BOXXER AND MBC GROUP ANNOUNCE BROADCAST PARTNERSHIP TO AIR BOXXER EVENTS LIVE ACROSS MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Exclusive MENA Rights Deal Includes LIVE BOXXER Events Plus Full Suite Of Shoulder Programming
LONDON, UK (July 8 2022)
BOXXER, the UK’s next-generation boxing promotion, is pleased to announce the signing of a new media rights partnership with media conglomerate MBC GROUP, to bring LIVE BOXXER programming to 25 territories across the Middle East and North Africa.
MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the MENA region and the partnership will see BOXXER events air LIVE and exclusively to subscribers of MBC’s premium SVOD service Shahid VIP, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform.
Alongside LIVE event broadcasts, the deal also includes pre- and post-event coverage and a range of shoulder programming, giving millions of viewers in MENA a new level of access to top-tier international boxing while enabling the new generation of elite British boxers to showcase their skills to a region with a rapidly-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 BOXXER as its exclusive British provider of boxing content in a landmark four-year deal in 2021.
BOXXER is home to a world-class stable of fighters which includes world champions and Olympic gold medallists, along with the unique BOXXER Series tournament events which bring together Britain’s brightest prospects for one-night, eight-man tournaments.
Commenting on the partnership, BOXXER’s founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to announce this partnership with MBC GROUP and bring our events and fighters to viewers throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Our international growth is very exciting and the innovative Shahid VIP platform is the perfect home for BOXXER in the region.”
Tareq Al Ibrahim, Director of Content, Shahid VIP: “We’re thrilled to become the home for BOXXER in the MENA region. This partnership is the latest as part of our mission to bring more premium and exclusive sports content and offerings to Shahid VIP’s ever-growing catalogue. BOXXER is a recognisable brand that offers top-tier boxing that we look forward to showcasing to our audiences, plus introducing the sport to future generations as well.”
BOXXER’s next event takes place on July 30 in Bournemouth, headlined by Chris Billam-Smith v Isaac Chamberlain in a highly-competitive cruiserweight clash for the European and Commonwealth championship, which will see the winner firmly within shot of a world title. Also on this stellar card will be the much-anticipated professional debut of Olympic silver medallist and amateur standout, Ben Whittaker; and fellow Olympians Frazer Clarke and Caroline Dubois.
About MBC GROUP
MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the Middle East & North Africa region that enriches people’s lives through information, interaction and entertainment.
MBC GROUP includes over 17 leading TV channels; MBC STUDIOS which produces the region’s most compelling premium content for cinema, television and on-demand platforms. MBC GROUP also includes two FM radio stations: MBC FM (Gulf music) and Panorama FM (contemporary Arabic hit music).
Furthermore, part of MBC GROUP is Shahid and its premium subscription-based service Shahid VIP, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform, home to highly-rated original productions from the Arab world, a wide range of exclusive movies and premieres, as well as the top-watched LIVE Arab TV channels.