By Frank Warren

THERE has been a big development in America this week, one that slipped under the radar over here.

But it's one that could have major ramifications throughout boxing.

Manny Pacquiao has left US TV giant HBO to join rival network Showtime. Many assumed Pacquiao's fight with Shane Mosley on May 7 would be on HBO pay-per-view, where his last eight fights have been shown.

But his promoter Bob Arum has been bold in taking the world's best fighter to Showtime, where he expects a much wider audience.

Showtime is owned by CBS, free in 115million homes, compared to HBO's 30m subscribers.

Their intention is to heavily promote the fight which will reflect, it is expected, on the amount of PPV buys on Showtime. Talk is Arum was angered by HBO seemingly steering boxers to Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, in particular Floyd Mayweather Jnr, who Arum promoted and built up.

Golden Boy were once seen as the only game in town due to their deal with HBO and this was undoubtedly used as a tool to influence fighters to join them.

Some top British fighters have gone to them, as only recently Matthew Macklin signed to fight veteran Winky Wright. What they don't realise is they are going in as opponents. A classic example is Ricky Hatton being fed to Pacman and Mayweather.

Arum could dramatically shift the axis of power from HBO to Showtime if he succeeds with this venture - and I think he can.

If Pacquiao-Mosley generates big income on PPV, it will put a huge dent in HBO's influence.

My Olym-picks

THE London 2012 Olympics should see more British boxers emerge as big stars.

Beijing gold-medallist James DeGale last month won the British super-middleweight title in only his eighth fight. Amir Khan won silver in Athens and I guided him towards his world title.

The GB boxing team has plenty of talented youngsters in Luke Campbell, Callum Smith and Iain Weaver.

To register your interest for Olympic tickets, go to www.tickets.london2012.com.