Latest news with #BOXXER
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sky Sports staying in the fight gives British boxing a chance to keep swinging
Sky Sports' decision not to renew its exclusive deal with BOXXER marks the end of a four-year chapter that promised so much but delivered very little. Yet, British boxing fans should breathe a sigh of relief — not because BOXXER is gone, but because Sky isn't. At a time when boxing is struggling to entice mainstream networks to broadcast the sport, Sky's presence becomes even more vital to the survival of boxing across the pond. Advertisement In the U.S., HBO, FOX, Showtime, and now ESPN have all decided to bow out of the boxing business in recent years, leaving the sport without the consistent backing of a mainstream television outlet. While Amazon Prime Video has an existing deal with Premier Boxing Champions, the events have been infrequent and mostly behind an additional paywall. Boxing has faced a steady decline in mainstream visibility in the U.S. and has thus struggled to stay in the public eye, losing casual fans and slipping from the broader sports conversation. A sport that was once among the biggest in the country is now battling to stay in the top 10. This should serve as a warning sign for British boxing — if broadcasters like Sky pull away completely, the sport risks fading into niche obscurity, losing crucial exposure that builds household names. When Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing decided to end a 25-year partnership with Sky in the U.K. to join forces with streaming service DAZN in 2021, Sky contemplated exiting boxing altogether, but ultimately chose not to. Instead, they handed a four-year exclusive broadcasting deal to the unheralded newbie promoter, Ben Shalom of BOXXER. Advertisement Shalom's tenure on Sky has been a failed experiment of sorts. The broadcast giant was hoping to replicate the success it had with Matchroom over recent years with another promoter and perhaps demonstrate that they were responsible for the triumphs more so than Hearn. But the run of boxing on Sky in the post-Matchroom era has been disappointing. There's been some success with BOXXER-led events on Sky, notably Amir Khan vs. Kell Brook in 2022 and Chris Eubank Jr.'s two high-profile bouts with Liam Smith in 2023, but overall the product has been underwhelming. Matchroom set the bar very high, creating stars and delivering pay-per-view events on a consistent basis with the backing of the powerful British broadcaster. BOXXER has managed neither. But then again, it was always a tall order to expect a promoter who had only done small-hall events until it arrived at Sky to suddenly fill Matchroom's shoes. After Matchroom's departure and BOXXER's uninspiring run on the platform, Sky wouldn't be blamed for giving up on the sport — yet it hasn't. Advertisement That the pugilistic art still appeals to boardroom executives is, in and of itself, a quiet victory for the sport. Chris Eubank Jr.'s two-fight series with Liam Smith was a rare highlight of the Sky Sports/BOXXER era. (Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images) (Peter Byrne - PA Images via Getty Images) The importance of Sky's presence in boxing shouldn't be understated. Without Sky, the vast majority of boxing shows would reach a live audience of far less than 100,000 people in the U.K. — although some of the shows on Sky hover around that number anyway. Boxing needs to remain visible on big platforms to continue the success it has enjoyed in recent years in the U.K. Sky's boxing strategy moving forward is expected to see them become more selective about the fights they showcase. The broadcaster is understood to want a greater input into the shows and talent on offer, with a desire to continue to broadcast some of the fighters that it has helped build up. Advertisement The network will essentially become an open shop for promoters to pitch cards to. However, with the U.K.'s two biggest promoters, Matchroom and Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions, locked into exclusive promotional agreements with DAZN, the options will be limited for the time being. The Sauerlands' Wasserman Boxing houses a stable of fighters that includes Josh Kelly, Michael Conlan, Harlem Eubank and Lyndon Arthur, among others. They have struggled to put on well-rounded shows with the limited budget of Channel 5, but with the backing of Sky Sports, Wasserman could become a significant force in British boxing. Izzy Asif's GBM Sports has managed to promote the likes of Hughie Fury, Terri Harper, Maxi Hughes and rising Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson since signing a short-term deal with DAZN in 2024. They are a promoter on the rise who have delivered enjoyable events on a shoestring budget and would also be a beneficiary of Sky opening its doors. Although neither has the firepower of Matchroom or Queensberry, both could fill gaps in Sky's schedule and offer some variety in the talent they showcase. In the absence of an exclusive partner, Sky would be wise to incentivize a range of promoters to build strong shows and earn the opportunity to benefit from Sky's marketing power and substantial budget. That kind of competition within their boxing output is precisely what Sky — and the sport of British boxing — needs moving forward.
The Independent
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
WBO lightweight champion Terri Harper reveals free agent status, eyes unification with Caroline Dubois next
Terri Harper has suggested that she is currently a free agent, with the WBO lightweight champion under the impression she is not tied to any promotion. Represented by Matchroom since signing with Eddie Hearn 's promotion in 2019, Harper's headlining show at Doncaster Rovers' Eco-Power Stadium last week was organised by Izzy Asif's GBM Sports. Matchroom did post a message of good luck on their socials on fight night, but Harper, 16-2-2 (6), believes that she is currently without a promoter. Watch over 150 boxing events a year live on DAZN - subscribe now The Yorkshire-fighter cruised to a win over previously unbeaten Natalie Zimmermann in front of her home crowd, marking the first defence of the WBO crown she won against Rhiannon Dixon in September 2024. Despite lacking a promoter, Harper has a clear vision for the next steps of her career. The three-weight world champion seems set on pursuing a clash with Caroline Dubois for a unification bout. Dubois is the WBC's champion at lightweight, with the pair trading words as a demonstration of their willingness to share a ring. Touted as one of Britain's best boxing prospects, 24-year-old Dubois is represented by Ben Shalom 's BOXXER promotion. Speaking to Boxing King Media, Harper shared: 'I believe I'm a free agent. I'll have a little break away and speak with my team. We have an offer in for Dubois, but nothing's confirmed. I gave so much to this sport over the years, and I want to see what the best offers are for me and what's going to financially do the best for my career as well.' Despite currently being without a promoter, Harper was quick to thank Asif and GBM Sports for enabling her to headline a card in her hometown of Doncaster. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. See Schedule ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. She added: 'I'm grateful for Izzy and GBM for creating a special moment for me in my career.' Harper appears confident that a fight with Dubois could be made in the coming weeks, with the duo clearly keen on facing each other. '[Dubois] rubs me up the wrong way – she gets my fire burning,' Harper continued. 'I hope that's what comes next. I'll wait and see if any contracts turn up over the next few weeks.'
Extra.ie
27-05-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
Boxer Georgia O'Connor said doctors 'refused to listen' in heartbreaking post before her death
Tributes are pouring in for professional boxer Georgia O'Connor, who tragically passed away on Thursday at the age of 25. O'Connor, a rising star in British boxing, revealed earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with cancer – an illness she claimed was repeatedly dismissed by doctors despite her worsening symptoms. In a powerful and heartbreaking message shared on social media in January, the undefeated fighter detailed her battle with the disease and the frustration she faced trying to get help. She alleged that for over four months, doctors overlooked clear warning signs, leaving her in agony and without answers. 'There's really no easy way to say this, but I have cancer,' she wrote on January 31. 'Now that's out the way, it's time to expose the absolute incompetent RATS that have allowed this to happen.' O'Connor, who had previously been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis – two conditions that significantly increase cancer risk – said she repeatedly expressed her concern that something was seriously wrong. Despite this, she said her pleas were ignored. 'For 17 weeks since the start of October, I've been in constant pain,' she wrote. 'I said from the start I felt it was cancer. I KNEW the risks. Not one doctor took me seriously… 'They refused to scan me. They refused to investigate. They REFUSED to listen. One even told me it was 'all in my head.' She went on to describe how her cancer had spread by the time she was finally diagnosed. In the same post, she revealed she also had multiple blood clots in her lungs, any one of which could have been fatal. Georgia O'Connor. Pic: Instagram O'Connor didn't hold back in her criticism of the NHS, calling it a 'broken system' that failed her when she needed it most. 'They can say it's terminal all they want,' she said. 'But after taking 17 weeks to figure out what was wrong with me, why the f**k should I believe them?' Despite her grim prognosis, O'Connor ended her message with defiance and hope: 'I'm young, I'm fit, and I am stronger than they'll ever understand. I'm still smiling and that smile will NEVER fade.' O'Connor had an accomplished amateur career, including a gold medal at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games. She turned professional with Ben Shalom's BOXXER promotion and remained unbeaten in her three professional bouts. Following the news of her passing, BOXXER released an emotional statement: 'We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O'Connor. A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon. 'Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Georgia O'Connor, beloved and unbeaten British boxer, dies at 25
On Jan. 31, British boxer Georgia O'Connor revealed on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with cancer. (Owen Humphreys / PA Images via Getty Images) Georgia O'Connor, a British boxer who was unbeaten in her young professional career, has died at age 25. The promotion company BOXXER said in a statement Thursday that it was "heartbroken by the passing" of a fighter it had represented for all three of her professional bouts. Advertisement "A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon," the company wrote. "Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time." No cause of death has been given, but O'Connor had revealed on Jan. 31 on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with cancer. "I'm still smiling and that smile will NEVER fade, no matter what," she wrote. "We've already got an amazing oncologist on my case and we've made sure I'm going to have the best treatment and healing possible. Starting NOW." Read more: Colts owner Jim Irsay, a music lover and philanthropist, dies at 65 Advertisement A GoFundMe page, which O'Connor had said was set up by her parents to help cover her medical bills, described the cancer as "rare and aggressive." "Doctors are calling it 'incurable,'" the fundraiser's description states. "But Georgia does not accept this." O'Connor is survived by her husband Adriano Cardinali, whom she married May 9. Georgia O Connor attends an event at the Royal Albert Hall on March 7 in London. (Jordan Peck / Getty Images) "From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn't hesitate," O'Connor wrote Feb. 3 on Instagram. "He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me. Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me." Advertisement O'Connor was born Feb 18. 2000, in County Durham, England. Her father introduced her to boxing very soon afterward, she told SkySports in 2021. "My dad put a pair of gloves on me before I could walk," she said. "He always wanted me to be able to look after me. He never wanted me to be a superstar, my family aren't like that. He just wanted me to defend myself because the world isn't a nice place." She added: "I was a three-time national taekwondo champion, undefeated in kickboxing, but my heart has always been with boxing." As a youth boxer, O'Connor won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017 and a silver and bronze at the Youth World Championships in 2017 and 2018. She won all three of her professional fights, between October 2021 and October 2022, later revealing she did so while suffering from what was eventually diagnosed as ulcerative colitis. Advertisement "I was going to the toilet between 15 and 20 times per day," O'Connor wrote Feb. 9, 2024, on Instagram. "... I had pain in my joints and unbearable bowel cramps almost every day. I had 3 professional boxing fights during this time, all of which I somehow managed to win without any form of medication or treatment." O'Connor also revealed in February on Instagram that she had suffered a miscarriage within "the last few months." Read more: Sabu, a.k.a. hardcore wrestling pioneer Terry Brunk, dies at 60 England Boxing paid tribute on Thursday to one of its rising stars in a statement . Advertisement "A hugely talented boxer and much-loved member of the boxing community, Georgia inspired many with her achievements in the ring and her spirit outside of it," the sport's governing body in England wrote. "Her dedication, passion, and talent made her a role model for young athletes across the country. Georgia's legacy will live on in the hearts of those she inspired, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her." International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization super bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney addresssed her late friend on Instagram. "Being a pure soul and a good person gets thrown around so much, but you my friend are the definition of every word of that and so much more," Scotney wrote. "I still can picture that timid shy but larger than life young girl walking on her tip toes a few steps in front of me, little did I know that very same girl was going to show not just me but the whole world how special life is and mostly how to live by every second. "Even when life was on a timer, you never let anything dim that light of yours. A smile that never ever fades, and a heart that will forever live on in so many ways. There was nothing you couldn't do, the world at your very feet no matter what room you entered. I was so blessed with not just a friend for 10 years, but a sister for life." Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Georgia O'Connor, beloved and unbeaten British boxer, dies at 25
Georgia O'Connor, a British boxer who was unbeaten in her young professional career, has died at age 25. The promotion company BOXXER said in a statement Thursday that it was 'heartbroken by the passing' of a fighter it had represented for all three of her professional bouts. 'A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon,' the company wrote. 'Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.' No cause of death has been given, but O'Connor had revealed on Jan. 31 on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with cancer. 'I'm still smiling and that smile will NEVER fade, no matter what,' she wrote. 'We've already got an amazing oncologist on my case and we've made sure I'm going to have the best treatment and healing possible. Starting NOW.' A GoFundMe page, which O'Connor had said was set up by her parents to help cover her medical bills, described the cancer as 'rare and aggressive.' 'Doctors are calling it 'incurable,'' the fundraiser's description states. 'But Georgia does not accept this.' O'Connor is survived by her husband Adriano Cardinali, whom she married May 9. 'From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn't hesitate,' O'Connor wrote Feb. 3 on Instagram. 'He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me. Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me.' O'Connor was born Feb 18. 2000, in County Durham, England. Her father introduced her to boxing very soon afterward, she told SkySports in 2021. 'My dad put a pair of gloves on me before I could walk,' she said. 'He always wanted me to be able to look after me. He never wanted me to be a superstar, my family aren't like that. He just wanted me to defend myself because the world isn't a nice place.' She added: 'I was a three-time national taekwondo champion, undefeated in kickboxing, but my heart has always been with boxing.' As a youth boxer, O'Connor won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017 and a silver and bronze at the Youth World Championships in 2017 and 2018. She won all three of her professional fights, between October 2021 and October 2022, later revealing she did so while suffering from what was eventually diagnosed as ulcerative colitis. 'I was going to the toilet between 15 and 20 times per day,' O'Connor wrote Feb. 9, 2024, on Instagram. '... I had pain in my joints and unbearable bowel cramps almost every day. I had 3 professional boxing fights during this time, all of which I somehow managed to win without any form of medication or treatment.' O'Connor also revealed in February on Instagram that she had suffered a miscarriage within 'the last few months.' England Boxing paid tribute on Thursday to one of its rising stars in a statement . 'A hugely talented boxer and much-loved member of the boxing community, Georgia inspired many with her achievements in the ring and her spirit outside of it,' the sport's governing body in England wrote. 'Her dedication, passion, and talent made her a role model for young athletes across the country. Georgia's legacy will live on in the hearts of those she inspired, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.' International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization super bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney addresssed her late friend on Instagram. 'Being a pure soul and a good person gets thrown around so much, but you my friend are the definition of every word of that and so much more,' Scotney wrote. 'I still can picture that timid shy but larger than life young girl walking on her tip toes a few steps in front of me, little did I know that very same girl was going to show not just me but the whole world how special life is and mostly how to live by every second. 'Even when life was on a timer, you never let anything dim that light of yours. A smile that never ever fades, and a heart that will forever live on in so many ways. There was nothing you couldn't do, the world at your very feet no matter what room you entered. I was so blessed with not just a friend for 10 years, but a sister for life.'
