6/3/2021 6:37:07 PM EST
Streaming service DAZN has reached a deal with Matchroom Boxing to replace Sky Sports as exclusive broadcast partner in the U.K. and Ireland. The five-year agreement begins in July and will include at least 16 UK events each year and brings fighters such as Callum Smith, Conor Benn, Katie Taylor and Lawrence Okolie to DAZN's schedule. DAZN (referred to as "Da zone") and Matchroom already have partnerships in the U.S., Italy and Spain, and the deal includes an extension ensuring all of the U.K. events under the Matchroom banner remain available on DAZN in the U.S. Heavyweight world champ Anthony Joshua will stay with Sky to fulfill the last fight on his contract. "Pushing the boundaries is something we will always continue to do and we needed a partner that shared our vision for boxing, and who was also willing to make the investment to make those dreams a reality," Matchroom Boxing chair Eddie Hearn said. Hearn's deal with Sky Sports in the U.K. and Ireland had been in place since 2012. The Athletic reported the deal is believed to be worth a guaranteed nine figures. "Game. Changed," DAZN's co-CEO, James Rushton said in a statement. "This historic deal builds on the success and momentum of our long-term partnership with Matchroom around the world and further solidifies DAZN at the forefront of the global sports streaming era. "Together, we are committed to continue building a global home of boxing that matches today's evolving viewing habits and brings fans all over the world more live action, more round-the-clock storytelling, and more innovations - only on DAZN." --Field Level Media
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