ITV set to clinch Amir Khan Stateside fight

ITV is set to clinch the TV rights for boxer Amir Khan’s debut fight in America, according to reports.

The Manchester-born WBA light-welterweight champion will fight Paulie Malignaggi at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday 15th May.

ITV had done away with boxing after poor ratings but it looks like the channel will make a u-turn on its decision and acquire the rights after talks broke down with Sky Sports. The broadcaster was hoping to show the Amir Khan fight along with Kevin Mitchell’s showdown with Michael Katsidis on its Sky Box Office channel.

ITV is now readying itself for a ratings feast but this could be dampened because of the five-hour time difference with New York. The fight may not start in the UK until 01:00. However, talks are still ongoing between Amir and his US promoters Golden Boy to bring forward the ring time by an hour to start at midnight UK time.