UTV Ireland have announced they have secured the exclusive rights to broadcast Belfast boxer Carl Frampton’s world title defence on February 28.
The fight, against Chris Avalos in Belfast’s Odyssey Arena, will be Frampton’s first defence of the World Super Bantamweight title he won in September 2014.
Frampton’s mentor, boxing legend Barry McGuigan welcomed the news.
“This is a great day for Carl and a great day for the sport of boxing,” McGuigan said. “
We are delighted that UTV Ireland will be bringing World Championship boxing to fans across the Republic of Ireland.”
Managing Director of UTV Ireland Michael Wilson said the channel were keen to be involved in broadcasting sporting events.
“We are delighted to have secured exclusive broadcasting rights for what is guaranteed to be an exciting battle between our own Carl Frampton and Chris Avalos,”Wilson said.
“UTV Ireland is looking at all sports broadcasting rights, on a case by case basis. We are very proud to be supporting this fantastic young athlete and providing exclusive coverage of such a large scale event, to our audiences.”