The BBC has not managed to secure the radio rights to Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Yet.
With the undisputed heavyweight title on the line in Saudi Arabia, BBC Sport had been hoping to negotiate a UK radio deal with the promoters.
However, according to a report in today’s Times, no agreement could be reached.
It should be noted that it’s not unusual for radio rights debates to continue into the days before a fight. However, in this case it’s believed that promoters are concerned that free-to-air radio commentary could impact on its television sales.
Due to the high profile nature of the fight, it’s been sold to 4 broadcasters in the UK – DAZN, Sky Sports, ESPN and TNT in the UK. As for the radio, it’s best never to say never in the world of boxing.
The clash in Riyadh is the first time since 1999 and Lennox Lewis, that there will be an undisputed heavyweight champion.