Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn held a fanfare this summer with the announcement that AJ would fight exclusively on DAZN.
Fast forward 25 days, and Joshua’s first event will unfathomably not take place on the streaming service.
Joshua Usyk Sky Sports
It’s been widely reported that the Londoner’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk will get broadcast on Sky Sports Box Office.
This unbelievable occurrence happened due to the show coming out of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Investors want some return on their $100m layouts. Therefore, they offered all broadcasters the rights to the British Pay Per View. Sky Sports made the highest bid with a reported $25 million offer.
Joshua had previously revealed his excitement at joining DAZN exclusively.
“I am entering a new phase in my career with a new training environment, new coaches, and now a new broadcaster.
“Negotiations at this level take time, so I am pleased to have it all wrapped up, and now I can fully focus on giving the fans and DAZN what they want, knockouts in the glamour division.
“I’ve been working with DAZN and following its progress for a long time. We have enjoyed a really successful partnership in the US for many years, and I know the team and understand the passion and drive of the business.
“DAZN’s vision and passion to innovate is what attracted me to the partnership. They are leading the digital landscape in sports and the future of sports broadcasting. I am really looking forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Hearn
Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “With Anthony joining the team, the stage is set to do even more together, and we are looking forward to getting started.”
Joshua will fight everywhere else on DAZN, though, as only UK rights went up for auction.
AJ doesn’t feature on PPV in any other country around the world.
Both men will share the pot for what is a battle for three versions of the heavyweight crown in Jeddah.
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
