Zuffa Boxing and Sky Sports confirmed its broadcast agreement in a statement Wednesday, after months-long speculation.
Combat sports expert Ariel Helwani said Wednesday: “Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing have announced a new multi-year deal, confirming Sky as the UK and Irish broadcaster for their events.
“I will say, it’s interesting that MVP also has a deal with Sky. Also, all of Zuffa Boxing’s cards have taken place in North American time zones and on Sundays. This would seem to suggest they have an interest in holding events in the UK.”
Zuffa Boxing has only hosted four events so far this year, and has made significant additions to its roster through the signings of Jai Opetaia, now Zuffa heavyweight champion, and Benn. Those big names join prospects — possible future world-beaters — Robert Meriwether III and Jalil Hackett.
But the shows so far have all taken place at the UFC’s TV studio called Meta Apex, which can seat approximately 750 people.
“I see people talking about how bad the events look at the Apex, but if you think that’s Zuffa Boxing’s final form, you’re kidding yourselves,” Helwani said. “I see these events as a pilot for a TV series.”
The multi-year agreement will see Zuffa Boxing host “at least five shows per year on UK soil,” the broadcaster said.
British slugger Conor Benn could headline one of those shows after he returns to the ring against Regis Prograis on April 11, in the co-main event of Tyson Fury’s fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Other US companies Top Rank, Golden Boy Promotions, and TGB Promotions, are more focused on American territories. This is unlike Zuffa Boxing, who has shown through its movements that it intends to build an international presence, putting it in direct competition with Matchroom and Eddie Hearn.
“When you think about boxing, over the last 10 years it’s been very European and obviously the UK, there’s been a decline in the United States,” White told Sky Sports.
“So our goal is to build the no-brainers, the United States, the UK, Australia, Mexico. I mean that’s what we’re focusing on right now.”
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