Share

Joshua signs multi-fight Showtime deal

London - Britain's IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has signed a multi-fight deal with American cable network Showtime, it was announced on Wednesday.

Showtime, which showed Floyd Mayweather's last six fights, will broadcast Joshua's first title defence against unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale (17-0) at London's O2 Arena on June 25.

Highly rated Joshua (16-0), the reigning Olympic champion, scored a second-round knockout of American Charles Martin last month to take the IBF crown in only his 16th professional fight.

"I know there are a lot of positive things happening in boxing and around my career. You see my reaction when these things happen and you're only good when you're winning," Joshua told a press conference in London.

"Every fight could be your last fight. That is why I'm serious and I don't let success go to my head. Me and Dominic are very equal -- 17 fights, 16 fights; turned professional around the same time.

"It is a very equal fight. He is my fourth undefeated fighter I've been fighting. He gets to announce himself in the UK and I can announce myself in America and the best man will come out on top. May the best man win."

Breazeale, 30, has recorded 15 stoppages in his 17 victories to date, while all 16 of 26-year-old Joshua's wins in the paid ranks have come via knockout.

Breazeale will be fighting in the UK capital for the first time since a first-round defeat at the 2012 Olympics and he said: "It is a pleasure to be back in London.

"I couldn't care less about the deals AJ has going on with Sky or Showtime. All I can do is prepare for June 25. I wish it was this weekend.

"Charles Martin came over here and dropped the ball. He wasn't prepared for it. I'm hoping Anthony Joshua is preparing to be in a war and a dog fight, because that is what I'm bringing.

"We are both Olympians and we represented our countries for a reason. I'm not coming here to hear the final bell or the judges scores. I'm coming all guns blazing and to knock Anthony Joshua out."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE