Boxing fans in the UK have a new way to follow the action, as the BBC and DAZN have announced a deal bringing live audio coverage of three upcoming Queensberry Promotions fights to BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sounds app. The partnership expands access to high-profile bouts featuring some of the UK’s most exciting heavyweight talent, adding another layer to DAZN’s exclusive broadcast of the events.
The agreement kicks off on March 28th with a matchup between Moses Itauma, a rising star in the British boxing scene, and American fighter Jermaine Franklin. This will be followed on April 4th by a clash between veteran UK fighter Derek Chisora and former WBC World heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder, a bout carrying significant weight in the heavyweight division. The series culminates on May 9th with an all-UK affair between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, with the WBO World Heavyweight Championship on the line.
Expanding Access to the Sweet Science
Richard Maddock, head of BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra, highlighted the excitement surrounding the deal. “Having three epic fight nights is really something to gaze forward to, and we will be there to bring the action direct to boxing fans across the UK,” he said. “Listeners can expect world-class commentary and in-depth previews and analysis throughout the week on 5 Live, and BBC Sounds in the build-up.” This partnership aims to reach a broader audience, offering a free-to-air radio option alongside DAZN’s streaming service.
DAZN holds the exclusive media rights for all three fights, stemming from their multi-year deal with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. The agreement, finalized in April 2025, marked a significant shift in the UK boxing landscape, uniting Queensberry with DAZN after years of competition with rival promotion Matchroom.
A Heavyweight Season on DAZN
These three fights are central to DAZN’s “Heavyweight Season” promotion, a series of high-profile bouts designed to attract and retain subscribers. The season too includes the upcoming return of Oleksander Usyk, the unified world heavyweight champion, against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23rd. This concentrated schedule of heavyweight contests underscores DAZN’s commitment to becoming a leading destination for boxing fans.
The partnership with the BBC is a strategic move for DAZN, extending the reach of their content and tapping into the BBC’s established audience. While DAZN will continue to provide the full visual broadcast, the BBC’s audio coverage offers a complementary experience for fans who prefer to listen to the action while on the go or engaging in other activities.
The Fighters in Focus
Each of the three featured fights presents a compelling narrative. Moses Itauma, at just 22 years old, is widely considered one of the brightest prospects in British boxing. His fight against Jermaine Franklin will be a crucial test of his potential as he climbs the heavyweight ranks. Franklin, with a record of 21-3-1 (as of March 2026), brings experience and a proven track record to the ring.
The Chisora-Wilder bout is a clash of styles and experience. Chisora, a fan favorite known for his relentless aggression, will face the formidable power of Deontay Wilder, a former WBC champion renowned for his devastating knockout ability. Wilder’s record stands at 43-2-1 (as of March 2026), and he remains a dangerous opponent for anyone in the heavyweight division.
The May 9th showdown between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois is arguably the most anticipated of the three. Wardley, with a perfect professional record, will challenge Dubois for the WBO World Heavyweight Championship. Dubois, a former British champion, is looking to reclaim his position at the top of the division after a previous setback. This all-UK clash promises to be a thrilling encounter with significant implications for the future of British heavyweight boxing.
Looking Ahead
The BBC and DAZN partnership represents a growing trend of collaboration between traditional broadcasters and streaming services in the sports industry. As audiences increasingly consume content across multiple platforms, such partnerships allow for wider reach and greater flexibility for fans. The next key date for boxing fans will be March 28th, when Itauma and Franklin step into the ring, kicking off this exciting series of fights. Fans can locate more information about the DAZN broadcast schedule and fight details on the DAZN website.
What are your thoughts on this new partnership? Share your predictions for the fights in the comments below.
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