BOXING is set to return to free-to-air TV with a series of fights in a deal between Wasserman Boxing and Channel Five.
Wasserman Boxing promote British middleweight star Chris Eubank Jr as well as his cousin Harlem, who boasts a 12-0 record.
Wasserman, following a takeover of European promoter Team Sauerland, also represent welterweight contender Josh Kelly, heavyweight hope Nathan Gorman and undefeated middleweight Linus Udofia.
Both parties are delighted to announce the deal which is set to widen boxing’s television audience.
Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland said: “This is a major move that is going to revolutionise free-to-air boxing in the UK.
“We all know the brilliant numbers that Channel 5 does with boxing and we feel with these great partners we can take this to a whole new level!
“We are going to deliver premium events featuring breath-taking productions, filled arenas and incredible matchups. Also expect a surprise or two in the build-up. We can’t wait to get started!”
The deal includes five fight nights set to take place in 2022 – all will be available to watch on Channel Five or on streaming platform My5.
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Caj Sohal, Head of Sport at Channel 5 said: “We are very excited to be partnering with Wasserman, one of the world’s largest sports marketing companies, to continue to bring top class fights free-to-air in the UK.
“With the industry expertise of the Sauerland brothers and the incredible reach of the Wasserman agency, our audience can look forward to some unforgettable nights of boxing live and free on Channel 5.”
UK boxing is on the rise with Khan vs Brook earning 500,000 pay per view buys late last month, despite claims the pair had left the fight too late.
Fury vs Whyte is also set to take place in front of a packed-out Wembley on April 23, with the attendance possibly set to be increased to a record 100,000.
Eubank Jr called out Kell Brook to be his next opponent but it seems a fight is unlikely to take place until the pair can agree on a weight they are both happy with.