Top Rank’s deal with ESPN is set to expire in the summer of 2025, sparking speculation about where the promotional powerhouse will end up next. While there’s no confirmation yet, Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn is welcoming the idea of Top Rank possibly joining DAZN, where Matchroom and Golden Boy Promotions are already established.
Hearn’s stance is clear: “The more the merrier.” Rather than seeing Top Rank as a competitor for DAZN’s budget, Hearn believes having more top promoters on the same platform will only strengthen DAZN’s overall product.
“The better the offering, the more subscribers DAZN can attract,” he said. For Hearn, the collaboration means bigger budgets, better shows, and more exposure for fighters. This approach could help DAZN continue to grow its influence in the boxing world.
Interestingly, Hearn and Queensberry Promotions have already started working together more frequently, largely thanks to the financial backing of Turki Alalshikh through Riyadh Season. Hearn sees the removal of “network politics” as a way to set up more significant matchups between their respective stables.
On Top Rank’s side, president Todd DuBoef has hinted at exploring multiple broadcasting partners after their ESPN deal ends. DuBoef emphasized that ESPN remains a valued partner but noted that the landscape is changing, with sports leagues like the NBA and NFL utilizing multiple broadcast deals. Top Rank could explore a similar strategy, balancing both legacy media and streaming platforms like DAZN.
Read more about what’s Todd Duborf’s stance on the broadcasting question here.
Image Credit: DAZN