Boxing to return to free-to-air prime time television for the first time in over 20 years as Boxxer announces deal with BBC following Sky Sports split
The BBC and Boxxer have a announced a deal that will see boxing return to free-to-air prime time television for the first time in over two decades.
It was confirmed in June that Sky Sports will not renew boxing promoter Ben Shalom’s lucrative deal when it expires at the end of this month.
Boxxer, who promote the likes of Chris Eubank Jr, were plucked from relative obscurity in 2021 and handed a £36million, four-year contract in the wake of Sky’s split from Eddie Hearn.
And they have now moved quickly to strike up a new partnership with the BBC.
Promoter Ben Shalom posted on X: ‘very proud to be making history with the BBC and a huge day for the sport of boxing.
Today, BOXXER announced an exclusive free-to-air partnership with the BBC that puts boxing back on free-to-air terrestrial primetime Saturday night TV, for the first time in 25 years.
Promoter Ben Shalom has announced that Boxxer have secured a partnership with BBC
Boxxer work with a number of top professional fighters including Chris Eubank Jr
‘Household names are needed for the sport to thrive. Thanks to every one who made it happen @boxxer.’
A press release read: ‘BBC Sport and BOXXER today announce a new broadcast deal that will see live, world-class professional boxing return to Saturday night primetime television and BBC iPlayer on a free-to-air basis.
‘Selected undercard fights, features and behind-the-scenes content will also be available across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport social channels.
‘The new deal opens boxing up to all audiences, making the sport more accessible than ever. Full details of the first fight, undercard and BBC Sport presenting team will be announced in the coming weeks.
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.’
