Upstart fight firm Zuffa Boxing continues to make in-roads both inside and outside the ropes, as it edges closer to a broadcast agreement with a significant international partner.
Through prominent executives like Ari Emanuel, Nick Khan, and Dana White, Zuffa has hosted three events to date — Zuffa Boxing 01 to 03 — from its Las Vegas headquarters at the Meta Apex, featuring names like Callum Walsh, Jose Valenzuela, and Efe Ajagba.
Boxing Social reported this week, also, how, after Zuffa Boxing 04 — Jai Opetaia vs Brandon Glanton — on March 8, the company is set to promote the heavyweight bout between returning giant Tyson Fury and Russian boxer Arslanbek Makhmudov.
And we also reported Thursday that Zuffa will box Conor Benn on Fury’s show April 11 as the co-main event for a 150-pound catchweight fight against veteran fighter Regis Prograis.
As Zuffa fortifies its presence in the UK, through the Fury vs Makhmudov event, and the stunning signing of Benn on an apparent one-fight deal worth $15 million, it is no surprise to learn it is pursuing a British broadcast partner. Especially as the length of Benn’s agreement appears ambiguous. His former promoter, Eddie Hearn, appeared to hint that it could be longer, when asked if he expected the slugger to return to Matchroom after the one fight.
As for for broadcast partner, it appears to be Sky Sports, according to media expert John Ourand through a newsletter by Puck.
“Zuffa Boxing is on the precipice of a media rights deal with Sky Sports for the UK market,” Ourand reported.
Editor’s take —
Zuffa has already acquired a core group of varying talent, from highly-talented American prospect Robert Meriwether III, to cruiserweight king Opetaia, and British bruiser Benn. As it rolls out its own Zuffa belt, and continues constructing cards in events around the world, it’s going to need to conduct business that legitimizes both its company, and title. And a Sky Sports deal certainly helps with the former, bolstering its presence significantly in the UK and Europe by providing Zuffa with premium distribution, shoulder programming, and credibility with mainstream fight fans. Sky has aired boxing for decades, from the Benn-Eubank era in the 90s, through extensive agreements with Matchroom and Hearn in the modern era, to, in more recent years, a deal with BOXXER. Now Zuffa may be next in line to get that rub. — Boxing Social’s Alan Dawson.