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ITV bosses will meet this week to discuss a potentially seismic new deal for British boxing. The channel is considering a new project which will see as many as 20 fight nights a year broadcast across their platforms.
It is understood the dates will be split between ITV1 and ITV4 with additional plans for a separate pay-per-view channel also in the pipeline. Channel 5 are understood to be in the process of rubber-stamping a fresh deal for their boxing coverage and it appears that they will now be joined by ITV as a terrestrial channel with a major interest in the sweet science.
It is understood that the influential yet mysterious American 'advisor' Al Haymon, who is still yet to conduct a single interview with any media outlet regarding his long-term plans in boxing, is keen to secure some, if not all, of the new ITV dates. Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn, who has an exclusive agreement with Sky Sports, has welcomed ITV's plans for more boxing.
He said: 'The reason that other broadcasters are looking at boxing is because of how hot the sport is and, without being big-headed, I think a big part of that is the job that we've done and that Sky have done. I think it's tribute to the success of where boxing is at.
'I think Channel 5 have a new deal to announce with a new promoter coming up soon, ITV are looking at boxing, ITV4, which is great.
'I think the sport would be finished without Sky Sports and they're the broadcaster that give us the continuous backing, five more years as their exclusive partner, but more the merrier.
'Listen, the more coverage of boxing the better, whether that be the media or through live events. It's great and it only helps grow the live events. I feel the cream of British boxing is with Sky Sports but who knows, that might change in two or three years.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/box...-new-deal.html
It is understood the dates will be split between ITV1 and ITV4 with additional plans for a separate pay-per-view channel also in the pipeline. Channel 5 are understood to be in the process of rubber-stamping a fresh deal for their boxing coverage and it appears that they will now be joined by ITV as a terrestrial channel with a major interest in the sweet science.
It is understood that the influential yet mysterious American 'advisor' Al Haymon, who is still yet to conduct a single interview with any media outlet regarding his long-term plans in boxing, is keen to secure some, if not all, of the new ITV dates. Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn, who has an exclusive agreement with Sky Sports, has welcomed ITV's plans for more boxing.
He said: 'The reason that other broadcasters are looking at boxing is because of how hot the sport is and, without being big-headed, I think a big part of that is the job that we've done and that Sky have done. I think it's tribute to the success of where boxing is at.
'I think Channel 5 have a new deal to announce with a new promoter coming up soon, ITV are looking at boxing, ITV4, which is great.
'I think the sport would be finished without Sky Sports and they're the broadcaster that give us the continuous backing, five more years as their exclusive partner, but more the merrier.
'Listen, the more coverage of boxing the better, whether that be the media or through live events. It's great and it only helps grow the live events. I feel the cream of British boxing is with Sky Sports but who knows, that might change in two or three years.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/box...-new-deal.html