IMG teams up with Warren in boxing distribution deal

The IMG agency has agreed a deal for distribution rights to boxing events organised by promoter Frank Warren.

IMG will exclusively represent Warren’s broadcast rights in all territories except the UK and North America.

Warren, via his multi-year deal to promote regular boxing on pay-television broadcaster BT Sport in the UK, holds a stable of fighters that includes Billy Joe Saunders, Carl Frampton, Terry Flanagan, Zolani Tete, Liam Smith, Lee Selby and Josh Warrington; as well as emerging stars such as Anthony Yarde, Zelfa Barrett, Nicola Adams and Daniel Dubois.

Kristian Hysen, senior vice-president of global sports for IMG Media, said: “He (Warren) has an outstanding pedigree in boxing and a great stable of fighters. Last year saw us represent the two biggest fights in Joshua vs Klitschko and Mayweather vs McGregor and our deal with Frank now gives our customers a year-long programme of premium boxing to look forward to.”

The partnership will also see Warren and IMG explore other projects within boxing. Warren said: “With several hugely high profile UK PPV events that will be up for grabs in the second half of 2018, it’s exciting times and having IMG involved in a formal capacity will benefit us when it comes to trying to secure our involvement in the biggest events in boxing.”

The initial event under the partnership is set to be the world championship double header at The O2 arena in London on April 14.

The card sees Billy Joe Saunders (pictured) face domestic rival Martin Murray in a defence of his WBO Middleweight World Championship, alongside Terry Flanagan’s challenge for the vacant WBO Super-Lightweight World Championship, against unbeaten American Maurice Hooker.