Deontay Wilder’s victory over Bermane Stiverne was a ratings success (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Chris Robinson

According to a report from Jake Donovan of BoxingScene.com, the Jan. 17 Showtime Championship Boxing telecast headlined by Deontay Wilder’s victory over Bermane Stiverne was a big ratings hit.

From the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Wilder produced his most complete performance a professional by outhustling his veteran foe to capture the WBC heavyweight title over 12 rounds.

Nielsen Media Research indicates that the telecast was a success, garnering 1.24 million viewers for the show. That serves as Showtime’s most-watched fight dating back to Austin Trout’s mild upset of Miguel Cotto in December of 2012.

On the undercard, WBC junior featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz’s eighth round stoppage of Jesus Ruiz drew an estimated 912,000 viewers while junior welterweight contender Amir Imam’s 5th round stoppage of Fidel Maldonado Jr. drew 811,000 viewers.

Good way to start what should be a very interesting year for the networks in 2015.

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com