Sky and Boxxer: The Breakdown That Shook British Boxing
Let’s not sugar-coat this — the Sky–Boxxer deal collapsing is a bombshell for the UK boxing scene. For years, Sky has been the go-to place for domestic fight nights, whether under Matchroom, BOXXER, or even back in the old Frank Warren days. It’s a legacy channel with millions of eyeballs.
Now? After revelations tying BOXXER to a convicted fixer, Sky Sports has pulled the plug — and BOXXER’s future just got a hell of a lot more complicated.
For the full story on the Sky–Boxxer fallout, check out I’m more details here
Can Sky Really Go Without Boxing?
Short-term? Probably. They’ve still got enough sports to fill the schedule — F1, darts, golf, and of course football (even if they’ve lost some rights battles lately).
Long-term? Absolutely not.
Sky’s already lost the UFC. They’ve lost Champions League football. If they ditch boxing altogether, they’re basically waving a white towel and saying: “We’re here for niche sports and nostalgia.” That’s not a look they want while DAZN, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime are eating into their lunch.
And don’t forget — boxing still gets casual viewers tuning in. Whether it’s a big domestic dust-up or a rising star getting their breakout, Sky needs that content to stay relevant in combat sports.
So What Happens to BOXXER?
This is where things get spicy. BOXXER has three real options:
1. BOXXER Goes Solo
Maybe they go full-on streaming. Launch their own platform. Cut the middleman.
But let’s be honest — they’re no Matchroom. They don’t have the back catalogue. They don’t have decades of brand loyalty. They’re scrappy and ambitious, sure — but that’s not enough when you’re trying to keep a fight night business afloat without a major broadcaster bankrolling production.
2. BOXXER Joins DAZN
This feels like the obvious move. DAZN needs UK content — and BOXXER has it. From Adam Azim to Ben Whittaker, there’s a solid stable there.
It’s a good fit on paper. But if this happens, Sky would be left with zero boxing coverage. That’s a major blow.
3. Sky Finds Someone Else
They could pivot to Wasserman. Or they could try to ink a deal with a U.S. outfit like Top Rank or Golden Boy.
But that’s not a quick fix. You’re not just buying fights — you’re buying the whole infrastructure. Matchmakers, production crews, venues, undercard depth, on-screen talent. You can’t rebuild that overnight.
What It Means for British Boxing
This isn’t just about business — this affects the whole ecosystem.
Sky has reach. Millions of homes. When a fight’s on Sky, people know about it. DAZN’s numbers in the UK? Nowhere near.
If BOXXER jumps ship or fizzles out without Sky, we risk shrinking the sport’s footprint. Less visibility. Fewer casual fans. More people locked out behind streaming paywalls they won’t pay for. That’s a disaster for long-term growth.
Streaming-only boxing might be the future — but we’re not there yet. Right now, boxing still needs that mainstream shop window. And that’s exactly what Sky has always been.
Final Word: No Winner Here
This whole saga is a mess. BOXXER’s credibility has taken a hit. Sky looks like it’s scrambling. Fighters are caught in the crossfire, and fans? We’re left wondering when the next big domestic card will even hit our screens.
If this Boxxer Sky deal cancellation ends with no new partner in place, everyone loses — especially the sport.
Your Corner: What Do You Think?
Got thoughts on the Sky–Boxxer split? Reckon DAZN will swoop in or will BOXXER try to go it alone?
Drop a comment, share your take on social media, and tell a mate who follows boxing.
Want more updates and opinion pieces like this? Head over to CMBoxing.co.uk and see what else is cooking.