By Steve Kim
Matchroom Sports recently announced the signing of middleweight contender, Daniel Jacobs (32-2, 29 KOs), which also included a multi-fight deal with HBO Sports.
As you look at the upcoming schedule on the network, it is dotted with fighters who are associated with the company headed by Eddie Hearn.
Their biggest client - literally and figuratively - is IBF, WBA, IBO heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, who's last four bouts have been televised by Showtime.
Joshua's last fight, an April TKO win over Wladimir Klitschko, was carried by Showtime and their network rival, HBO, which had Klitschko under an exclusive contract. An agreement was worked out between the networks where Showtime televised the live edition from Wembley in London and then HBO showcased the delayed version later that night.
When asked about the status of Joshua moving forward, Hearn explained to BoxingScene.com during a recent interview from the Forum in Inglewood, California - "We've got a situation obviously the next fight is with Showtime and they they have options on him for one fight after that. They've invested a lot into Anthony Joshua so that's not our plans to go anywhere at the moment."
On October 28th in Cardiff, Joshua defends his title against Kubrat Pulev. Joshua, in less than twenty fights (19-0/19 KO's) is one of the game's hugest attractions. A record breaking 90,000 fans packed Wembley to watch the fight with Klitschko, and over 70,000 are expected for the defense against Pulev.
"Of course, everyone wants Anthony Joshua, all the networks, so who knows," continued Hearn, who on Saturday night saw his man, Luke Campbell lose a close split decision against WBA lightweight titlist, Jorge Linares over the weekend. "For now, we're committed to Showtime with Anthony and next stop October 28th with Pulev."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com
