KUALA LUMPUR: Fight promoters MP Promotions and Events has appointed Havas Sports & Entertainment, a division of Havas Media Asia Pacific, as international media rights and commercial partner for the upcoming “Fight of Champions” World Boxing Association (WBA) Welterweight Championship featuring Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao and Argentinian “knockout artist” Lucas Matthysse on 15 July.
The deal covers worldwide distribution across the Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and Africa and includes media rights across all platforms and devices including television, broadband, mobile, radio and in-flight rights.
In addition, Havas Sports & Entertainment will also oversee a comprehensive range of sponsorship opportunities for the championship. This includes the marketing rights of Pacquiao and Matthysse, event and venue branding, as well as on-air sponsorship.
MP Promotions and Events’ Arnold Vegafria, head of Sales and Marketing, noted: “We are pleased to collaborate with Havas Media Asia Pacific, who is an important player in the media industry. This media distribution partnership underlines our commitment to leverage on this world-class sports event to raise Malaysia’s profile and bolster international tourism in major strategic territories worldwide.”
Melvin Lim, CEO of Havas Sports & Entertainment, APAC, said: “We are delighted to partner MPKL to distribute the Manny Pacquiao versus Lucas Matthysse fight across the world. We are committed to tap on our international network to expand the reach of this event and break into key markets as well as grow new audiences for the sport. This premium fight also offers brands the opportunity to be associated with a legendary boxer like Pacquiao, and showcase Malaysia as a premium venue for world-class sporting events.”
Pacquiao, 39, who has won eight world titles in a record eight weight divisions, will take on 35-year-old Matthysse, who has 39 wins, including 36 by knockout, against four defeats.
