British heavyweight Tyson Fury has signed a deal with a United States network worth a reported £80m.
The deal, which is understood to cover Fury’s next five fights, will see him broadcast on ESPN in the US while remaining on BT Sport in the UK.
Fury believes the deal makes a rematch with Deontay Wilder “more makeable”.
But Fury, Wilder and IBF, WBA and WBO champion Anthony Joshua now each work with rival US broadcasters, adding a layer to any future negotiations.
Fury’s December draw with WBC world heavyweight champion Wilder aired on BT Sport in the UK as well as Showtime – who broadcast Wilder’s fights – in the US.
Now Fury has his own US broadcaster, agreements will have to be reached between ESPN and Showtime over the airing of his fights in America.
Joshua meanwhile is signed to the DAZN streaming service in America.
Fury’s promoter pointed to the size of ESPN’s subscription base and said Fury was now on “a bigger platform”.
“This ESPN situation for him is probably one of the biggest things to happen to a British sportsman. It’s something special.”
