Free-to-air terrestrial broadcaster Channel 5 has secured coverage of the upcoming WBO super-featherweight title fight between Jamel Herring and Carl Frampton.
As a result of the agreement, the fight – which takes place at Caesars Bluewater in Dubai on 3 April – will be broadcast to millions of boxing fans without the need for any subscription fee or pay-per-view (PPV) purchase.
Billed as ‘Legacy,’ the fight will see Frampton – whose record stands at 28 wins, 16 by knockout, and only two losses – look to become the island of Ireland’s first ever three-weight world champion, whilst Herring – with 22 wins, 10 by knockout and also having only lost twice – makes his third title defence.
Combat sports have been garnering a wider and wider audience over the past year, with notable developments include DAZN’s extensive coverage of professional boxing, and the media rights deal penned between Bellator MMA and the BBC.
DAZN launched its OTT streaming service in December 2020, with the super-middleweight fight between Billy Joe Saunders and Martin Murray the debut bout.
The service extended the broadcasting reach of professional boxing, available in over 200 territories and for the price of just £1.99 a month.
This was followed by an agreement with In Demand, enabling US fans without a DAZN subscription to view the highly anticipated title fight between pound-for-pound champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Liverpool’s Callum Smith.
Outside of boxing, Bellator’s ‘landmark’ contract with the BBC has significantly enhanced the reach of MMA, enabling British fans of the sport to watch multiple elite-level matchups for free, as well as giving viewers the opportunity to rewatch fights via the broadcaster’s on-demand service.
The promotion has also enhanced its market position in the Republic of Ireland, recently securing an exclusive media rights arrangement with Virgin Media.
