Sky extends exclusive boxing deal
Sky said the new agreement will enable subscribed pubs to show 20 fight nights a year, amounting to one the “strongest stables ever seen in world boxing”.
It added that pubgoers will be able to follow the next generation of British boxers including Anthony Joshua, James DeGale, Kell Brook, Lee Selby, Kevin Mitchell, Scott Quigg, Luke Campbell and Anthony Crolla.
Sky Sports News HQ will continue to provide news from the world of boxing plus analysis from experts in the sport.
Fight thrill
Sky Business managing director David Rey said: “As the home of boxing, we’re thrilled to be able to offer a further five years of fights and fighters.
“Boxing continues to be massively popular in pubs up and down the country. This extended deal means that Sky customers can continue to rely on boxing to drive people in for the big fight nights for at least the next six years.”
Matchroom Sport managing director Eddie Hearn claimed that, with Sky Sports’ backing, his company has developed a team of fighters “unrivalled by any promotional company in the history of British boxing”.
He said: “We have worked together to take British boxing from small hall shows to filling major arenas all over the country, creating star attractions and taking the profile of the sport to another level.”
Hearn added: “Without Sky Sports consistent backing of British boxing over the years, none of this would have been possible and as we approach a golden era for our sport, it makes me proud to provide such an elite team of fighters.”
Live dates
Sky Sports has lined up a number of live boxing dates this summer:
- 23 May – This Saturday, James DeGale will take on Andre Dirrell for vacant IBF title in Boston.
- 30 May – A bill from London’s O2 is headlined by Kell Brook v Frankie Gavin. Anthony Joshua will be fighting on the undercard, and there are two world-title fights from Kevin Mitchell and Lee Selby.
- 20 June – Paul Smith takes on Andre Ward in Oakland, California.
- 26 June – Liverpool’s ‘fab four’ of David Price, Tony Bellew, Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding return to the city’s Echo Arena.
- 18 July – There is a world title bill when Scott Quigg defends his title against Kiko Martinez and Anthony Crolla challenges Darley's Perez for the world lightweight title.
