Sports fans in Ireland were given the good news this afternoon that the global streaming service DAZN will extend their presence to more than 200 countries, including Ireland.
The so-called 'Netflix of sport', this move will see DAZN launch in both Ireland and the UK in early May.
With an initial focus on spreading their growing hold over the sport of boxing, it is expected that Irish fans who subscribe to the new service will gain access to Canelo Alvarez's fight on 2 May. This is likely to see the Mexican come face to face with England's Billy Joe Saunders.
With exclusive broadcasting rights over fight cards promoted by GGG Promotions, Matchroom Boxing USA and Golden Boy Promotions, the news will come of particular interest to Irish fight fans.
Katie Taylor, a Matchroom USA fighter, will fight predominantly on DAZN as a result of the agreement. She will be joined by the likes of Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin on what is likely to be a packed year of elite boxing action.
"Beginning this spring, most of the world will have access to DAZN and its unmatched schedule of boxing events," remarked DAZN Group Executive Chairman John Skipper in a statement released on Monday afternoon. "Our roster of championship fighters represents some of the world’s most popular athletes and we’ll be working with them to stage spectacular international events for years to come."
In reality, this is only likely to be the beginning of DAZN's move into the sports market in Ireland. Once established, it is likely that the company may target the Premier League broadcasting rights currently held by Sky and BT Sport.
Furthermore, for those willing to subscribe right from the off, DAZN promise an ever-growing archive of classic fights, athlete features and a slate of original programming. The issue of pricing is yet to be determined.
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