The daily fantasy provider turned multi-vertical gambling operator DraftKings has struck a deal which will see it sponsor Mike Tyson’s comeback boxing match.
The US betting giant DraftKings has been named as the official sports betting partner of the upcoming boxing match between the former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson and former four-division world champion, Roy Jones Jr.
The sponsorship agreement
As an official sports betting partner of the event, DraftKings branding will appear throughout the fight’s media day, weigh-in and boxing ring.
The partnership will also see DraftKings develop the “DraftKings Tale of the Bet” original series which is intended to capture sportsbook trends such as handle and the percentage of bets as well as unique market offers.
Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings said: “Viewers of this fight will be at the forefront of a premier and customer-first event that pits two generationally dominant boxing talents against one another while also integrating DraftKings branding and exclusive sportsbook data for a seamless second-screen experience.
“Sports betting technology has evolved exponentially since Mike Tyson or Roy Jones Jr. were crowned world champions, so seeing these legends now clash within this innovative era of our industry is something special.”
Tyson’s comeback fight
The bout, which is set to take place on 28 November, marks Tyson’s return to the world of boxing after he retired in 2005. According to reports from US media, the event has already broken records for pre-fight pay per view sign-ups.
Tyson and Jones’ main card event will be broadcast along with several undercard fights which includes Youtuber Jake Paul facing off against former NBA player Nate Robinson. Additional undercard fights include former WBC super-middleweight champion Badou Jack against Blake McKernan; and Viddal Riley facing Rashad Coulter.
DraftKings customers in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Tennessee will be able to bet on the undercard fights. Main card betting will also be available in New Jersey, New Hampshire and Illinois. Players across the US will also be able to enter a free-to-play pool for the fight.
The boxing event is sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) and will be scored by the World Boxing Athletic Commission, which will choose a winner based on professional fighting rules if there is no knockout.
The event will be hosted by Mario Lopez and begin at 8 pm ET on 28 November. The social networking and video-making company, Triller, has secured several musical guests for the event including DaBaby, French Montana, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, and YG. Ne-Yo is also set to perform the national anthem.
Bonin Bough, chief growth officer of Triller, added: “Triller is thrilled to have DraftKings as the official betting partner of Tyson’s return. With fans excited to participate in this significant face-off, we knew we needed an official facilitator. They become one of the many new brand partners to join the Triller family and the integration we have planned with them is nothing short of amazing”.
Another sponsorship deal for DraftKings
This deal marks DraftKings latest sports sponsorship deal this year. In October, the operator inked deals with the National Football League’s (NFL) Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants in September.
Towards the end of the month, the operator also inked a deal with the Turner Sports arm of WarnerMedia. In July, DraftKings also became the first official sports betting partner of the PGA Tour.
