BBC signs knockout broadcast deal with Boxxer
The BBC has signed a broadcast deal with boxing promoter Boxxer, which will see live professional boxing return to its platforms on a free-to-air basis.
The multi-platform agreement will run for the next 12 months, with selected fight nights airing in Saturday night primetime slots on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, and across the BBC Sport website and app.
The deal aims to make the sport more accessible to a wider audience, with selected undercard fights, features and behind-the-scenes content also being made available across BBC Sounds and social media channels.
The first event is expected to take place before the end of the year, with full details of the fight card and presenting team to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Boxxer, led by founder and CEO Ben Shalom, represents some of the UK’s leading boxing talent, including unified welterweight world champion Lauren Price. The promoter has staged several high-profile events in recent years, including Amir Khan v Kell Brook and Claressa Shields v Savannah Marshall.
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.”
Ben Shalom, Founder and CEO of Boxxer, said, “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.”
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