mayor of Nashville, Karl Dean, knows what a boom Hayden's presence in to his town and has already set a half-a-million dollars aside from the city's budget for the similarly named TV show's next season.
While no one can take away the fact that Wladimir Klitschko is a dominant force in the boxing ring, some sports commentators are wondering if he surge in popularity might have something to do with his very popular girlfriend, Nashville actress, Hayden Panettiere's having just had a baby.
Writer for FightSaga, Lee Cleveland, points out in his May 6 article that Hayden's presence seemed a much more logical explanation for the uptick in ratings than the belief that people turned their TV sets on in droves to see Wladimir beat Bryant just the way it was predicted he would going in to the one-sided bout:
"Bryant Jennings certainly isn't a household name, even among fight fans. Moreover, the bout was previously labelled a mis-match by many as Klitschko was a massive favorite.
"As a result of the [their] relationship, many non-fans of boxing who never heard of Wlad a year ago were well-familiar with boxing's 39 year old heavyweight champion when he stepped in the ring to make his title defense late last month."
Hayden's ratings bump might still be debatable in regards to Wladimir's matches, but the Mayor of Nashville, Karl Dean, is convinced that having her and the rest of the Nashville cast and crew in town is definitely a boom to the local economy.
Dean spokeswoman Bonna Johnson told the Tennessean that the $500,000 set aside in the budget for the series' fourth season is well worth the investment:
"Discussions are continuing as to the appropriate level of local funds to support the show, including from Metro Government, the Convention and Visitors Corp. and the city's Event and Marketing Fund.
"This continued investment in the Nashville show is recognition that it benefits our local economy, has generated worldwide attention for our city and state, and is opening doors to further grow the film and television industry here."
If this trend continues, the next thing you know every boxer will have a hot celebrity wife and every city, state and township will be vying for its own show.
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