ITV has strengthened its commitment to the sport of boxing, unveiling a groundbreaking partnership with Haymon Sports and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to bring exclusive coverage of exciting PBC world-class boxing events to UK fans.
The collaboration marks the first time that Haymon Sports and PBC has partnered with a UK broadcaster to stage boxing events regularly for a UK audience, as the promotions utilises the full portfolio of ITV’s channels, including ITV main channel and ITV4 and ITV Hub, and will also include pay per views on ITV’s PPV channel, ITV Box Office.
As part of the partnership, a minimum of 15 televised events each year, drawing from PBC’s stable of over 160 of the best boxers in the world, which includes more than 60 current and former world champions in matches staged both in the UK and the US. PBC, the sports’ pre-eminent boxing brand, is broadcast over cable and network television in the United States.
Niall Sloane, ITV director of sport commented on the partnership: “This unprecedented deal between PBC and ITV is great news for boxing fans in the UK. We look forward to bringing viewers big events and superb action from some of the world’s best fighters in the coming years.”
Julian Ashworth, Director ITV Strategy and Direct to Consumer added: “Bringing big events to our platforms under this deal allows ITV to build on its aim of developing our direct relationship with viewers as part of our More Than TV strategy.”
“We’re thrilled about this new exclusive three-year deal with ITV, UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster, and the opportunity to bring the best boxers in the world to the UK,’’ said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “The unique collaboration means ITV’s viewers are in for a special treat with PBC’s world class boxing events.’’
