BOXXER and BBC sign broadcast deal

Promotional company BOXXER has announced a new agreement with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), marking the first time in two decades that professional boxing will return to the network’s traditional programming.

For the past four years, Ben Shalom’s BOXXER had an exclusive £36 million deal with Sky Sports. After the contract was not renewed, the company sought a new broadcasting platform.

BOXXER has now secured a deal to broadcast boxing in prime time on BBC television and on the BBC iPlayer streaming service, all free to air.

“Partnering with the BBC to showcase major British boxing events in Saturday night prime time is a historic moment. We’re proud to present the brightest British boxing stars to the widest possible audience. This massive platform will give our fights the attention they deserve and help attract new fans to the sport,” said Shalom.

BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski also commented on the partnership.

“The return of professional boxing to prime-time on BBC free-to-air television and across our extensive digital platforms is an exciting moment for us and for boxing fans. Boxing is a sport that resonates strongly with younger audiences. This agreement with BOXXER allows us to showcase a new generation of British fighters and deliver top-class national-level bouts — in any format, wherever viewers choose to watch,” Kay-Jelski said.

Photo: Boxxer