Joshua fight on BBC Radio 5 Live as station secures knockout boxing deal

BBC Radio 5 Live has secured exclusive radio rights to a bumper package of boxing fights including the year’s most anticipated contest between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz.

5 Live’s boxing team of Mike Costello and Steve Bunce will provide unrivalled blow-by-blow commentary of the heavyweight world title rematch. In addition, 5 Live will bring listeners the rematch between social media stars KSI v Logan Paul, along with a selection of special BBC Sounds content prior to the fight. The station will also broadcast Katie Taylor’s fight against Christina Linardatou.

The fight between Andy Ruiz and Anthony Joshua is on December 7^th. It follows the shock victory for Ruiz over Joshua in June of this year. The rematch in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia promises to be one of the boxing spectacles of the year as Joshua hopes to regain his world heavyweight titles.

Before then on November 2^nd, BBC Radio 5 Live will broadcast exclusive live radio commentary of Katie Taylor’s WBO World Super-Lightweight Championship fight with Christina Linardatou. Making history as the first woman boxer to headline a major arena, the fight could see Taylor become a two-weight world champion.

After one of the most hotly discussed and controversial fights in 2018, the rematch between YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul will also be broadcast live on November 9^th from Staples Centre, LA. Two of the most well-known YouTube personalities, KSI and Logan Paul’s rivalry has been one of the most talked about internet rivalries of the past two years.

From Liverpool Arena on Saturday 23^rd November, BBC Radio 5 Live will also provide live coverage of Callum Smith’s defence of his WBA World, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight title against challenger John Ryder.

Head of BBC Radio Sport Ben Gallop says: “Joshua’s rematch against Andy Ruiz is one of the most anticipated moments in boxing this year. Everyone wants to know how AJ will respond to that shock defeat, so we’re delighted 5 Live’s award-winning boxing team will be there to bring it all to life. We’ll be covering some other fascinating bouts too, including that intriguing match-up between KSI and Logan Paul, which has captured the imagination of audiences way beyond the traditional boxing heartland.”