Frank Warren aired his views on the broadcast rights bids for the Usyk vs Joshua 2 heavyweight title clash in Saudi Arabia.
As reported but unconfirmed, Sky Sports Box Office won the auction to stage Oleksandr Usyk’s first defense of the unified titles.
Usyk ripped the belts away from Joshua in his hometown of London last September. As he did when losing for the first time, Joshua now heads back to Saudi Arabia to reclaim the titles.
Joshua signed an exclusive deal with DAZN to televise all his fights on their streaming service in June. However, weeks later, DAZN lost their star UK man to Sky.
It would have been a bitter blow for Eddie Hearn and his team. Warren discussed whether BT Sport, his broadcast company for Queensberry Promotions, was ever in the running.
Usyk vs Joshua 2 TV rights
FightHub TV asked Warren: “From your point of view could BT make a play for Usyk vs Joshua 2?”
Warren responded: “As I understand, they are in the market from the people who own the rights for it, which is a company based in Saudi Arabia.
“I don’t think it’s just about money. But obviously, they are looking to recoup some of the huge amounts of money they have laid out for this fight.
“It’s also about getting the profile up and getting the fight seen – because that’s what it’s about.
“It’s about selling Saudi Arabia as a venue to go to and it being a major sports country putting on the biggest events.
Money
“So they will do whatever they feel is correct. At the end of the day, they put a large amount of money up, so it’s up to them whatever they do, they do.”
Sky Sports Box Office looks set to host Joshua for what could be the final time. If he loses to Usyk again, his career could be over for good.
A fight with Tyson Fury seems increasingly unlikely as “The Gypsy King” is no closer to reversing his retirement decision.
Furthermore, Fury cited taking too many blows from Deontay Wilder as a significant factor in his decision to step away for good.
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