Boxing fans are being promised five subscription-free fight nights each year after UKTV signed a deal with Hayemaker Boxing, David Haye’s promotions company and and world renowned promoter Richard Schaefer.
News of the exclusive three year deal was announced alongside the signing of Commonwealth Games silver medallist Qais Ashfaq, Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce and Michael Page, a 10-time World Kickboxing Champion, to Hayemaker.
The fights will be screened on UKTV’s subscription-free channel Dave which is available to Freeview and Freesat homes. A High Definition version of the channel is available on pay-TV platforms.
In January 2016 Dave broadcast Haye’s highly anticipated comeback fight, an event which broke network records by attracting an peak audience of over three million viewers.
Confirming the broadcast deal, Haye said: “I’ve personally enjoyed huge success with UKTV, smashing viewer records on previous live broadcasts.
“As a result, I am thrilled to announce a long-term partnership to introduce the next generation of boxing stars to their audience.
“An incredible 40 million people tune into UKTV’s programme offering every month which without question provides the Hayemaker Ringstar stable with an incredibly strong platform for a rapidly growing fan base.”
Richard Watsham, UKTV director of commissioning added: “David Haye’s excitement for his brilliant new line up of emerging stars is infectious.
“He’s signed some thrilling prospects and I know Dave’s audience will get behind them and support them as they build up towards leading their divisions.
“I frequently hear fans call for a bit of a shake up in the world of boxing; we’re proud to be part of that and to give so many people the chance to watch.”
Schaefer commented: “We’re delighted to be working alongside UKTV, taking the sport back to the masses where it belongs.
“I enjoy building prospects and champions into superstars that transcend the sport of boxing and become global household names, just like I have done with Floyd Mayweather, Canelo and many more.”