BOXXER AND VILLAGE HOTELS INK PARTNERSHIP RENEWAL
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.