UK boxing promoter Matchroom has agreed a multi-year partnership with sports fashion retailer JD.
JD will become Matchroom Boxing’s official retail partner in the first long-term deal of its kind for the company.
JD will receive significant in-ring and ringside branding in what is set to be a historic year for British boxing. The agreement will commence with the David Haye (pictured) v Tony Bellew bout, which takes place at The O2 in London on Saturday.
It will carry on to incorporate Anthony Crolla v Jorge Linares II on March 25 at the Manchester Arena and the most anticipated bout of the year when the undefeated IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua defends his world title against former champion Wladimir Klitschko on April 29 at Wembley Stadium.
JD will host live events with Matchroom fighters to celebrate the partnership across the UK and Ireland. In addition, JD will play a big part in the promotion of Matchroom’s stable of Olympic fighters including Lawrence Okolie, Joe Cordina, Josh Kelly and Katie Taylor.
Matchroom’s NXTGEN series will also feature heavily in the partnership, with JD showcasing future world champions and their fights live on the retailer’s channels. Matchroom’s fighters will also feature in JD’s Undisputed show, giving viewers behind the scenes access to some of the biggest names in boxing.
The partnership was negotiated by the SportQuake agency, who will also activate the boxing campaigns.
Managing director of Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn, said: “JD have continually supported our events and our fighters, and it’s great to be able to plan a future with a retail giant like JD. Their social media content is outstanding and they will help us drive the profile of our fighters both online and in through stores. JD share our passion for the sport of boxing and this ground-breaking deal forms a relationship that will benefit everyone.”