Sky Sports and Matchroom Sport have extended their exclusive UK and Ireland broadcast partnership until 2021, offering up to 120 nights of live boxing over the next six years.
The new agreement will bring even more exclusively live access to one of the strongest stables ever seen in world boxing. Only on Sky Sports will viewers be able to follow the next generation of British boxers including James DeGale MBE, Kell Brook, Lee Selby, Kevin Mitchell, Scott Quigg, Luke Campbell MBE and Anthony Crolla. Viewers will also be able to watch gold medallist Anthony Joshua MBE, one of Britain’s most exciting sporting prospects.
Sky Sports viewers can look forward to watching 20 shows each year and follow all the build-up across its channels and digital outlets. An increased digital coverage means Sky Sports viewers can enjoy even more access to fighters, exclusive interviews with special guests and other additional content, blogs and podcasts.
Sky Sports Managing Director Barney Francis said: “As the home of boxing we’re thrilled to be able to offer a further five years of fights and fighters. A huge commitment to online and digital content will mean a more interactive experience for all fight fans who will continue to enjoy the best quality and excitement of boxing on Sky Sports.”
Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: “I am delighted to announce a new five year deal as Sky’s exclusive boxing promoter in the UK and Ireland. Over the past three years, with Sky Sports’ backing, we have developed a team of fighters unrivalled by any promotional company in the history of British boxing. 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.
“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 with the opportunity to achieve their dreams on the UK’s no.1 sporting platform.”
Sky Sports News HQ will continue to provide all the latest news from the world of boxing plus analysis from some of the best experts in the sport. Boxing fans will also be able to enjoy special On Demand content and enjoy a wholly more interactive experience on skysports.com and other Sky Sports platforms, bringing viewers even closer to each and every fight.
Following one of the most eagerly anticipated events in boxing history, the clash between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, live boxing on Sky Sports in May keeps on coming. This Saturday James DeGale is taking on Andre Dirrell for vacant IBF Super Middleweight title in Boston and on May 30, fight fans will enjoy another huge night of boxing from The O2. This event, on Sky Sports Box Office, is headlined by Kell Brook v Frankie Gavin and will also feature an undercard including Anthony Joshua as well as two world title fights from Kevin Mitchell and Lee Selby.
Also this summer, Paul Smith tackles Andre Ward in Oakland on June 20, Liverpool’s Fab Four of David Price, Tony Bellew, Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding return to the Echo Arena on June 26th and Manchester holds a huge double World title bill on July 18 when Scott Quigg defends his title against Kiko Martinez and Anthony Crolla challenges Darley’s Perez for the World Lightweight title.
