By Osman Rodriguez

EPIX has officially announced that a deal was finalized to secure the American television rights for the anticipated fight between IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute (30-0, 24 KOs) and challenger Carl Froch (28-2, 20 KOs). The bout takes place on May 26th in Froch's backyard of Nottingham. Bute, who has an exclusive television deal with Showtime, was forced to find an alternative American outlet when Showtime, and HBO, took a pass on the opportunity to televise the fight with Froch. Bute is still contractually obligated for one more fight with Showtime.