Matchroom Boxing Lands $1BN US Venture

British promoter Eddie Hearn has announced that Matchroom Boxing has agreed a $1bn (£750m) deal with Perform Group’s on-demand streaming service DAZN.

The UK firm will promote 16 fights a year for eight years, with DAZN being the exclusive US broadcast partner, and Sky Sports the UK broadcaster, for all the fights. The UK fights will also be available on the DAZN’s US service.

The deal, which is set to begin in September, was described as an “industry first” by Matchroom Manging Director Eddie Hearn, as boxing fans “can watch fights how when they want to, anytime, anywhere”, moving entirely away from the traditional US pay-per-view model. The agreement is the largest ever in boxing history.

Fighters such as heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, Tony Bellew, Kell Brook, Amir Khan and Dylan White are just some of the members signed to Matchroom, with the promoter keen to add to his roster in the US.

“This is a historic moment for Matchroom and the sport of boxing. Since our expansion to the US, we have been looking for a partner that shares our vision and that can give us the volume of dates and rights fees required to build the strongest stable in world boxing and take it to a new level”, said Hearn.

Simon Denyer, CEO of Perform Group said: “I’m excited about working with Matchroom; we share the same passion and vision for reigniting boxing in the US and it’s time for DAZN to provide an exciting new platform for these great events.”

Perform Group’s new Executive Chairman John Skipper said: “It’s time to bring DAZN to America and the amazing events we have planned with Matchroom is a great place to start.”

Watch the press conference from New York below: