Following Showtime Exit Announcement, $188.12 Billion Worth Network Emerges as New Broadcaster in Boxing, Rumored to Feature Jake Paul

It’s been a shocker of a week for every boxing fan. The boxing world is still recovering from the Tyson Fury–Francis Ngannou fiasco. However, the news making the rounds has been Showtime‘s exit from boxing. But just when everyone started bracing themselves for the end of a 37-year relationship, the report of a $188.12 billion behemoth seemingly making an entry into live boxing shows has been catching everyone’s attention.

According to a story published in the Wall Street Journal yesterday, Netflix is reportedly considering dipping its toes into the waters of live sports streaming. If everything turns out as planned, it might well be inaugurated with a boxing match featuring none other than ‘The Problem Child’ Jake Paul. Additionally, another event seems to be in the offing. It could feature boxers from the PBC stable.

Showtime’s departure could ring in a new era

It was sometime in mid-October that all boxing fans woke up with the jolting update. Paramount Global, Showtime’s parent company, made it official. The network would cease broadcasting boxing events effectively by the end of 2023. For all those who remember, during its 37-year journey, Showtime Championship Boxing aired some of the greatest boxing bouts of the day.

So per the available reports, Showtime still has parting gifts to offer its viewers. It has two more shows to air. The first one, scheduled for November 25, would be telecast through PPV. Premium Cable Network would do the honors for the second show dated December 16.

It should be noted that Al Haymon‘s PBC has been a consistent source of programming for Showtime for many years. The promotion boasts superstars like Canelo Alvarez, Gervonta Davis, Deontay Wilder, and Errol Spence Jr., to name a few on its rolls. It is reportedly talking to Amazon and DAZN as they start preparing a schedule for their 2024 events.

It remains a fact that established names like Showtime are leaving boxing. However, new entrants will keep popping up to explore the opportunities. For instance, NBC and UK-based promotions BOXXER have joined hands. It would give the former exclusive rights to livestream the latter’s boxing shows.

‘The Problem Child’s Unpredictable Trajectory

As far as Jake Paul is concerned, he has a boxing match scheduled for December 15. He fought former UFC legend Nate Diaz on August 5 and defeated him unanimously. For the upcoming bout, the opponent’s name has yet to be confirmed. The YouTuber-turned-boxer has been nursing a longtime ambition of fighting Canelo Alvarez, arguably the ‘face of current boxing,’ just like how his brother Logan Paul fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. two years ago.

It remains to be seen whether the undisputed Super Middleweight champion would fight an influencer boxer. However, in the meantime, reports have started filtering in of Paul accepting a mixed martial arts fight with Diaz. It shouldn’t be forgotten that the Ohioan signed a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in January this year.

Read More: If $2.2 Billion Network Showtime Sports Shutting Down Boxing PPV Rumors Are True, It’ll Change the Entire Sport for Better or Worse

What’s your take? The entry of new and more players into the live boxing business would be good for the sport in the long run. Please share your views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Jake Paul rejects boxing rematch but accepts To meet Nate Diaz in Octagon