Manny Pacquiao’s next fight will air live on ESPN this summer and take place in Brisbane, Australia.
The television network and Pacquiao’s promoter, Top Rank, announced the deal early Monday for the Filipino boxer’s welterweight world title defense against Jeff Horn, which will be Pacquiao’s first ever live basic cable fight — and first non-pay-per-view fight since 2005.
The fight, being tabbed “The Battle of Brisbane,” is slated for July 1 at 9 p.m. ET in a 3 ½-hour telecast that will also air on ESPN Deportes. The 14-hour time difference in Brisbane allows for a prime-time telecast in the US. Joe Tessitore, Teddy Atlas, and Timothy Bradley Jr., will call the fight as broadcasters ringside.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum expressed excitement in bringing boxing back to ESPN, where it was a staple in the 1980s and ‘90s, saying it would be “an incredible event.” ESPN president John Skipper said scoring a “match normally seen on pay-per-view is a significant moment for ESPN and for boxing fans.”
Source: Scott Gleeson
