Reports of Sky Sports’ demise in boxing appear to have been premature after the news that the British channel has signed a four-year broadcast deal with leading US promoter Top Rank.
Last week, Sky Sports’ long-time promoter of choice Eddie Hearn moved his Matchroom Boxing stable over to DAZN after signing a five-year deal with the global streaming network. After some deliberation, Hearn had opted not to continue his agreement with Sky Sports following the expiration of their contract.
But, according to Mike Coppinger of ‘The Athletic’, Sky Sports have spun off the ropes to agree a long-term deal with Top Rank that will kick off with super-featherweight star Shakur Stevenson’s bout against Namibian contender Jeremiah Nakathila this weekend.
Stevenson-Nakathila will now be broadcast live in the early hours of Sunday morning in the UK in a move that will delight its hardcore boxing fans. The deal also means bouts of the stature of Josh Taylor vs Jose Ramirez, bewilderingly overlooked by major UK broadcasters last month, would find a high-profile home in the future.
Main image: Mikey Williams/Top Rank.
