ITV strikes deal to bring boxing back to terrestrial television

James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr will reportedly be the first fight to be aired by ITV

Boxing will return to terrestrial TV beginning next year as part of a deal struck with promoter Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions, it has been confirmed. At least 15 matches - staged in Britain and the United States - will be shown on ITV's channels each year as part of the agreement, with James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr reportedly being the first to be shown in January. The deal will last until 2021. The deal will mean free-to-air fight on the ITV main channel, ITV4 and ITV Hub, as well as through ITV’s pay-per-view service, ITV Box Office. Big-name boxers associated with PBC include Deontay Wilder, Errol Spence Jnr, Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman, drawing from a roster of over 160 of the best fighters in the world. ITV's director of sport, Niall Sloane, said: "This unprecedented deal between PBC and ITV is great news for boxing fans in the UK. "We look forward to bringing viewers big events and superb action from some of the world’s best fighters in the coming years." Tim Smith, vice-president of communications for Haymon Boxing, added: "We’re thrilled about this new exclusive three-year deal with ITV, UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster, and the opportunity to bring the best boxers in the world to the UK. "The unique collaboration means ITV’s viewers are in for a special treat with PBC’s world class boxing events."