Showtime signs Anthony Joshua to long-term U.S. contract
SHOWTIME Sports and Matchroom Boxing announced via press conference on Wednesday that IBF heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has signed a multi-fight licensing agreement for Showtime Networks Inc., to be the exclusive U.S. television partner of undefeated heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua.
The first of the multiple fight agreement will begin Saturday, June 25 when Joshua will make his first defense of his IBF Heavyweight World Championship against U.S Olympian Dominic Breazeale at the sold-out The O2 arena in London.
Joshua vs. Breazeale will be the fifth heavyweight title bout to air live on SHOWTIME in the first six months of 2016.
Also on Saturday, June 25, Keith Thurman will defend his WBA Welterweight World Championship against former titlist Shawn Porter in a blockbuster matchup of two of the world’s best 147-pound fighters, live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. In the co-main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar will defend his title against former three-division world champion Abner Mares.