Uktv Wins Haye Fight Rights
UKTV has won the exclusive rights for former boxing world champion David Haye’s comeback fight, which will be shown on entertainment channel, Dave, live from the O2 on 16th January.
The former world champion, who began training with Shane McGuigan towards the end of last year, will return to the sport with a heavyweight fight against the undefeated Austrailian Mark De Mori.
In addition to the live fight, Dave will also broadcast a half-hour preview show, Haye v De Mori: The Countdown, the night before at 8pm. It will feature the build up to the fight, the story of the preparation and the reason why Haye wants to stage a comeback.
Richard Watsham, director of commissioning said: “We are quickly establishing UKTV as a network able to handle attention grabbing live events, from the Python’s last ever performance – Monty Python Live (Mostly) for Gold, through Really’s Halloween spectacular Most Haunted Live to Dave’s ratings success, the Red Bull Soapbox Race. Our ambition continues to grow in terms of the variety and quality of our programming and appointment to view TV remains at the top of our wish list.”
General manager Steve North added: “We are increasingly stretching our offering to Dave viewers, bringing them programmes which tap into the news agenda, such as last year’s election special The Pub Landlord vs Nigel Farage. I’m thrilled to be giving our viewers a ringside seat to this hotly-anticipated boxing match and, with Dave’s own spin on the event, helping to show the sport in a brand new light.”
Commenting on his return, Haye said: “I’m so happy to be stepping back into the ring with my hometown crowd behind me. It’s been a long time out, with many ups and downs, but ‘The Hayemaker’ is finally back, and ready to do what I do best. I’m a young 35, in boxing terms, and still have my explosive speed and punching power.
“I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans on ‘Haye Day’ at The O2 on 16th January and I’m delighted that my first fight in three and a half years is going to be available free to air on Dave giving as many people as possible the chance to watch my comeback. I was determined to make this comeback fight free to everybody and fans should sit back and get ready for another fun-fuelled ride as I look to regain the heavyweight championship of the world.”
