10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Boxing fans could face hefty fine for watching Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
Taylor and Serrano are set to go head-to-head for a third and final time this week - but boxing fans have been sent a major warning ahead of the event
Boxing fans could face a whopping £1,000 fine should they fail to acquire a TV licence before Katie Taylor 's showdown with Amanda Serrano.
The boxing stars will go head-to-head for a third time on Friday night as Serrano looks to finally claim a victory over her long-time rival. The pair first fought at Madison Square Garden back in 2022 - with Taylor going on to edge a points victory in a nail-biting encounter.
Two years later, the pair met for a second time in the co-main event of Jake Paul's showdown with heavyweight icon Mike Tyson. In yet another epic back-and-forth dust-up, Taylor would pick up her second win against the 'Real Deal.' Many fans believe Serrano did enough to win at least one of the two fights.
As the pair are set to do battle for a third time, millions are once again expected to tune in. However, the boxing faithful have been warned. With Netflix set to live-stream the highly-anticipated showdown, usually, the popular streaming service does not require a TV licence, but as this fight is being streamed live, BBC TV Licensing has warned Netflix viewers that they could face a £1,000 fine for watching the fight without one.
"Under UK law, any live television broadcast requires a valid TV licence, regardless of the streaming platform—this includes Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Even if the live broadcast appears on a subscription-based service that otherwise only offers on-demand content, the rule applies," says lawyer Daniel McAfee.
He added: "The licensing law aims to cover all live broadcasts to ensure that live television, whether over-the-air or streamed digitally, is monitored and funded appropriately. The law is comprehensive and applies equally to internet-based live streams as it does to traditional television.'
Should fans watch the upcoming showdown without one, it could cost them dearly, admits McAfee. "Penalties for watching live broadcasts without a valid TV licence are substantial," he said. "Individuals caught watching live content without a licence could face fines up to £1,000. Additionally, the Licensing Authority may prosecute, which can lead to a criminal record.'
McAfee continued: 'As streaming platforms explore live content, it's possible that demand for TV licences could rise. This shift may lead to more prosecutions for unlicensed viewing if users are unaware of their obligations. Streaming platforms like Netflix hold a potential responsibility to inform subscribers of licensing laws, especially as live content becomes more integrated into their offerings.'
Viewers have been advised to: Confirm if the content is live or on-demand, Purchase a TV licence if they intend to view live broadcasts and Stay informed on licensing changes as streaming platforms expand live broadcast offerings. "By understanding and adhering to these regulations, UK viewers can enjoy live events without the risk of penalties,' McAfee concluded.
When is Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano?
The trilogy fight between Taylor and Serrano will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York. The main undercard is scheduled to get underway at around 1am BST on Saturday (5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET on Friday), while the main event is due to begin at around 4am BST on Saturday (8pm PT / 10pm CT / 11pm ET on Friday).
The main card will be shown exclusively streamed live on Netflix - which means a subscription is required. Plans start at $7.99 monthly. Before the main card begins, the prelims will be broadcast live on Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions' YouTube channels.
