Undercard

The undercard or preliminary matches refers to preliminary bouts that occur before the headline or 'Main Event' of a particular boxing [http://espn.go.com/boxing/news/2002/0609/1392693.html An undercard boxing match reviewed on ESPN] , wrestling [http://prowrestling.about.com/od/wrestlingterminology/g/gloundercard.htm Use of the word "undercard" in wrestling] , horse racing [http://www.horse-races.net/library/preak07-ucresults.htm 2007 Preakness Undercard Results] or other sporting event card.

Typically the undercard is intended to provide fans with an opportunity to see up-and-coming fighters or fighters who are lesser known and less popular than their counterparts in the main event. The undercard also ensures that if the main event ends quickly fans will still feel that they received sufficient value for the price of their admission.

In Boxing, undercard matches usually only last for four rounds, to ensure that the crowd does not have to wait too long for the Main Event.

In Professional Wrestling, undercard matches usually last for five to ten minutes as the crowd does not have to wait too long for the Main Event and often to fulfill contractual Television agreements.

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