UKTV is expanding its sports offering, with five boxing fight nights being broadcast each year.
The three-year deal between UKTV channel Dave and Hayemaker Ringstar follows on from the success of David Haye’s highly anticipated comeback fight on the channel last year, which broke network records and peaked at over 3 million viewers – up 461% on the slot.
The upcoming fights will showcase Hayemaker Ringstar’s – the joint venture between boxer David Haye and promoter Richard Schaefer – latest signings, including Olympic silver medallist Heavyweight Joe Joyce, Olympian Qais Ashfaq, Scotland’s double World Champion Willy Hutchinson and Michael Venom Page, 10-time World Kickboxing champion.
Speaking for UKTV, director of commissioning Richard Watsham said that the deal would shake up the world of boxing, adding “I know [TV channel] Dave’s audience will get behind [the new signings] and support them as they build up towards leading their divisions.”
Haye added his excitement at the deal, saying “I am thrilled to introduce the next generation of boxing stars to their audience.”
