by James Slater – As all British fight fans know, there has been a distinct drop in big fights being covered by anything other than satellite TV channels over recent years; with Sky and Sky Box Office having pretty much cornered the market when it comes to the fights we want to see. This, however, could change on May 15th – the night of the WBA light-welterweight title clash between Britain’s Amir Khan and New York’s Paulie Malignaggi.
According to a highly interesting article that has appeared on Times on line, both ITV and BBC are among four TV networks that have shown great interest in showing the clash from Madison Square Garden live. Actually, according to the piece, some sources claim ITV have already signed a deal to show the fight. This, if true, is of course great news..
For although the fight will take place in the early morning hours, U.K time, fans – not having to pay approx £15.00 to see the fight go out as it happens – will likely stay up and watch Khan attempt to defend his belt. According to The Times, talks had been going on for Sky to show the big, London bill topped by Kevin Mitchell-Michael Katsidis AND the New York bill, as a two-show package. Now, however, it seems a terrestrial channel may get its hands on the Khan fight.
Either way, it’s going to be a big night for British boxing fans on May 15th. Sky Sports will definitely be showing the Mitchell-Katsidis fight – backed up with Danny Williams-Sam Sexton and Frank Warren’s three former amateur stars, James DeGale Billy Joe Saunders and Frankie Gavin boxing also – and now there is a good chance U.K fans will get to see Khan-Malignaggi also; all for free!
As for Khan, he says that although he is very much looking forward to his U.S debut, he has not left England, and will fight here again later this year.
“I’m excited about New York but I’m not leaving England,” Khan said. “I want to fight in England later in the year. They have heard of me in America and now they will be able to see me. I know with my style of boxing I can do well.”
If either ITV or BBC do show the fight live, it could well inspire the showing of future fights on terrestrial TV. Years ago, before the cable channels were on the scene, it was unheard of for a fan to miss a world title fight that featured a Brit. It may only be a small step in the right direction, but perhaps Khan-Malignaggi can take us back to the good (read free!) old days!