Top Rank, MTK Global reach multi-year deal to air fights on ESPN

ESPN is now reporting that Top Rank has finalized a multi-year agreement with management company MTK Global to air its events through ESPN’s platforms — most of which will be streamed on ESPN+. The deal will provide MTK with a platform for 30 cards a year, most of which will come from the U.K. and Ireland, although other specifics regarding the deal have not been released.

Top Rank’s Bob Arum shared these thoughts on the new deal:

“MTK Global manages a vast number of A-list fighters from around the globe,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said. “This deal will enable Top Rank, through the ESPN family of networks, to afford viewers in the United States the opportunity to see these great fighters perform.”

Meanwhile MTK’s Sandra Vaughan expressed her excitement for her fighter’s now being offered a new level of exposure.

“This is a very proud day as MTK Global partners with the biggest and best in the industry to expand the audiences for our incredible fighters,” MTK Global CEO Sandra Vaughan said. “Our sole mission has, and always will be, to afford every possible opportunity we can to the athletes we represent, and this partnership really cements that.”

MTK rose to prominence overseas over the past several years and now represents the likes of Tyson Fury, Carl Frampton, Billy Joe Saunders, and prospect Michael Conlan among many others. Top Rank says the MTK cards air on ESPN platforms in addition to their own cards already airing on the network.