Colin Nathan: DAZN deal a game-changer for SA boxers

Speaking from his Hotbox gym, Nathan announced that DAZN would be part of the UP-RISING show for Boxing 5 Promotions, which is set to take place at the Boxing Camp in Booysens, Johannesburg, on 13 July. 

He says this is a golden opportunity for South African boxers to showcase their talent to the world right from their own backyard.

"It's a big move, which gives South African fighters a chance to be seen and heard on the African continent and internationally," Nathan told SABC Sport.

"This is the first time that Sub-Sahara is actually going to be doing a live DAZN event, and it's going to go globally. There was DAZN in South Africa recently, but there was a geo-block on Sub-Saharan Africa. 

"So this is the first time it's actually going throughout the territories in Africa and globally, and I'm very excited about this."

The deal follows Boxing South Africa's recent announcement that it has reached out to different broadcasters to improve the state of boxing in the country, and Nathan says there are plans for a long-term deal beyond this tournament.

"The turnaround time on this was actually 13 days, to a point where I reached out, we had the meeting, got everything done and over the lines – graphics and everything sorted, and here we are, contract was signed this morning," he explained

"I think this is just the first step. We're looking at doing a long-term deal with DAZN, they are obviously very excited [because] they've been eyeing Africa for a long time already.

"So it's just great to put all the pieces of the puzzle together to get this over the line, and obviously now produce on 13 July."

READ: Colin Nathan cries foul over poor running of boxing in South Africa