Sportfive to sell Klitschko brothers’ fight rights

12 October 2009 | Posted in Agencies, Miscellaneous | By David Cushnan

The Sportfive agency has won the exclusive marketing rights for the next three fights of current world heavyweight boxing champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko.

The deal extends the agency's previousagreement with Klitschko Management Group and allows Sportfive to sell television rights around the world. The deal excludes Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Ukraine, USA, Canada and Puerto Rico. In those markets the Klitschko organisation handles its own rights.

Details of the Ukrainian brothers' next bouts are yet to be revealed, but Sportfive will be hoping that there will be significant interest in the fights despite the current paucity of talent in the heavyweight division.

Sportfive's International CEO Joachim Hilke said: "The Klitschko fights are real highlights for the broadcasters and the Klitschko brand opens a lot of doors."

"Our cooperation with Sporfive has worked out very well in the past," said Klitschko Management Group CEO Bernd Bonte, before adding: "Sportfive has a good reputation in the TV rights business."

33-year-old Wladimir is the current holder of the IBF, WBO and IBO world titles while his 38 year old brother Vitali holds the WBC title.

No financial details were released by Sportfive but it is understood they will receive a percentage of the fees for all rights sold. The agency is likely to make a six-figure sum.