UKTV’s Dave Adds to Boxing Portfolio with Hayemaker Ringstar Deal

Hayemaker Ringstar, a joint venture between world boxing champion David Haye and promoter Richard Schaefer, has inked a TV rights deal with UKTV for the entertainment channel Dave.

The three-year pact will see five fight nights broadcast free of charge per year. Dave first entered the market of live sport in January 2016, broadcasting David Haye’s highly anticipated comeback fight.

Haye said: “I’ve personally enjoyed huge success with UKTV, smashing viewer records on previous live broadcasts. As a result, I am thrilled to announce a long-term partnership to introduce the next generation of boxing stars to their audience. An incredible 40 million people tune into UKTV’s program offering every month, which without question provides the Hayemaker Ringstar stable with an incredibly strong platform for a rapidly growing fan base.”

Richard Watsham, UKTV’s director of commissioning, said: “David Haye’s excitement for his brilliant new line up of emerging stars is infectious. He’s signed some thrilling prospects and I know Dave’s audience will get behind them and support them as they build up towards leading their divisions. I frequently hear fans call for a bit of a shake up in the world of boxing; we’re proud to be part of that and to give so many people the chance to watch.”

Schaefer added: “We’re delighted to be working alongside UKTV, taking the sport back to the masses where it belongs. I enjoy building prospects and champions into superstars that transcend the sport of boxing and become global household names, just like I have done with Floyd Mayweather, Canelo and many more.”