British boxing superstar Amir ‘King’ Khan’s first fight in the UK in two years will be screened exclusively live on BoxNation.
The Bolton fighter, a former unified IBF and WBA Super World Light-Welterweight champion, takes on Julio ‘The Kidd’ Diaz, himself a former world champion, on Saturday, April 27, at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield.
In addition to Khan’s BoxNation debut, Golden Boy Promotion’s Sheffield bill also includes Team GB Olympian Anthony Ogogo making his professional debut, as will Khan’s brother Haroon.
Since capturing the world’s attention as a 17-year-old at the 2004 Athens Olympics where he won a silver medal, Khan has gone on to become one of the biggest names in world boxing with his exciting all-action performances, lighting speed, dazzling combinations and knockout power.
At just 26, Khan has faced and beaten some of the best in the business, including world champions Marco Antonio Barrera, Paul Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana and Zab Judah.
After disappointing defeats to Lamont Peterson in December 2011 and Danny Garcia last July, Khan is on the road back towards regaining his world title.
He racked up an important win against Carlos Molina last December, completely outclassing the unbeaten American and forcing him to quit on his stool at the end of the tenth round.
Diaz, 33, from Jiquilpan, Mexico, who now fights out California, USA, comes into the fight with the upper-hand in experience over a 14-year career and 48 fights.
A former IBF World Champion at lightweight, Diaz aims to win a second divisional world title and impressive knockout wins against Henry Aurad and Hector Sanchez, plus a draw against unbeaten prospect Shawn Porter – which manythought he won – have put him back on track again.
Khan is excited to return to the UK after his last fight here in April 2011 saw him defeat Belfast’s Paul McCloskey in a controversial contest in which he retained his WBA World title.
His last three fights, including the defeats to Peterson and Garcia, have been shown on Sky Sports.
The Bolton fighter is looking forward to making his debut on BoxNation.
“I’m very excited to be on BoxNation, a channel which has shown some of the biggest fights around.
“It’s proved to be a great platform for boxing and on April 27 I can’t wait to display my skills against Julio Diaz.
“I know Julio will be bringing it and is coming to fight but I’m determined to put on a show in what will be myfirst bout back in Britain in two years.
“I’m delighted we have managed to secure this deal and all I’m concentrating on is making sure that everyone who tunes in gets to see an exciting matchup. It will be a night not to be missed.”
Khan/Diaz will form one half of a huge live double-header on BoxNation as later that evening Britain’s Martin Murray challenges for the WBC World Middleweight title against top three pound-for-pound best and Argentine hero Sergio Martinez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
BoxNation’s deal to screen Khan’s latest bout follows the announcement last week that the UK’s only dedicated boxing channel has secured the exclusive UK rights to broadcast Floyd Mayweather Jnr’s WBC World Welterweight title defence against Robert Guerrero from the MGM Grand, LasVegas, on Saturday, May 4.
It means that over three consecutive weekends, BoxNation will be the unrivalled home of live boxing as the channel will show Nathan Cleverly in a world title defence, the return of Dereck Chisora, Amir Khan making his BoxNation debut, Martin Murray’s challenging Sergio Martinez, and finally Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather against Robert Guerrero for the WBC World Welterweight title.
This impressive line-up is likely to give a significant boost to the Frank Warren-operated channel in the wake of the veteran promoter’s recent high-profile by George Groves and Ricky Burns to rivals Matchroom.
Commenting on the deal, Jim McMunn, General Manager of BoxNation said: “The Khan fight is a real coup for us.”
“Khan is Britain’s most exciting fighter and one of the few who engages the general sports fan as well as the boxing enthusiast.
“His style and personality make him real box office and we are thrilled to have him.
“April 27 is a huge night on BoxNation with Amir topping the bill but also Martin Murray from Ricky Hatton’s stable fighting Sergio Martinez for the world title in Argentina.
“With Cleverly and Chisora the week before and Floyd Mayweather the following week it is an unbelievable schedule and BoxNation continues to deliver the best of boxing.”
Both deals came about as a result of BoxNation’s partnership with Golden Boy Promotions, who represent Khan as well as Mayweather via his own Mayweather Promotions.
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer said: “We are very excited to have Amir Khan fighting on BoxNation.
“As one of the UK’s top stars, it’s important for Amir to be showcased on the best television networks for his fans.
“We are excited to be working with BoxNation on not only the Khan v Diaz fight in April, but also again in May on the year’s biggest night of boxing featuring Floyd Mayweather v Robert Guerrero.”
Richard Keys introduces live coverage from Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena with analysis from ringside provided by Steve Lillis and guests Anthony Crolla and David Price.
Big fight commentary comes from John Rawling and Paul Smith, with ringside interviews and reports from Rob Walker.
Following the action at approximately 11.30pm, Steve Bunce hosts a live phone-in with guests Barry Jones and Andy Lee – Call 0208 735 4378 or tweet @boxnationtv to get involved.
Bunce returns at 1.15am (originally scheduled for 2.30am) to present BoxNation’s exclusive coverage of Martin Murray’s world title fight against Sergio Martinez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In a late addition, there will also be live live coverage of the world title contest in New York between Danny Garcia and Zab Judah at approximately 2.15am.
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BBC Radio 5 live will broadcast live coverage of Amir Khan’s first fight in the UK for two years against Julio Diaz.
Mike Costello leads the ringside commentary team at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena with live coverage of the fight being broadcast during Stephen Nolan’s show on Saturday from 10.00pm.
Before the main event at approximately 10.10pm, there will also be live coverage of Audley Harrison’s latest fight against promising American heavyweight Deontay Wilder, plus Anthony Ogogo’s professional debut against Kieron Gray on 5 live Sports Extra from 8.20pm.
Live commentary of both fights will be streamed via the BBC Sport website.
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