EPIX will show Carl Froch vs. Lucian Bute

Quote :

EPIX has officially announced that a deal was finalized to secure the American television rights for the anticipated fight between IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute (30-0, 24 KOs) and challenger Carl Froch (28-2, 20 KOs). The bout takes place on May 26th in Froch's backyard of Nottingham. Bute, who has an exclusive television deal with Showtime, was forced to find an alternative American outlet when Showtime, and HBO, took a pass on the opportunity to televise the fight with Froch. Bute is still contractually obligated for one more fight with Showtime.

http://www.boxingscene.com/bute-vs-froch-showdown-land-on-epix-on-26th--51345

Showtime and HBO are silly for passing on this.

damn, no love.

I understand if Showtime wants to save Bute last fight for Ward, but i'm surprised this fight could not get higher profile distribution.

Quote :

Although the Lucian Bute-Carl Froch super middleweight title bout is one of the most significant fights on the boxing schedule, Showtime didn't want the fight and even allowed Bute, whom it has under contract, a one-fight out to take it elsewhere. Also showing no interest was HBO, which has a full spring schedule and wasn't particularly interested in helping build up Bute for Showtime.

But premium network Epix was interested from the start, and this week it landed exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to the May 26 bout that will take place in Nottingham, England, Froch's hometown. Epix will televise the fight live and offer a live stream on EpixHD.com. As has become custom, Epix also will simulcast the fight on the jumbotron in New York's Times Square.

Bute (30-0, 24 KOs), a native of Romania who has fought mostly in his adopted hometown of Montreal, recently became a Canadian citizen. For his first bout since -- his 10th title defense -- Bute, who has been criticized in some quarters for defending his title only in Quebec, is leaving the comforts of home to fight in Froch's hometown.

"I am very pleased that boxing fans in the United States won't miss this war between Carl Froch and me," Bute said.

Froch (28-2, 20 KOs), a former two-time super middleweight titlist, will be facing Bute in his first fight since losing a decision to Andre Ward in a title-unification bout in Showtime's Super Six World Boxing Classic final in December.

Said Froch: "I'm thrilled that Epix has taken on my fight with Lucian. I have a lot of fans across the pond, and it is important that they get to see this fight live. It's going to be a great atmosphere in my hometown on the night because it's been so long since I've boxed there, and I think people will be impressed at the noise and passion my fans show when they turn out in force. Along with the class inside the ring on the night, it's going to be a must-see event."

Dont get EPIX