LIVERPOOL, England – Ben Shalom’s Boxxer and heavyweight Frazer Clarke are heading into a new era with broadcaster BBC Sport.
The promotional outfit’s lucrative deal with Sky Sports ended after the broadcaster chose not to renew their contract and it was unsure where Boxxer would head next. There had been rumors of them heading to TNT Sports or DAZN, but on August 8 it was announced that they had signed a deal with the BBC.
With blue sky thinking, the benefits from fighting on free-to-air television across the UK are huge, and Boxxer’s stars such as Clarke, Ben Whittaker, Lauren Price, Caroline Dubois and Adam Azim have the potential to become household names. The downside is that it is unlikely that the budget received from the BBC is anything close to what Boxxer enjoyed with Sky Sports.
“I loved being at Sky Sports. It was fantastic for me and my career, but to be honest, I'm a boxer, and I'd love to fight anywhere, on any platform,” Clarke told BoxingScene. “But to be with the BBC, obviously it's a great move for Boxxer and the company, so I'm really happy for everyone. They really work hard, and I'm glad for them going forward.”
It was reported that within the contracts of certain Boxxer stars there was a guarantee that their fights would be aired by Sky Sports, and thus, when the partnership with Sky came to an end, they could leave the promotional outfit.
“There's always a chance of that, it's professional boxing,” said Clarke. “But, listen, I'm in a good position. Boxxer have been really good to me over the years, through my pro career. I'm really thankful to them for everything they've done for me, and the future's massive for me. So, with them, as of now, we're doing what we're going to do, great things together. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
So, as per his contract, Clarke could have sought another promoter?
“Yeah, I mean, I suppose I could have,” he replied. “There's a lot of things that could have happened, but what's going to happen has happened. I just want to box. That's the most important thing, and if they're giving me the opportunity to do that, then that's the way it's going to be.”
There have been reports that the first fight to kick off Boxxer’s deal with BBC Sport will be the vacant British heavyweight title clash between Clarke and Jaime Tshikeva [TKV]. The fight has been rumored to be taking place on October 25 in Birmingham, England.
“I can't confirm or deny just yet, but me and Jamie [Tskekiva] are due to fight each other, and I'm sure we will,” said Clarke. “It'll be a great fight. I think if you keep your eyes and ears open in the next few days, you'll find out more.”
When asked what route his promotional stablemates would be taking, he was quick with his answer: “No idea, mate.”
