Boxing is set for a significant transformation with Premier Boxing Champions’ new distribution agreement with Amazon Prime Video. This partnership opens unprecedented growth opportunities for the sport, leveraging Amazon’s vast subscriber base of over 170 million in the U.S. and 230 million globally. The universal appeal of boxing, coupled with the simplicity of accessing it through a single click on Prime Video, promises wider accessibility and popularity than ever before.
Transformative Shift in Boxing
Boxing’s transformation relies on increased interest, attracting new and old followers, and effective tactics. Prime Video’s historic pay-per-view event on March 30 will mark a turning point in this evolution. The event offers fans a sneak peek at pre-pay-per-view bouts, including major fights between Serhii Bohacuk and Elijah Garcia. The main attraction is the fight between Rolando Romero and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, resolving complaints about the lacklustre undercard.
Navigating Broadcast Exits and Financial Challenges
Boxing faces a pivotal moment in its resurgence, especially after losing HBO and Showtime, its key broadcasters, with Showtime exiting just last year due to Paramount’s shift towards entertainment. Despite a revival in the heavyweight division and several fighters like Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Terence Crawford, and Jermell Charlo achieving undisputed status, the sport struggles with maintaining year-round interest, partly due to inactivity among top contenders.
The initial financial boost from streaming platform DAZN in 2019 and significant investments in Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) have dwindled, prompting industry leaders to seek new strategies for revival.
PBC Shifts to Prime Video, Bolstering Fight Coverage
DAZN’s CEO resigned, and Prime Video has announced a multi-year partnership with PBC. Prime members will receive 10-12 exclusive fight cards annually at no extra cost, aiming to improve their pay-per-view offerings. Preparations are underway for private events, including a title defense by Alvarez on May 4 and notable combatant events on June 15. PBC’s boxing shows will feature Brian Custer and Mauro Ranallo.
Amazon’s Global Reach and the Future of PPV Events
PBC representative Tim Smith emphasizes the need for new boxing content to attract viewers. Amazon’s vast customer base could reach more people worldwide than established networks like ESPN and Showtime. Major bouts like the 2015 Floyd Mayweather Jr.- Manny Pacquiao fight reached 4.6 million buys, equating to one million buys for a successful pay-per-view event. Amazon Prime’s potential for worldwide viewership and income presents a unique opportunity for boxing’s exposure and success.
Saudi Arabia Hosts Major Boxing Championships Amid Sport’s Renaissance
Saudi Arabia is set to host significant boxing events, including the heavyweight championship between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, followed by the light heavyweight fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol. This comes as the country has significantly invested in the sport, offering a fresh start for boxing which has struggled with issues of greed and restrictive promotions. With Amazon’s involvement, there’s hope for increased global interest in boxing. Despite the sport’s challenges, the emphasis is on delivering quality content to fans and attracting new audiences to ensure boxing’s growth and success.
