US boxing fans are bracing for a potential $45 PPV to watch the UK’s undefeated heavyweight Moses Itauma (20) face American veteran Jermaine Franklin, fearing the Briton will be the first official pay-per-view launch under DAZN’s controversial Ultimate plan. The bout is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, airing live exclusively on DAZN. With the DAZN Ultimate plan costing up to £22.99 per month in the UK and $44.99 in the US, and promising at least 12 PPV fights per year, fans are already concerned that the Itauma vs. Franklin card may mark the beginning of a costly new $45 per PPV model that was previously expected to make boxing more accessible. Moses Itauma: The UK Heavyweight Rising Star Itauma, the UK’s rising heavyweight and “wrecking machine,” enters the bout with a perfect 13-0 record (11 KOs), showcasing blistering hand speed and punishing power. With world title ambitions firmly in his sights, Itauma has already been linked to future clashes with elite heavyweights such as Oleksandr Usyk and British powerhouse Fabio Wardley. For now, Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) stands in the way—a seasoned American campaigner coming off three consecutive wins. Franklin’s only losses came on UK soil, against Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua, both by decision, making him a credible, experienced test for the young Brit. Placing this event on a PPV would almost certainly signal a long tenure on the paid platform for Itauma. If confirmed, every bout topped by the young star is likely to fall under the DAZN Ultimate plan. Fan Concerns Over DAZN Ultimate Pricing and Balance While the new Ultimate plan offers premium features, including HDR streaming, Dolby sound, and exclusive content, the focus for most fans remains firmly on the price. The introduction of this costly tier has many boxing enthusiasts questioning the streaming giant’s commitment to accessibility. A comment sourced from Reddit’s r/Boxing forum summed up the widespread feeling: “We pay the subscription already; they need to pick a lane and stop charging us double.” The concern is particularly sharp for highly relevant British domestic shows. Another long-time subscriber on a forum added: “If this Itauma fight, which most US fans haven’t heard of, is PPV, I can’t justify paying $45 a month for fights like this.” This highlights the difficulty for internationally developing fighters to justify the steep PPV cost for a U.S. audience. US fans are already juggling multiple streaming accounts. What was expected to be a PPV-free era, following comments from Turki Alalshikh about boxing’s future, has instead seen DAZN roll out a model requiring fans to pay more. DAZN has defended the Ultimate tier, stating it is designed for the “hardcore fan” who demands the highest quality broadcasts and access to all premium events. Itauma vs. Franklin Undercard: The Magnificent Seven The card’s undercard is stacked with notable domestic matchups to make up the ‘Magnificent Seven’ tagline. All bouts have something different to offer fans who make the journey to Manchester. Light Heavyweight Clash: Willy Hutchinson (19-2, 14 KOs) vs. Ezra Taylor (13-0, 9 KOs). Featherweight Showdown: British and Commonwealth champion Zak Miller (17-1, 3 KOs) faces Liam Davies (17-1, 8 KOs), a former IBO world, British, and European champion at super bantamweight. Middleweight Spotlight: WBO Global champion Shakiel Thompson (15-0, 11 KOs) meets former British champion Brad Pauls (20-2-1, 11 KOs). 160lb Bout: Local favourite Nathan Heaney (19-1-1, 6 KOs) returns to the ring against Welsh southpaw Gerome Warburton (16-2-2, 2 KOs). Lightweight Contests: Alex Murphy (14-2) vs. English champion Josh Holmes (17-0, 6 KOs), and Aqib Fiaz (14-1, 2 KOs) vs. Jordan Flynn (12-1-1, 2 KOs). A Statement Fight for Itauma For Moses Itauma, this isn’t just another victory on his record. It’s a chance to prove he belongs among the division’s elite and to make a statement in front of a home crowd. If Itauma performs with the expected dominance, the victory will significantly increase his global recognition and validate his fast-track toward a world title shot. The fight would become more than a competition—it would be a test of Itauma’s mettle, and a dramatic preview of how boxing’s global audience will receive the new DAZN Ultimate era. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

Boxing fans are being asked to shell out $449.99 upfront for DAZN Ultimate, a new subscription tier promising 12 pay-per-view events per year — a claim no year in boxing history has ever matched. From the first payment, DAZN Ultimate’s ambitious promise raises eyebrows: the package costs $44.99 per month in the United States, totaling $539.88 annually, or the discounted upfront rate of $449.99. DAZN claims this package “saves fans more than £320 per year” compared to buying all PPVs individually. The History of Boxing’s Annual PPVs However, critics, including WBN, argue that it is effectively a rebranded PPV system, now wrapped in a mandatory, high-cost subscription model. The plan guarantees at least 12 PPV events a year, but as longtime boxing journalist Steve Kim recently noted, there were far more stars around ten or fifteen years ago, and no single calendar year ever held 12 high-quality PPV events. “I wanted to see how many PPV shows HBO did in its glory days. Well, from 2006 to 2008, they averaged just 8.3 PPVs per year,” said Kim. “In 06 and 07, they had nine each, and in 2008, there were seven. There was also a good number of smaller independent PPV cards (stuff like ‘Pinoy Power’ and ‘Latin Fury’ from Top Rank). Now, this was an era that had stars like Mayweather, Pacquiao, De La Hoya, Cotto, Mosley, Barrera, Marquez, Morales, RJ, and Fernando Vargas. HBO had a much larger reach to US boxing fans than DAZN at the moment, I think most would agree. Are there really 12 truly worth PPV events in 2025?” HBO’s golden-era stars never delivered 12 PPVs in a single year. In that case, it raises doubts about DAZN Ultimate’s promise for 2025, even with early marquee fights announced, including Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn II on Nov 15, David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde (Ring IV: Night of Champions) on Nov 22, and Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso (Ring V: Night of the Samurai) on Dec 27. The Math: Comparing DAZN’s 12-PPV Promise to Boxing History Historical research strongly backs this caution. Peak boxing eras struggled to reach the 12-event benchmark, even with deep rosters of global stars, making DAZN’s promise of a dozen premium events a striking commitment the sport has never seen before. While they do put on some marquee fights, history suggests executing a full calendar of 12 consistently premium events in a single year will be difficult, particularly given the thinning pool of global superstar talent. Subscribers have reacted strongly on social media, accusing DAZN of “corporate trickery” and repackaging PPVs under a new name. DAZN CEO Shay Segev defended the move as an “evolution of pay-per-view that will make boxing more accessible.” Global Reach and Future Risks With November and December stacked with major cards, DAZN is asking fans to commit hundreds of dollars upfront to a model with uncertain long-term returns, risking alienation of its core audience. The subscription pricing mirrors the £450/year rate in the UK, and similar high rates are being implemented in Canada and Australia, reinforcing the global financial commitment. DAZN Ultimate may promise more fights, but expecting 12 consistently top-tier PPVs in a single year is unprecedented. Fans should carefully consider this comparison before committing hundreds of dollars upfront for a boxing subscription that risks overpromising and underdelivering. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

Boxing fans are reeling again as DAZN’s small print quietly confirms that its controversial new DAZN Ultimate package will jump in price after December 1, 2025, effectively locking in the latest hike for those who don’t act within weeks. “Introductory Offer Until December 1” According to DAZN’s own pricing table, subscribers in the UK currently pay £22.99 per month, marked as an introductory offer for the first 12 months — but the fine print clearly states: This offer is an “Introductory offer for first 12 months, valid until December 1, 2025 (12 pm GMT). Standard rate of £24.99/month.” Fans looking to avoid the post-December increase should review their subscription before December 1, if they can afford to pay those kinds of prices. In the United States, DAZN Ultimate is listed at $44.99 per month, saving “more than $535 per year” — a substantial figure considering the same platform previously charged $19.99 per month before transitioning to a pay-per-view model. A price rise for those who don’t act by December 1 is not stated in the terms. DAZN also notes that the supposed “savings” are calculated by comparing 12 months of DAZN Monthly Flex plus 12 pay-per-view events against 12 months of DAZN Ultimate at launch price — essentially confirming that pay-per-view remains alive under a rebranded model. From PPV-Free Promises to Premium Pricing Just weeks after Turki Alalshikh declared the “end of pay-per-view boxing” under his Riyadh Season banner, DAZN has gone the opposite way — introducing what many fans are calling “pay-per-view with a membership fee.” Alalshikh had said in July, “Great meeting with my brother Shay, CEO of DAZN. We have big vision to grow boxing and decide: No More Pay-Per-View. Starting with our show in November, all Riyadh Season and The Ring events will be free to DAZN subscribers. The PPV model has damaged boxing, and we will no longer support it. We are with the fight fans.” That quote is fast becoming the hill that Turki may end up lying on with boxing fans in the future. DAZN US prices alone represent an annual cost of $539.88, or $449.99 upfront for those paying in advance—a figure that exceeds $500 once service fees are factored in. In the UK, loyal subscribers face a jump from the original £1.99 launch price to more than £300 per year — even before the post-December increase. “Comprehensive Boxing Ecosystem” or Rebranded PPV? DAZN’s marketing describes the plan as a “comprehensive boxing ecosystem” that “saves fans more than £320 per year.” But fans online aren’t buying it. On social media and forums, the reaction has been scathing: “We were told no more pay-per-view. Now it’s just PPV with a monthly tax,” one user wrote. Another commented that DAZN’s “savings math “only makes sense if you planned to buy every PPV already, which most fans didn’t.” The Bottom Line DAZN’s small print now confirms that the current £22.99 “offer” in the UK expires on December 1, 2025, when the £24.99 standard rate will apply — a subtle but significant price rise that many subscribers are likely to miss until their next renewal. In short: US: $44.99/month (>$535 per year) UK: £22.99/month rising to £24.99 after Dec 1 Other markets: From $19.99/month (>$175 per year) For fans, the message is clear — sign up before December 1 or pay more later. But for many, the question remains: why should they pay extra for what was meant to end pay-per-view altogether? About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

Boxing fans have been left stunned and furious after DAZN rolled out a massive subscription overhaul — turning what was expected to be a PPV-free era into a costly new plan that could see viewers paying over $500 a year. Just weeks after Turki Alalshikh declared the “end of pay-per-view boxing” under his global Riyadh Season banner, DAZN has gone in the opposite direction — unveiling DAZN Ultimate, a new tier costing $44.99 per month ($539.88 annually) in the United States and £22.99 monthly in the UK. The announcement lands like a body shot for loyal subscribers who believed the platform would finally include major fights at no extra cost. Instead, fans are being told to pay more for the privilege. From No PPV to $500 Per Year DAZN says Ultimate “saves fans more than £320 per year,” but the numbers tell a different story. For U.S. customers, the service is up nearly 140% year-on-year when factoring in the previous $224.99 annual total — and there’s no additional benefit beyond what was promised as free. The plan includes at least 12 pay-per-view fights per year — the same events many fans expected to be bundled in for nothing after Alalshikh’s sweeping statements on free global access through Riyadh Season promotions. Instead, DAZN has branded those same events as part of a “comprehensive boxing ecosystem,” introducing what critics are calling a rebranded PPV model with a subscription tax. Packed Schedule, Rising Prices Among the first fights in the new Ultimate package are: Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn II (Nov 15) David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde (Nov 22 – Ring IV: Night of Champions) Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso (Dec 27 – Ring V: Night of the Samurai) These are all high-caliber matchups — but they were expected to be included automatically for paying subscribers under the supposed “new boxing order.” Instead, those same fans now face paying nearly $300 more annually, compared to their previous DAZN bill, to keep access to the same fights. DAZN launched in the UK at an initial introductory price of just £1.99 per month. The cost for new customers was raised significantly to £7.99 per month after securing an exclusive deal with Matchroom Boxing. Since then, the UK price has been steadily rising to £24.99 per month (as of October/November 2025). As for the United States, the larger territory has always been expected to pay more, topping out at $29.99. Fan Backlash Grows The reaction to another hike across forums and social media has been scathing. Longtime subscribers accused DAZN of “corporate trickery” and “repackaging PPV under a different name.” One user wrote, “We were told no more pay-per-view. Now it’s just PPV with a membership fee. It’s insulting.” DAZN CEO Shay Segev, who met with Turki Alalshikh in July as part of the meeting to ‘remove PPV charges,’ defended the move, calling it “an evolution of pay-per-view that will make boxing more accessible.” However, critics argue that it’s merely a means to bundle the exact charges together under a different guise. He added, “When DAZN entered boxing, we immediately challenged the status quo by bringing some of the biggest fights in the sport exclusively to streaming. We are shaking things up once again with DAZN Ultimate.” Compared to Amazon Prime Video, for instance, DAZN’s price increases are not on par with those of any other platform on the market. In fact, they are lightyears above. Marketing Spin vs. Reality DAZN Ultimate does include features like Dolby 5.1 surround sound and HDR. However, most fans view those as minor upgrades when considering what has been described as crystal-clear, yet sub-par punditry and analysis as an extra insult on top. The company insists the plan offers “more choice” and “unrivalled content value,” including a mix of live fight nights, classic archives, and shoulder programming. However, for fans hoping Alalshikh’s promise of a post-PPV era would ripple across the sport, DAZN’s move signals a return to the old system — albeit at a higher cost. It is also worth noting that DAZN states in the small print, “Introductory offer for first 12 months, valid until Dec 1 2025 (12 pm GMT). Standard rate of £24.99 / month,” meaning another increase could be on the way in 2026. A Tough Sell for Boxing’s Biggest Month With November and December stacked with major cards — including Eubank-Benn II, Benavidez-Yarde, Inoue-Picasso, and Jack-Mikaelian II — the timing couldn’t be worse. Many believe DAZN’s pricing gamble could backfire, as viewers already juggle multiple subscriptions for sports, streaming, and entertainment ahead of the holiday season. DAZN promised boxing’s future. Instead, fans are being asked to bankroll it. As one user put it: “Boxing was supposed to be for the fans. Now it’s for whoever doesn’t max their credit card out first.” Whether DAZN’s gamble pays off or alienates its core audience remains to be seen, but for now, the gloves are off between the platform and its own paying fans. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

US boxing fans are bracing for a potential $45 PPV to watch the UK’s undefeated heavyweight Moses Itauma (20) face American veteran Jermaine Franklin, fearing the Briton will be the first official pay-per-view launch under DAZN’s controversial Ultimate plan. The bout is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, airing live exclusively on DAZN. With the DAZN Ultimate plan costing up to £22.99 per month in the UK and $44.99 in the US, and promising at least 12 PPV fights per year, fans are already concerned that the Itauma vs. Franklin card may mark the beginning of a costly new $45 per PPV model that was previously expected to make boxing more accessible. Moses Itauma: The UK Heavyweight Rising Star Itauma, the UK’s rising heavyweight and “wrecking machine,” enters the bout with a perfect 13-0 record (11 KOs), showcasing blistering hand speed and punishing power. With world title ambitions firmly in his sights, Itauma has already been linked to future clashes with elite heavyweights such as Oleksandr Usyk and British powerhouse Fabio Wardley. For now, Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs) stands in the way—a seasoned American campaigner coming off three consecutive wins. Franklin’s only losses came on UK soil, against Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua, both by decision, making him a credible, experienced test for the young Brit. Placing this event on a PPV would almost certainly signal a long tenure on the paid platform for Itauma. If confirmed, every bout topped by the young star is likely to fall under the DAZN Ultimate plan. Fan Concerns Over DAZN Ultimate Pricing and Balance While the new Ultimate plan offers premium features, including HDR streaming, Dolby sound, and exclusive content, the focus for most fans remains firmly on the price. The introduction of this costly tier has many boxing enthusiasts questioning the streaming giant’s commitment to accessibility. A comment sourced from Reddit’s r/Boxing forum summed up the widespread feeling: “We pay the subscription already; they need to pick a lane and stop charging us double.” The concern is particularly sharp for highly relevant British domestic shows. Another long-time subscriber on a forum added: “If this Itauma fight, which most US fans haven’t heard of, is PPV, I can’t justify paying $45 a month for fights like this.” This highlights the difficulty for internationally developing fighters to justify the steep PPV cost for a U.S. audience. US fans are already juggling multiple streaming accounts. What was expected to be a PPV-free era, following comments from Turki Alalshikh about boxing’s future, has instead seen DAZN roll out a model requiring fans to pay more. DAZN has defended the Ultimate tier, stating it is designed for the “hardcore fan” who demands the highest quality broadcasts and access to all premium events. Itauma vs. Franklin Undercard: The Magnificent Seven The card’s undercard is stacked with notable domestic matchups to make up the ‘Magnificent Seven’ tagline. All bouts have something different to offer fans who make the journey to Manchester. Light Heavyweight Clash: Willy Hutchinson (19-2, 14 KOs) vs. Ezra Taylor (13-0, 9 KOs). Featherweight Showdown: British and Commonwealth champion Zak Miller (17-1, 3 KOs) faces Liam Davies (17-1, 8 KOs), a former IBO world, British, and European champion at super bantamweight. Middleweight Spotlight: WBO Global champion Shakiel Thompson (15-0, 11 KOs) meets former British champion Brad Pauls (20-2-1, 11 KOs). 160lb Bout: Local favourite Nathan Heaney (19-1-1, 6 KOs) returns to the ring against Welsh southpaw Gerome Warburton (16-2-2, 2 KOs). Lightweight Contests: Alex Murphy (14-2) vs. English champion Josh Holmes (17-0, 6 KOs), and Aqib Fiaz (14-1, 2 KOs) vs. Jordan Flynn (12-1-1, 2 KOs). A Statement Fight for Itauma For Moses Itauma, this isn’t just another victory on his record. It’s a chance to prove he belongs among the division’s elite and to make a statement in front of a home crowd. If Itauma performs with the expected dominance, the victory will significantly increase his global recognition and validate his fast-track toward a world title shot. The fight would become more than a competition—it would be a test of Itauma’s mettle, and a dramatic preview of how boxing’s global audience will receive the new DAZN Ultimate era. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

Boxing fans are being asked to shell out $449.99 upfront for DAZN Ultimate, a new subscription tier promising 12 pay-per-view events per year — a claim no year in boxing history has ever matched. From the first payment, DAZN Ultimate’s ambitious promise raises eyebrows: the package costs $44.99 per month in the United States, totaling $539.88 annually, or the discounted upfront rate of $449.99. DAZN claims this package “saves fans more than £320 per year” compared to buying all PPVs individually. The History of Boxing’s Annual PPVs However, critics, including WBN, argue that it is effectively a rebranded PPV system, now wrapped in a mandatory, high-cost subscription model. The plan guarantees at least 12 PPV events a year, but as longtime boxing journalist Steve Kim recently noted, there were far more stars around ten or fifteen years ago, and no single calendar year ever held 12 high-quality PPV events. “I wanted to see how many PPV shows HBO did in its glory days. Well, from 2006 to 2008, they averaged just 8.3 PPVs per year,” said Kim. “In 06 and 07, they had nine each, and in 2008, there were seven. There was also a good number of smaller independent PPV cards (stuff like ‘Pinoy Power’ and ‘Latin Fury’ from Top Rank). Now, this was an era that had stars like Mayweather, Pacquiao, De La Hoya, Cotto, Mosley, Barrera, Marquez, Morales, RJ, and Fernando Vargas. HBO had a much larger reach to US boxing fans than DAZN at the moment, I think most would agree. Are there really 12 truly worth PPV events in 2025?” HBO’s golden-era stars never delivered 12 PPVs in a single year. In that case, it raises doubts about DAZN Ultimate’s promise for 2025, even with early marquee fights announced, including Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn II on Nov 15, David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde (Ring IV: Night of Champions) on Nov 22, and Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso (Ring V: Night of the Samurai) on Dec 27. The Math: Comparing DAZN’s 12-PPV Promise to Boxing History Historical research strongly backs this caution. Peak boxing eras struggled to reach the 12-event benchmark, even with deep rosters of global stars, making DAZN’s promise of a dozen premium events a striking commitment the sport has never seen before. While they do put on some marquee fights, history suggests executing a full calendar of 12 consistently premium events in a single year will be difficult, particularly given the thinning pool of global superstar talent. Subscribers have reacted strongly on social media, accusing DAZN of “corporate trickery” and repackaging PPVs under a new name. DAZN CEO Shay Segev defended the move as an “evolution of pay-per-view that will make boxing more accessible.” Global Reach and Future Risks With November and December stacked with major cards, DAZN is asking fans to commit hundreds of dollars upfront to a model with uncertain long-term returns, risking alienation of its core audience. The subscription pricing mirrors the £450/year rate in the UK, and similar high rates are being implemented in Canada and Australia, reinforcing the global financial commitment. DAZN Ultimate may promise more fights, but expecting 12 consistently top-tier PPVs in a single year is unprecedented. Fans should carefully consider this comparison before committing hundreds of dollars upfront for a boxing subscription that risks overpromising and underdelivering. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

Boxing fans are reeling again as DAZN’s small print quietly confirms that its controversial new DAZN Ultimate package will jump in price after December 1, 2025, effectively locking in the latest hike for those who don’t act within weeks. “Introductory Offer Until December 1” According to DAZN’s own pricing table, subscribers in the UK currently pay £22.99 per month, marked as an introductory offer for the first 12 months — but the fine print clearly states: This offer is an “Introductory offer for first 12 months, valid until December 1, 2025 (12 pm GMT). Standard rate of £24.99/month.” Fans looking to avoid the post-December increase should review their subscription before December 1, if they can afford to pay those kinds of prices. In the United States, DAZN Ultimate is listed at $44.99 per month, saving “more than $535 per year” — a substantial figure considering the same platform previously charged $19.99 per month before transitioning to a pay-per-view model. A price rise for those who don’t act by December 1 is not stated in the terms. DAZN also notes that the supposed “savings” are calculated by comparing 12 months of DAZN Monthly Flex plus 12 pay-per-view events against 12 months of DAZN Ultimate at launch price — essentially confirming that pay-per-view remains alive under a rebranded model. From PPV-Free Promises to Premium Pricing Just weeks after Turki Alalshikh declared the “end of pay-per-view boxing” under his Riyadh Season banner, DAZN has gone the opposite way — introducing what many fans are calling “pay-per-view with a membership fee.” Alalshikh had said in July, “Great meeting with my brother Shay, CEO of DAZN. We have big vision to grow boxing and decide: No More Pay-Per-View. Starting with our show in November, all Riyadh Season and The Ring events will be free to DAZN subscribers. The PPV model has damaged boxing, and we will no longer support it. We are with the fight fans.” That quote is fast becoming the hill that Turki may end up lying on with boxing fans in the future. DAZN US prices alone represent an annual cost of $539.88, or $449.99 upfront for those paying in advance—a figure that exceeds $500 once service fees are factored in. In the UK, loyal subscribers face a jump from the original £1.99 launch price to more than £300 per year — even before the post-December increase. “Comprehensive Boxing Ecosystem” or Rebranded PPV? DAZN’s marketing describes the plan as a “comprehensive boxing ecosystem” that “saves fans more than £320 per year.” But fans online aren’t buying it. On social media and forums, the reaction has been scathing: “We were told no more pay-per-view. Now it’s just PPV with a monthly tax,” one user wrote. Another commented that DAZN’s “savings math “only makes sense if you planned to buy every PPV already, which most fans didn’t.” The Bottom Line DAZN’s small print now confirms that the current £22.99 “offer” in the UK expires on December 1, 2025, when the £24.99 standard rate will apply — a subtle but significant price rise that many subscribers are likely to miss until their next renewal. In short: US: $44.99/month (>$535 per year) UK: £22.99/month rising to £24.99 after Dec 1 Other markets: From $19.99/month (>$175 per year) For fans, the message is clear — sign up before December 1 or pay more later. But for many, the question remains: why should they pay extra for what was meant to end pay-per-view altogether? About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

Boxing fans have been left stunned and furious after DAZN rolled out a massive subscription overhaul — turning what was expected to be a PPV-free era into a costly new plan that could see viewers paying over $500 a year. Just weeks after Turki Alalshikh declared the “end of pay-per-view boxing” under his global Riyadh Season banner, DAZN has gone in the opposite direction — unveiling DAZN Ultimate, a new tier costing $44.99 per month ($539.88 annually) in the United States and £22.99 monthly in the UK. The announcement lands like a body shot for loyal subscribers who believed the platform would finally include major fights at no extra cost. Instead, fans are being told to pay more for the privilege. From No PPV to $500 Per Year DAZN says Ultimate “saves fans more than £320 per year,” but the numbers tell a different story. For U.S. customers, the service is up nearly 140% year-on-year when factoring in the previous $224.99 annual total — and there’s no additional benefit beyond what was promised as free. The plan includes at least 12 pay-per-view fights per year — the same events many fans expected to be bundled in for nothing after Alalshikh’s sweeping statements on free global access through Riyadh Season promotions. Instead, DAZN has branded those same events as part of a “comprehensive boxing ecosystem,” introducing what critics are calling a rebranded PPV model with a subscription tax. Packed Schedule, Rising Prices Among the first fights in the new Ultimate package are: Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn II (Nov 15) David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde (Nov 22 – Ring IV: Night of Champions) Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso (Dec 27 – Ring V: Night of the Samurai) These are all high-caliber matchups — but they were expected to be included automatically for paying subscribers under the supposed “new boxing order.” Instead, those same fans now face paying nearly $300 more annually, compared to their previous DAZN bill, to keep access to the same fights. DAZN launched in the UK at an initial introductory price of just £1.99 per month. The cost for new customers was raised significantly to £7.99 per month after securing an exclusive deal with Matchroom Boxing. Since then, the UK price has been steadily rising to £24.99 per month (as of October/November 2025). As for the United States, the larger territory has always been expected to pay more, topping out at $29.99. Fan Backlash Grows The reaction to another hike across forums and social media has been scathing. Longtime subscribers accused DAZN of “corporate trickery” and “repackaging PPV under a different name.” One user wrote, “We were told no more pay-per-view. Now it’s just PPV with a membership fee. It’s insulting.” DAZN CEO Shay Segev, who met with Turki Alalshikh in July as part of the meeting to ‘remove PPV charges,’ defended the move, calling it “an evolution of pay-per-view that will make boxing more accessible.” However, critics argue that it’s merely a means to bundle the exact charges together under a different guise. He added, “When DAZN entered boxing, we immediately challenged the status quo by bringing some of the biggest fights in the sport exclusively to streaming. We are shaking things up once again with DAZN Ultimate.” Compared to Amazon Prime Video, for instance, DAZN’s price increases are not on par with those of any other platform on the market. In fact, they are lightyears above. Marketing Spin vs. Reality DAZN Ultimate does include features like Dolby 5.1 surround sound and HDR. However, most fans view those as minor upgrades when considering what has been described as crystal-clear, yet sub-par punditry and analysis as an extra insult on top. The company insists the plan offers “more choice” and “unrivalled content value,” including a mix of live fight nights, classic archives, and shoulder programming. However, for fans hoping Alalshikh’s promise of a post-PPV era would ripple across the sport, DAZN’s move signals a return to the old system — albeit at a higher cost. It is also worth noting that DAZN states in the small print, “Introductory offer for first 12 months, valid until Dec 1 2025 (12 pm GMT). Standard rate of £24.99 / month,” meaning another increase could be on the way in 2026. A Tough Sell for Boxing’s Biggest Month With November and December stacked with major cards — including Eubank-Benn II, Benavidez-Yarde, Inoue-Picasso, and Jack-Mikaelian II — the timing couldn’t be worse. Many believe DAZN’s pricing gamble could backfire, as viewers already juggle multiple subscriptions for sports, streaming, and entertainment ahead of the holiday season. DAZN promised boxing’s future. Instead, fans are being asked to bankroll it. As one user put it: “Boxing was supposed to be for the fans. Now it’s for whoever doesn’t max their credit card out first.” Whether DAZN’s gamble pays off or alienates its core audience remains to be seen, but for now, the gloves are off between the platform and its own paying fans. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.