BET Teams With Roc Nation Sports, Will Air Professional Boxing

Andre Ward, Jay Z

BET is dabbling in the sports arena. According to the Associated Press, the network is joining forces with Roc Nation Sports to air up to nine live, two-hour telecasts of boxing events in the next 18 months.

The first televised fight on the network will take place on June 20th, featuring WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward (27-0) who will face former World Title Challenger Paul Smith (35-5) of England.

Andre Ward, Whoopi Goldber (BET Upfronts)

In addition to the standard fight, the network will incorporate live musical performances and a DJ — a package branded “throne boxing” by Roc Nation Sports and its founder, Jay Z.

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