DAZN has partnered with the sanctioning body World Boxing Council (WBC) to offer premium content, fights and events.
As part of the multi-year deal, the pair will showcase exclusive interviews, original documentaries, behind-the-scenes content and live events such as conventions and ranking updates.
Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with the esteemed World Boxing Council to deliver unparalleled boxing content to fans everywhere. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing the most comprehensive and immersive boxing experience on DAZN.
“Together with the WBC, we look forward to shaping the future of the sport and inspiring the next generation of boxing enthusiasts.”
Available now, fans can access this content on the DAZN platform, adding to a collection of boxing and combat footage featuring stars like Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Ryan Garcia.
Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the WBC, stated: “The WBC is thrilled with this unique opportunity to bring fight fans the so many stories that boxing provides worldwide, every fighter story is a script for Hollywood and through the WBC Zone in DAZN intimate and exciting programming will be available for all to enjoy as well as events, fight cards, tutorials and an endless array of exclusive content.”
Following this announcement, boxing fans haven’t reacted to the news as the organisation would have liked. Some fans on the social media platform ‘X’ have raised concerns over a possible conflict of interest.
The implications of the deal between a streaming service and a sanctioning body on the sport remain uncertain. Particularly noteworthy is the partnership between the sanctioning body and a single broadcaster, and thus associated promoters, for “fights and events.” This raises questions about whether other promoters and broadcasters will have access to WBC fights.
As of late, the sport has been thrusted into the spotlight by a series of Saudi Arabia-based megafights, with Tyson Fury – who recently renewed a deal with WOW HYDRATE – set to feature in a highly-anticipated clash against Oleksandr Usyk.
However, as many boxing fans have praised the efforts of Turki Alalshikh, a Saudi advisor of the Royal Court. It appears that the surge of financial resources could be the primary driver behind such deals, as everyone seeks a share of the pie.
While the organisations assert that the deal is intended to foster the sport’s growth, some fans express scepticism, perceiving it as “another revenue stream for a non-profit.” This raises concerns about the effectiveness of existing regulations.
