BOXING is returning to prime time BBC television for the first time in 20 YEARS.
Promotional company Boxxer – who lost their deal with Sky Sports – have struck a deal to showcase professional boxing on the Beeb.
Promoter Ben Shalom said: “Partnering with the BBC to deliver big-time British boxing on Saturday night TV is a historic moment.
“We’re proud to bring the most entertaining British fighters to the biggest possible audience.
“This huge platform will give our fights the exposure they deserve and helps us take the sport to huge new audiences.”
Boxxer had a four-year deal with Sky – worth £36million – after Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing became exclusive to streamers DAZN.
But Sky have since passed up on the chance to renew its deal with Boxxer, leaving their future in boxing uncertain.
Boxxer spent a period of time in talks with different broadcasters – before striking the historic deal with BBC.
Over the next 12 months, the BBC will air fights from selected events on BBC Two or Three as well as on iPlayer and their website.
Selected undercard fights, features and behind-the-scenes content will also be available across BBC platforms.
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The BBC made history in 1938 by televising the UK’s first boxing match – when Eric Boon defeated Arthur Danahar.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the BBC aired boxing on special occasions, including Lennox Lewis’ 2001 KO of Hasim Rahman.
David Haye and Audley Harrison also boxed on the Beeb but the last fight shown on the station was in 2005.
In 2022, two Welsh title fights were aired but only on BBC Wales and iPlayer.
Boxxer is home to stars like Ben Whittaker, Adam Azim and Viddal Riley while they also have a partnership deal with Chris Eubank Jr .
