SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Matchroom Boxing and digital broadcasting OTT partner DAZN have expanded their European profiles confirming that they have entered a strategic partnership with Italian boxing promoter OPI Since 82.
The combined parties will work together to ‘bring top-flight boxing back to fight fans in Italy’ under the newly formed Matchroom Boxing Italia domain.
The partnership aims to host eight marquee boxing events per year across Italy over a period of eight years, with Matchroom and OPI working together to deliver ‘stacked fight nights’ which will be broadcast on the DAZN European OTT platform.
The strategic collaboration, sees Matchbook launch its first boxing property for a non-English language market. Commenting on the update Matchroom Boxing Managing Director Eddie Hearn, said:
“This is another landmark moment for Matchroom Boxing as we continue our global expansion with over 50 shows a Year Worldwide. Italy has lots of potentials and we have the ability with DAZN and OPI to make a huge difference to the sport and inspire a new generation of fighters. November 30 is a great start to our schedule in Florence with three big title fights on a stacked card ready to entertain DAZN Italy subscribers – here’s to the future..Saluti!”
Further to the announcement, Matchroom and OPI have announced their first combined fight-card which is set to be showcased at the Teatro Obi Hall in Florence on November 30 featuring a series of Italy vs. England matchups.
The main event of the evening sees Florence’s own Fabio ‘Stone Crusher’ Turchi defend his WBC International Silver Cruiserweight title against Britain’s former Commonwealth Champion Tony ‘Conqueror’ Conquest.
Backing the new venture, Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82, said: “This is a huge opportunity and a historic moment for the Cherchi’s family, OPI Since 82 and the sport of boxing in Italy. We have been looking for partners to rebuild Italian boxing for a while and in Matchroom Boxing and DAZN we found the perfect ones and the best in the sport. DAZN have shown their passion and commitment to the sport of boxing worldwide for which we are very grateful and we are looking forward to a long and successful collaboration. The first show on November 30 in Florence will be an early Christmas present for the Italian boxing fans with 3 evenly contended titles between Italian and English boxers.”
