Joshua vs Klitschko: Showtime & HBO split rights to broadcast world title fight
Tuesday 18 April 2017 06:28, UK
Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko will be televised live in the United States by Showtime while HBO will broadcast the fight on delay, it has been confirmed.
The Sky Sports Box Office world heavyweight championship fight has brought American broadcasters together because Joshua has an exclusive deal with Showtime but Klitschko is tied to HBO.
Showtime's live broadcast at live at 4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT will be followed by HBO at approximately 10:45 p.m. ET/PT.
"This happened before in the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao and the Lewis vs. Tyson fights and shows you the magnitude of our event at Wembley Stadium on April 29," said Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn added: "It takes a special fight to break down barriers and boundaries but also networks and executives who believe in working with the best interest of fight fans in mind.
"With the obstacles in place it would have been any easy resolution to not air the fight in the States but I want to thank HBO and Showtime for their perseverance and allowing America to see one hell of a fight at our national stadium."
Showtime boss Stephen Espinoza described the fight as "[representing] not only the contesting of the heavyweight world championship, but potentially the changing of the guard in the most influential division in boxing" while his HBO counterpart Peter Nelson expressed delight at securing "primetime coverage".
Joshua and Klitschko's fight at Wembley Stadium will bring two former Olympic champions together, and will unify the IBF and WBA 'Super' heavyweight titles.
