Boxxer sign DAZN deal, Williamson-Simpson rematch set for August 8

Boxxer have struck a multi-fight deal with DAZN, with the partnership launching August 8 when Troy Williamson defends his British and Commonwealth middleweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super middleweight titles against Callum Simpson in a rematch.

Bad Left Hook reports that further details of the streaming agreement will be announced Wednesday. The BBC arrangement Boxxer signed after leaving Sky Sports appears set to continue, likely covering lower-budget domestic cards while DAZN handles bigger fights that exceed BBC's financial scope. The DAZN pact also gives Boxxer a U.S. distribution outlet for the first time since a short-lived Peacock deal ended during the Sky era.

Williamson upset derailed Simpson in December

The rematch comes roughly eight months after Williamson stopped Simpson in the 10th round last December, claiming the British, Commonwealth, and European straps in an upset. Williamson, who had dropped four of six heading into that fight and looked like a fading gatekeeper, wobbled Simpson late and forced the stoppage at First Direct Arena in Leeds. Neither man has fought since.

Williamson will defend the British and Commonwealth belts but not the European title. EBU rules prohibit direct rematches for European straps, and that belt will be contested June 19 in Spain between Jose Luis Navarro Jr and Oliver Zaren. Williamson enters 22-4-1 with 16 knockouts; Simpson is 18-1 with 13 stoppages.

Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom has also filed suit in the UK over Zuffa Boxing allegedly poaching contracted fighters, with Eddie Hearn backing Shalom's claims publicly. The first bell for Williamson-Simpson 2 rings August 8 on DAZN.

Original reporting:

• badlefthook.com — Boxxer sign deal with DAZN, Williamson vs Simpson rematch set | Bad Left Hook