Showtime has extended its association with unified heavyweight world boxing titleholder Anthony Joshua by securing the US rights to the Englishman’s forthcoming fight against Joseph Parker after reportedly seeing off another strong bid from pay-television rival HBO.
Showtime Sports will present the heavyweight world championship unification bout between undefeated IBF and WBA world champion Joshua and unbeaten WBO world champion Parker on March 31, with the fight taking place at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
With the addition of Joshua vs. Parker, Showtime will televise all four of the heavyweight world titles in the same month as undefeated American Deontay Wilder will defend his WBC belt against unbeaten Luis Ortiz on March 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Showtime broadcast Joshua’s title victory over Charles Martin in April 2016 and has covered all four of his title defences as part of a contract it has with Joshua and his promoter Matchroom Boxing. Showtime’s initial three-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing expired last year and the promoter has since had the right to market Joshua’s fights to other broadcasters.
ESPN.com said HBO made an offer of $1.95m (€1.6m) for the rights to the Parker fight. However, Showtime had the right to match any other offers and has taken up this option. A similar scenario unfolded for Joshua’s victory over Carlos Takam on October 28, with HBO having reportedly entered a bid of $1.6m for that fight.
Joshua vs. Parker is just the second heavyweight championship unification in history between undefeated world titleholders. The only fighter to emerge victorious from a matchup of unbeaten heavyweight world champions was Mike Tyson in 1987.