BOXXER is delighted to announce the renewal of its exclusive media rights partnership with Mola in Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. 

Headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia – the world’s fourth most populous country behind the US, China and India – Mola is an SVOD and OTT platform owned and operated by Djarum Group’s subsidiary, Polytron, and is currently available in seven territories globally. The PTV platform’s extensive programming portfolio includes LIVE and on-demand rights to a host of international sports leagues and properties, whilst offering an expansive on-demand library of films, TV series and original programming. 

BOXXER is home to an elite stable of fighters of world champions, Olympic medallists and unbeaten contenders, including Natasha Jonas, Savannah Marshall, Joshua Buatsi, Liam Smith, Richard Riakporhe and many more. 

LIVE broadcasts of BOXXER events on Mola’s platform will bring fight fans in Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore closer to the action than ever before. 

BOXXER shows air LIVE and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, after the leading UK sports broadcaster signed BOXXER as its exclusive British provider of boxing content in a landmark four-year deal in 2021. 

Commenting on the renewal, BOXXER’s founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re very pleased to announce the extension of our partnership with Mola for 2023, allowing viewers in Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to keep enjoying our best-in-class boxing content. BOXXER’s international footprint is growing at pace and Mola’s innovative OTT and SVOD platform means it’s an ideal fit for a partnership with our own disruptive sport/entertainment product.”

BOXXER’s next event takes place on March 25 at the AO Arena in Manchester, headlined by WBO world cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie, who defends his title against mandatory challenger from New Zealand, David Light. 

BOXXER is delighted to announce the renewal of its exclusive media rights partnership with TV3 Group in the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Boxing fans will be able to watch BOXXER events exclusively on the next generation television Go3 and TV3 Sport channels across the Baltics.

TV3 Group, the leading media group in the Baltics, is a portfolio company of Bite Group and Providence Equity Partners, a global premium asset management company. TV3 Group owns and operates the leading commercial free-to-air channels in the Baltics, the largest OTT television and DTH platform, premium film and sport channels, as well as a portfolio of leading commercial radio channels.

LIVE broadcasts of BOXXER shows will give viewers in the Baltics a new level of access to top-tier international boxing while enabling BOXXER’s roster of elite fighters to showcase their skills to a region with an ever-growing combat sports fanbase. 

BOXXER shows air LIVE and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, after the leading UK sports broadcaster signed a four-year deal with BOXXER in 2021. 

BOXXER is home to a world-class stable of fighters including Natasha Jonas, Savannah Marshall, Joshua Buatsi, Liam Smith, Richard Riakporhe and many more. Championship fight nights in BOXXER’s schedule are accompanied by the unique BOXXER Series events, which bring together Britain’s brightest contenders for eight-man elimination tournaments.

Commenting on the extension, BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to announce the renewal of our partnership with TV3 Group. Our continued international growth is very exciting and given TV3 Group’s leading position in the region, they are the optimal partner to bring BOXXER’s events to fans in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. We look forward to a huge year ahead together.” 

Raimonds Zeps, Head of Sports at the TV3 Group  said: “We are excited to bring another strong year of the highest level boxing shows to TV3 Sport and Go3 viewers in the Baltics. BOXXER has established itself as one of the main players in the sport in a rather short period of time and we are delighted to be a part of it. With the promotion holding some of the World’s most exciting stars and prospects in its stable, the upcoming year should bring lots of action to our demanding boxing fans across the Baltics”.

BOXXER’s next UK event takes place on March 25 at the AO Arena in Manchester, headlined by WBO world cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie, who defends his title against mandatory challenger from New Zealand, David Light. 

• Ranked at the top by the WBA, the heavyweight sets sight on world title
• BOXXER CEO & Founder Ben Shalom ‘delighted’ to sign him
• Bakole, who resides in Scotland, to fight exclusively on Sky Sports

New BOXXER signing Martin Bakole has his sights set on huge heavyweight nights after he put pen to paper on a new long-term fight deal.

Ranked at the top by the WBA, the 29-year-old heavyweight, who resides in Scotland, will fight exclusively for BOXXER on Sky Sports.

His next fight will be announced in due course but Bakole – who now hails as “The Next King of Scotland” – believes he is destined for huge success.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to join BOXXER and perform on the biggest platform in Sky Sports,” he said, speaking to BOXXER.com.

“I will build on my last performance in Paris against Tony Yoka and soon become the new world heavyweight champion.”

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom, added: “This is a huge heavyweight signing. Martin is at the top of the WBA rankings and he is destined to deliver great things.

“We’re delighted to add him to our world class roster. He loves his life in Scotland and is training hard alongside Billy Nelson, whom we are very grateful for all his support.

“Martin comfortably defeated Olympic champion Tony Yoka away from home in his last outing. He is arguably the most avoided fighter in the entire division.

“They can all run but they can’t hide for too long, especially now he has the backing of BOXXER and Sky.”

Bakole stands at a menacing 6ft 6in and hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he was born a Prince to the son of the ruler of the Kananga province. Bakole is also the younger brother of the reigning and defending WBC world cruiserweight champion, Ilunga Makabu.

His record is as impressive as his stature, having won 18 professional fights including his last in May 2022 when he celebrated a majority decision victory over Tony Yoka in the Rio 2016 Olympic champion’s homeland in Paris, France.

Bakole’s only defeat was in 2018 to American heavyweight Michael Hunter. But he has responded with seven successive wins since – five of which were knockouts, including triumphs against Kevin Johnson and Mariusz Wach.

Bakole, who is now based in Airdrie, Scotland, will discover news of his next opponent very soon.

London, England (January 11, 2023) – BOXXER, the next-generation boxing promoter, is delighted to announce the extension of its partnership with Village Hotels, who will continue as the Official Hotel Partner of BOXXER on Sky Sports until 2024. 

Village Hotels is a leading hotel brand with a portfolio of 33 properties around the UK. With stylish and comfy bedrooms equipped with the latest technology, guests can enjoy everything under one roof, from state-of-the-art Village Gym, pool and classes to a Pub & Grill serving high-quality food and drink with big screens for all the sporting action, plus free WiFi and extensive parking.

BOXXER kicks off its 2023 schedule in scintillating fashion, as Chris Eubank Jr takes on Liam Smith at the AO Arena in Manchester on 21st January, airing live and exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK & Ireland. A stacked undercard will include former WBO world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, and unbeaten cruiserweight contender Richard Riakporhe, who takes on former two-time world champion Krzysztof Glowacki. 

The partnership between Village and BOXXER will comprise 360-degree branding across all pre-promotional activity in the lead-up to BOXXER’s events, including press conferences, open workouts and weigh-ins – with the brand’s hotels playing host to fight week events and serving as a base for talent and staff accommodation. 

Extensive in-arena exposure on fight night will include Village branding on the ring canvas, rope straps and toblerones; the venue’s screens and barriers; and brand mentions by the MC during the live broadcast. 

The partnership was secured in collaboration with sport-specialist agency LDN Sport Social and will be further bolstered by additional unique activations outside of BOXXER events. 

Digital inventory includes display adverts on BOXXER’s website, and dedicated space for Village in BOXXER’s pre-event email newsletters. 

A co-branded gym class known as BOXXER Blast – endorsed by BOXXER athletes and for use by Village’s extensive network of gym instructors and members around the UK – is launching in the coming weeks and stands as the first-ever such collaboration between a UK boxing promotion and a hotel brand. Designed by boxing trainers and expert fitness instructors, BOXXER Blast offers an immersive experience for all kinds of fitness enthusiasts over 12×3-minute rounds, and includes boxing training, weight-lifting and cardio, using Village’s state-of-the-art equipment.

BOXXER’s founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’ve been working with Village since the start of our tenure with Sky Sports, and it’s been a hugely exciting last eighteen months or so. 2023 will see us break now ground together and bring boxing to all corners of the UK, and we look forward to a massive year ahead. There’s no better way to kick this off than with our all-British blockbuster on 21st January, between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith.” 

Gary Davis, CEO of Village Hotel Club, said: “We’re delighted to be a part of this incredible event series for another year. It’s such a great fit for us – sport is a huge part of our offering, with live sporting events available to watch on Sky Sports in the Pub and Grill every weekend at all Village Hotels. At Village Hotels you’ll find everything you need for a great stay and more. A cool Pub & Grill; a fully kitted-out Health and Wellness Club with the latest equipment, fitness classes and pool; VWorks coworking space and even a Starbucks – all under one roof.”

“Our BOXXER-endorsed fitness class has taken the partnership to the next level and packs a real punch! BOXXER Blast is exclusive to Village Health and Wellness members and offers a new type of fitness.” 

Village offers hotels in all major UK cities. To explore the full range and find out more, visit www.village-hotels.com.

• DAZN subscribers in US, Canada, DACH and Japan can witness the epic fight night
• Sky Sports Box Office to broadcast exclusively in UK & Republic of Ireland
• Full card confirmed for January 21st – including Frazer Clarke vs Kevin Espindola

Fight fans in the US, Canada, DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) and Japan can watch the epic all-British showdown between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith on January 21 at the AO Arena in Manchester, live and exclusively on DAZN.

The main event, in association with Wasserman Boxing, will lead the presentation from the global sports entertainment platform and will be available to DAZN subscribers in those countries.

Fans in the UK and Republic of Ireland can watch BOXXER: Unleashed live and exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office. 

Liam Smith (32-3-1, 19 KOs) heads into this mouth-watering clash in the form of his life following big wins over Jesse Vargas, Anthony Fowler and Roberto Garcia. The Liverpool man is determined to become a world champion for a second time and a statement win over Eubank Jr will kick off 2023 with a bang.

Chris Eubank Jr (32-2-0, 23 KOs) needs no introduction, son of legendary former world champion Chris Eubank, the 33-year-old has successfully carved out his own reputation in the sport and is seen as one of the leading middleweights in the world.

His latest fight in February 2022 saw an impressive shutout points win over Liam Williams at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in which he showed his class by knocking down the Welshman four times.

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “This is fantastic news. I am delighted that fight fans in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan will be able to watch this blockbuster event live and exclusively on DAZN. The card is stacked with massive fights from top to bottom. And the brewing animosity between bitter rivals, Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith will reach boiling point in what promises to be an unmissable main event in front of a sold-out AO Arena in Manchester, with the entire world watching.”

“DAZN are always looking to deliver the best boxing schedule to our subscribers and we are proud to be showing this huge fight between two of Britain’s finest,” said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America.

“We are no strangers to Liam and Chris and know we have a potential blockbuster on our hands. In 2023, we are determined to work with as many promoters as we can in order to deliver the best fights for fight fans and with actions speaking louder than words we are excited to be working for the first time with BOXXER on this special event. Tune in live January 21st for a memorable night of British boxing.”

 The show features a stacked undercard with Richard Riakporhe launching his quest for a world title shot in 2023 when he battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Głowacki and local lad Jack Massey stepping up to face former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker.

Joining them on this blockbuster night of boxing will be Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo for the British & Commonwealth, IBF European and WBC International Silver Championships.

Team GB Tokyo 2020 hero Frazer Clarke is back where he faces hard-hitting Argentine heavyweight,  Kevin Espindola. The South American fighter has never been stopped in 13 previous professional bouts and Olympic bronze medallist Clarke will be determined to extend his flawless record in the professional ranks with a big victory.

Plus, Matty Harris vs Jiri Surmaj, Scott Forrest vs Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta, and Frankie Stringer will be on show in what promises to be an unforgettable start to 2023.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

As 2022 draws to a memorable close, BOXXER is celebrating a phenomenal year of innovation, growth and record-breaking success for its rising stable of boxing superstars. Here, we look back at a remarkable 12 months for the next-generation promotion: 

RECORD BREAKERS 

In its first full year with Sky, BOXXER began 2022 with a bang in Cardiff. In a hugely-anticipated grudge match between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Williams at the Motorpoint Arena on 5th February, Eubank Jr scored four knockdowns on his way to a unanimous points decision in front of a raucous crowd. Significantly, the event drew over 1 million viewers in the UK & Ireland – outperforming a decade-old feat as it delivered an in-home viewing record on Sky. Also that month, the undisputed world title fight between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall, at a sold-out OVO Hydro in Glasgow – which ended in a controversial points win for Taylor – drew almost 1 million live viewers on the night in the UK. 

HISTORY MAKERS 

In October, the first-ever all female event in the UK was held at The O2 in front of a sold-out crowd in London – just weeks after it was postponed in September due to the passing of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall became the first female fighters to headline at the iconic venue in the capital, with the American victorious on points as she was crowned the undisputed world champion – along with the honorary WBC Elizabethan Belt – in what was the most-anticipated women’s fight of all-time with many in the sport hailing it as the event of the year. 

The chief support was another electrifying clash as Alycia Baumgardner defeated Mikaela Mayer for the unified world championship with the pair’s bitter rivalry ranked as one of the best of the year.

The landmark event drew over 2 million viewers in the UK & Ireland on the night, becoming the most-watched female boxing event in history, and Sky’s most-watched live women’s sport event ever. The attendance was incredibly impressive too: 20,000 fans packed out a sold-out O2 with 35% of ticket-holders being female – far higher than the median of 8% for a typical Boxing show.

The groundbreaking event showcased BOXXER’s forward thinking for the sport and its willingness to put promotional politics to one side to stage the best fights as it partnered with other leading promoters. 

LEADING THE WAY IN THE UK

It has been a year of unparalleled growth, with an ever-growing roster of world champions, Olympians and elite fighters – and BOXXER delivered more UK shows than any other promoter. This saw Ben Shalom’s promotion travel the length and breadth of the country, selling out arenas in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle, Coventry and Bournemouth – including blockbuster pay-per-views, world championship fight nights and unique BOXXER Series tournaments. 

PREMIUM SUCCESS

Amir Khan and Kell Brook’s decade-long rivalry was finally settled in Manchester, in BOXXER’s first pay-per-view show on Sky Sports Box Office, since signing a four-year deal with the broadcaster in June 2021. The Khan v Brook campaign and event gripped the nation, exceeding half a million pay-per-view buys and becoming the most-watched non-heavyweight pay-per-view since Carl Froch rematched George Groves in 2014. Tickets for the event sold out in just 10 minutes, making it one of the fastest-selling events not only in British boxing history but in British sporting history as a whole.

In November, the announcement of Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith saw fans flocking to ticket websites to purchase their seats for January’s upcoming pay-per-view event – and now only a small handful of tickets remain for the eagerly-anticipated fight on January 21st. 

CELEBRATING CHAMPIONS

Natasha Jonas was celebrated by many in Boxing as the Fighter of the Year – and deservedly so. Miss Team GB started the year in style as she landed the WBO world title from Chris Namus in February. Then the Merseyside fighter – ranked in the top 10 of the pound-for-pound rankings – capped an incredible 12 months when she captured the IBF and Ring Magazine world titles with her dominating points victory over Canada’s Marie-Eve Dicaire in November at Manchester’s AO Arena, just two months after she defeated Patricia Berghult for the WBC in her home city of Liverpool. And 2022 marked a memorable time for the likes of ‘Super’ Dan Azeez, who added the Commonwealth crown to his British title when he closed the year with a brilliant stoppage win in Bournemouth over Rocky Fielding. 

STARS OF THE FUTURE

Adam Azim put pen to paper on a new multi-year deal with BOXXER back in October. The lightweight, who turns 21 next July, announced himself in magnificent fashion in 2022 with many spectators heralding him as a future world champion. Fellow stablemate Caroline Dubois has also been earmarked as one of the bright superstars to watch in 2023 after her phenomenal, undefeated debut year.

BOXXER launched the year by adding the likes of Azim and Dubois to its stable – along with one of the sport’s rising superstars and another to watch in 2023: Ben Whittaker. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics silver medallist staged a breathtaking knockout performance on his summer debut in Bournemouth, before successfully winning in Saudi Arabia on the Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard. Whittaker wasn’t the only Team GB hero who joined forces with BOXXER in 2022. Olympic bronze medal victor Frazer ‘Big Clarke’ Clarke has bulldozed his way through the heavyweight division with a series of destructive wins. Fellow 2020 bronze medallist Karriss Artingstall has impressed with two wins from as many fights, including a brilliant win on the Shields-Marshall undercard – along with Tokyo gold medallist Lauren Price, who has enjoyed a similar record and ended the year collecting a coveted MBE award. 

MARQUEE SIGNINGS 

Along with the Olympians, BOXXER added to its burgeoning roster with the impressive signings of Jack Catterall, Savannah Marshall, Tasha Jonas, Florian Marku, Chris Billam-Smith,Liam Smith and Joseph Parker. Former WBO world heavyweight champion Parker made his debut in September, just weeks after Smith successfully announced himself on the BOXXER stable with a victory in his hometown of Liverpool. His box office fight with Joe Joyce in Manchester is widely regarded as one of the finest fights of 2022 – and the Kiwi returns to the AO Arena on January 21st, where he will take on Jack Massey. 

INCREDIBLE INNOVATION 

BOXXER broke the mould as it staged its first-ever ‘Super Sunday’ event at London’s famous Alexandra Palace in November – introducing the sport to a fresh, young audience who revelled in an innovative ‘Fan Zone’ offering which saw legends like Spencer Oliver and Antony Crolla invite fans into the ring for bespoke pad training, along with a number of exciting experiences including t-shirt cannons, VIP appearances and VR gaming moments before savouring an unforgettable afternoon of Boxing, in which Adam Azim celebrated a stunning knockout victory in the main event over Rylan Charlton. In a first for BOXXER, it also recorded the historic Shields-Marshall main event in October in an immersive VR 360-degree camera experience, providing an unrivalled virtual viewing content to engage fans like none other before. 

• The 20-year-old from Slough is tipped to become a future world champion
• Undefeated at 6-0 (5 KOs), Azim is rated as one of the best young fighter’s on the planet
• Azim headlines BOXXER: Breakthrough ‘Super Sunday’ against Rylan Charlton on Nov 27
• New deal will see super lightweight sensation Azim fight exclusively on Sky Sports

ADAM AZIM has signed a new long-term, multi-year fight deal to remain exclusively with BOXXER on Sky Sports.

The incredible super lightweight sensation has enjoyed a flawless start to his professional career with a stunning record of six wins and five knockouts.

Regarded as Britain’s best and most exciting boxing prospect, Azim is a generational talent destined for the very top of the sport.

The legendary Amir Khan – who became world champion at 22 – has predicted the 20-year-old Azim will eclipse his record and win a world title even sooner.

Judging by the blistering pace he has set this year – with four highlight-reel stoppage wins from four fights – the Shane McGuigan-trained protege is on track to prove Khan correct.

Adam Azim (6-0, 5 KOs) said: “I am delighted to sign a long-term deal with BOXXER and Sky Sports.

“You have only seen a glimpse of what I can do with these quick KO’s, I am going to send shock waves through the sport of boxing with electric performances. I was born to do this and I can’t wait to have these big fights on Sky Sports.

“I want to thank everyone involved in getting this deal done, my manager and trainer Shane McGuigan and the teams at BOXXER and Sky Sports. This is going to be a great ride!”

BOXXER CEO and Founder, Ben Shalom, is thrilled to see Azim put pen to paper on a new contract.

“Adam is one of the most exciting prospects on the planet,” said Shalom.

“We have seen him light up our screens in just his first few fights so far – and we believe he will make history with what he can achieve in the sport.

“We are delighted to have struck a long-term deal with Adam. We’re the perfect place for him, on Sky, to become one of Britain’s youngest-ever world champions.

“Adam will become a superstar of British boxing and possibly one of the biggest of all-time. That is exactly what our sport needs, with Adam inspiring the future generation of stars.”

Adam’s manager and head trainer, Shane McGuigan, added: “This is a groundbreaking deal for Adam Azim and Sky Sports. I am thrilled to get this over the line with BOXXER and Sky.

“Adam is a generational talent who is developing at real speed and Sky Sports is the perfect platform to showcase him on his rise to the top of the sport.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development, said: “Adam Azim oozes class. Sizzling speed, knockout power, and those electrifying ring celebrations. Adam has the X-Factor.

“There is a long way to go and he needs to be truly tested as he rises through the levels. But there are shades of a young Naseem Hamed and he could be a future superstar. We can’t wait to be part of that journey on Sky.”

In what will be his first headline fight, Azim faces a tough test which will draw even more attention to his ever-growing profile as he faces the wily and experienced campaigner Rylan Charlton at BOXXER: Breakthrough on Sunday, November 27th.

Charlton most recently won two fights in one night to come runner-up in April’s eight-man BOXXER Series: Lightweight tournament.

Adam’s talented and undefeated brother Hassan will also be in action at Alexandra Palace on Sunday, November 27. For tickets, head here