British-based boxing promoter BOXXER has announced its new broadcast partner, with the promotional company teaming up with BBC Sport to bring big-time boxing back to primetime free-to-air television for the first time in years.
With BOXXER’s previous four-year broadcast partnership with Sky Sports coming to a close, there was much speculation over where the promotion would land next.
Now, in a move that has raised eyebrows in the sport, BOXXER has teamed up with the BBC in a move that will bring potentially huge audiences to its fighters, with no paywall separating their fights from the fans.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said, “Bringing professional boxing back to primetime BBC television, free-to-air, and to our extensive digital platforms is an exciting moment for us and for boxing fans.
“Boxing is a sport that we know deeply resonates with younger audiences and this deal with BOXXER enables us to showcase the next generation of British fighters – delivering top-tier national boxing moments to all audiences, wherever and however they want it.”
Events are set to be aired on Saturday nights at primetime on BBC 1 and BBC 2, and streamed live on BBC iPlayer, as part of the deal, with could help further build the names of some of BOXXER’s biggest stars, including Ben Whittaker, Martin Bakole, Lauren Price and Caroline Dubois.
Ben Shalom, founder and CEO of BOXXER, hailed the deal, saying, “Partnering with the BBC to deliver big-time British boxing on Saturday night TV is a historic moment.
“We’re proud to bring the most entertaining British fighters to the biggest possible audience. This huge platform will give our fights the exposure they deserve and helps us take the sport to huge new audiences.”
