British boxing promotion Boxxer has secured a vital media rights deal that will see their fights broadcasted in North America through US media company NBC (National Broadcasting Company) and their streaming service ‘Peacock.’ The agreement with NBC will apparently not conflict with Boxxer’s deal with Sky Sports, who remain their exclusive broadcaster inside the United Kingdom (UK).
This arrangement will allow Boxxer to expand their brand to the United States through NBC, giving them a decent foothold in the US market, similar to how Queensberry Promotions maintains a presence in America through ESPN, and Matchroom through DAZN.
In addition to Boxxer’s fights being broadcasted through NBC’s streaming service Peacock, NBC Sports itself will also televise certain events.
Though this move does not guarantee that Boxxer will take over the US market, it offers them a suitable path towards increasing interest in their fighters and their promotion.
The boxing event headlined by British light-heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez on October 21st will signal the first collaboration between Boxxer and NBC, as the fight card will then be broadcasted through the streaming service of Peacock.
With NBC and Sky Sports having already struck a deal to broadcast Premier League matches, this new partnership will introduce the American audience to Boxxer’s full array of mostly-British talents.
NBC itself has a history of covering boxing, having aired boxing matches for approximately two decades from the 70s to the 90s, particularly highlighting well-renowned boxers such as Muhammad Ali (later in his career), Sugar Ray Leonard, and Marvin Hagler.
With this new deal, a new era is being showcased through one of the US’s most popular media conglomerates, and it will be beneficial for Sky Sports, Boxxer, and their fighters as they head down a new road that may see them help further blossom the sport in one of North America’s most populous regions.