This content is protected Alot of rumours they will go to Sky in the UK. Very underwhelming start but it was always going to be a long term thing.
The first of a series of signings that Zuffa Boxing will unveil in the coming weeks. Yes, it will be interesting to follow the developments during this year, which I believe will bring major changes.
Saudi Arabia are a backer of DAZN (through PIF), and the Saudi's have significant involvement in TKO boxing through Turki, so all signs lead to DAZN and TKO partnering. I would be a surprise if they partner with Sky, but if so perhaps it is a tacit admission that DAZN simply doesn't have much reach in the UK.
It’s a bit of a shambles for the domestic scene in Britain if this comes to pass. Sky are so desperate for a name that they’re willing to let Dana White bring in a UFC-style league nonsense over here which is just going to kill off the traditional British stable. We’ll end up with a load of mid-level yanks and influencer types on the telly while local prospects are left grafting on small hall shows for peanuts. Sky’s production is already a bit cringe but pairing that with Dana White’s ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ attitude? Grim.
This sport is all over the shop at the moment. Bring back ITV boxing and the odd 5am Vegas HBO showdown.
I think Turki is fairly aware of the reach and influence Sky has - hence why he supposedly went crawling to them two weeks out from Eubank v Benn 2 desperate for them to put it on Sky Box Office as well. I don’t think Zuffa ends up on DAZN here unless there’s no other option. Appreciate the UK isn’t their biggest market, but a few days out from their first show it’s a bit weird they haven’t sorted a TV deal in some form over here - whether that be Sky, Paramount or just sticking it on DAZN as a last resort. Presumably all broadcasters around the world will be required to take the same world feed that Zuffa provides, as with the UFC. That could be a sticking point for Sky who might want to do their ‘own thing’ with the coverage.
That could easily change soon. IVB Boxing wants to bring boxing back to the mainstream audience through their deal with YouTube.
Charles Martin vs Ajagba is the sort of fight I'd put on if I wanted to drive people away from the sport.
The goal for Zuffa Boxing is to reach the mass audience and they like to see the heavyweights in action. I don't want to be too harsh in my criticism because they need to be allowed to get started.
