14 DAY TRIAL // CW Multimedia announced it has partnered with Vibes Media, a provider of interactive text message and mobile content marketing programs, to launch a service that will enable boxing fans to interact with real-time televised matches. The new Fight Text service will allow viewers to send in their own round scores to the broadcast network right from their mobile phones.
Fight Text will debut on Wednesday, August 8 with the occasion of Seminole Warriors Boxing's "Rough Rugged and Raw" event, featuring former world champion "Supernova" O'Neil Bell and "The Lion" Louis Azille. ESPN2 Wednesday Night Fights will offer live broadcasts covering of the event.
Using CW Multimedia's patent-Fight Text technology and Vibes' text messaging platform, the Fight Text service will allow viewers to become boxing judges themselves, enabling them to contribute with their own round scores, by sending an SMS with the text "FIGHT" to 36266. The results sent by the TV audience are then made into statistics in real-time and announced by the broadcast team during the televised event.
"This will be good for boxing because, for the first time ever, this will truly give televised fight fans a voice. And, while the voter scoring will not impact the official outcome, it will certainly be a great way for viewers to see how their scores rate against those of the judges," said Chris Webb, founder and president, CW Multimedia. "We're excited to be working with Vibes on this venture. We really needed a partner that we have confidence in, and Vibes has the right technology and a long history of successful programs we felt this initiative needs to succeed."
After sending their votes for a round, users will receive a message thanking them for their participation. All the messages will also include a sponsorship component and may offer users the chance to win prizes, purchase merchandise, play trivia or participate in other loyalty programs.
"For mobile programs to succeed, they have to create a spark with consumers and get them to want to participate," said Alex Campbell, CEO and co-founder, Vibes Media. "The Fight Text program reaches right out to the viewer who has, until now, been unable to connect with the fight broadcasts in a meaningful way. Now, he feels like he's a part of the process and comes away with a more positive connection to the sport, the network and the brand that's sponsoring the text program for that event."