Boxing broadcasting new boys DAZN take the BBC’s ‘Voice of Boxing’ Mike Costello

Boxing broadcasting new boys DAZN take the BBC’s ‘Voice of Boxing’ Mike Costello and sign up Maya Jama and Laura Woods to lead their coverage after beating Sky Sports to Eddie Hearn’s TV rights

  • DAZN Boxing have made a statement of intent by getting the BBC’s Mike Costello
  • Costello has become known as the ‘voice of boxing’ for his coverage of the sport
  • Popular TV presenter Maya Jama is also joining the US-channel for coverage 
  • Sky Sports’ Laura Woods and former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew are in

DAZN have signed up legendary BBC commentator Mike Costello and popular TV presenter Maya Jama to head up their new boxing coverage.

The broadcasting new boys have looked to make a statement of intent in announcing their on-screen talent with Sky Sports’ Laura Woods and former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew others to have signed up to DAZN.

Costello, often referred to as the ‘voice of boxing’ for his iconic calling of fights in recent decades, saw his announcement greeted with widespread approval from fight fans. 

Maya Jama is a popular TV presenter and she will be one of the leading presenters

Mike Costello (left) and Maya Jama (right) lead a star-studded line-up for DAZN boxing shows

Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn (right) revealed earlier this month that his Matchroom Boxing promotions was leaving Sky Sports for a lucrative deal to join with DAZN Boxing

Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn (right) revealed earlier this month that his Matchroom Boxing promotions was leaving Sky Sports for a lucrative deal to join with DAZN Boxing

News of Costello's appointment, prised away from the BBC, was hailed as a 'stroke of genius'

News of Costello’s appointment, prised away from the BBC, was hailed as a ‘stroke of genius’

Another Twitter user felt Costello's appointment, above all, was an 'absolute belter' for DAZN

Another Twitter user felt Costello’s appointment, above all, was an ‘absolute belter’ for DAZN

Another described taking the 'Voice of Boxing' as a 'coup' for the broadcasting new boys

Another described taking the ‘Voice of Boxing’ as a ‘coup’ for the broadcasting new boys

Bellew described getting Costello as a ‘stroke of genius’ while others were quick to praise the ‘best in the business’ being chosen to lead the new coverage. 

Darren Barker, Chris Lloyd and Andy Lee were the other names announced as part of a seven-name reveal. 

Lloyd, who will be helping out in multiple roles, tweeted: ‘Absolutely mad to be a part of this team. 

‘I’ll be hosting fight weeks, commentating on the undercards and working on tactics shows. What a gig. Cheers everyone.’ 

Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn revealed earlier this month that his Matchroom Boxing promotions would walk away from Sky Sports. 

Matchroom boxers will now fight on the global platform, which launched in the UK last year. 

Sky Sports' Laura Woods is also involved, as is former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew

Sky Sports’ Laura Woods is also involved, as is former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew

Jama's appointment was praised by boxing fans given her experience

Woods has been a regular on screen with Sky and has prior experience working with Matchroom

Jama (left) and Woods (right) will share the presenting duties as part of the new DAZN deal

The five-year contract, believed to be worth nine figures, does not yet include Joshua, who has a separate deal with Sky with one fight remaining on it.

‘Today is a monumental day for our business, our fighters and the sport of boxing in the UK,’ Hearn said at the time. ‘Our aim is to deliver a viewing experience that is truly game-changing.’

Any question marks over DAZN’s suitability have been eased following the star-studded announcement of presenters, pundits and commentators on Monday.

DAZN’s fight coverage will commence back at Matchroom HQ once again in Hearn’s back garden from July 31 when Conor Benn takes on Adrian Granados. 

Chris Lloyd, a familiar face with Matchroom's coverage, said it is 'mad' to be involved again

Chris Lloyd, a familiar face with Matchroom’s coverage, said it is ‘mad’ to be involved again

Conor Benn has signed a five-fight deal with Matchroom and will be the first show up on DAZN

Conor Benn has signed a five-fight deal with Matchroom and will be the first show up on DAZN 

DAZN broadcasts in more than 200 territories worldwide and Hearn sees the new deal as a way to build the profiles of lesser-known British fighters to allow them to fight abroad.

Benn, 24, who will headline the first show, is one of this country’s most improved fighters and his new five-bout deal with Matchroom could take him towards the world title via Spain, Mexico and even Australia.

‘He is someone who will benefit from the international schedule,’ Hearn said of Benn, the son of British legend Nigel Benn, who grew up between Mallorca and Down Under.

‘He is perfect for the US shows, he is Spanish-speaking so I would love to take him to Mexico and link him up with Canelo and Eddie Reynoso on one of their shows. 

‘He can box in Spain, in Australia where his old man is based so I really see him as a future global star. He is right up the top there in terms of ratings.’

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