The landscape of professional boxing is in constant flux, a dynamic arena where traditional power structures are continuously challenged by new technologies and evolving consumption habits. Amidst this thrilling transformation, certain figures emerge, not just as participants, but as architects of the sport’s next chapter. Shay Segev, the Chief Executive Officer of DAZN, has firmly established himself in this elite category, his influence recently underscored by a significant ranking on Boxing News’ 2025 Power List.
A Seat at the Table: Segev`s Ascendancy
Earning the number-seven spot, Segev found himself rubbing shoulders with legends and seasoned deal-makers like Oscar De La Hoya and Al Haymon. This isn`t merely a recognition of personal achievement; it`s a testament to DAZN`s strategic penetration into the sport`s core, transforming from an ambitious challenger into a formidable, arguably indispensable, global platform. His presence on such a prestigious list signals a clear shift: the future of boxing broadcasting increasingly belongs to the streaming giants.
Under Segev’s stewardship, DAZN has cultivated relationships with some of boxing’s most prolific promoters, including De La Hoya, Frank Warren, and Eddie Hearn. These partnerships are the lifeblood of the platform, ensuring a consistent flow of high-caliber fights and exclusive content that keeps subscribers engaged and the boxing world buzzing. It’s a delicate dance, balancing the needs of promoters, fighters, and, crucially, the discerning fight fan.
The Riyadh Revolution and the PPV Predicament
Perhaps no single factor has injected as much excitement and strategic upheaval into DAZN’s recent narrative as the substantial investment and vision of Turki Alalshikh. His Riyadh Season and Ring Magazine events have rapidly become integral to DAZN’s business strategy, elevating the platform`s profile and bringing truly blockbuster matchups to a global audience.
The most intriguing development, however, arrived with Alalshikh’s declaration: from November 22 onwards, all his shows would be available without an additional pay-per-view (PPV) fee. For fans who have, with perfectly reasonable frustration, watched PPV costs escalate over recent years, this news lands like a perfectly timed counter-punch. It raises a pertinent, if slightly ironic, question: Is this the beginning of the end for the much-maligned additional fee, or a strategic repositioning in the perpetual PPV purgatory?
While DAZN’s subscription model and the forthcoming ‘The Ring Pass’ initiative continue to evolve, Alalshikh’s move is a powerful statement. It suggests a potential shift towards making premium boxing more accessible, integrating high-value events directly into a comprehensive subscription, thereby increasing the perceived value for the consumer and potentially expanding the sport`s reach. Segev, ever the astute business leader, will undoubtedly continue to leverage such opportunities to grow DAZN’s empire with the biggest events available.
The Shifting Sands of Broadcast: From Cable to Cloud
The migration of major TV networks – including ESPN, HBO, and Showtime in America – away from regular boxing broadcasts isn`t a mere coincidence; it`s a profound industry shift. As traditional broadcast models face increasing pressure, streaming services like DAZN are not just surviving but thriving. They are becoming the primary custodians of the sport’s biggest spectacles, securing exclusive rights for clashes like Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2 and benefiting from previous mega-bouts involving Usyk and Tyson Fury.
This trend underscores the enduring appeal of live sports and the convenience offered by modern streaming platforms. For boxing, a sport built on appointment viewing, the transition to accessible, on-demand platforms seems a natural progression. DAZN finds itself at the forefront of this evolution, poised to capture an increasingly digital-first audience.
A Vision for Elevation: Segev`s Commitment
Reacting to his inclusion on the Power List, Segev articulated a vision that extends beyond mere subscriber numbers:
“It’s an honour to be recognised among such influential figures in the boxing world, who have all made exceptional contributions to the sport. I consider this to be a reflection of the incredible work our teams at DAZN have done to elevate the sport globally. Boxing has always been at the heart of our platform, and we’ve worked hard to innovate how fans experience it, whether through our innovative technology, landmark global partnerships, or giving fighters a stronger voice through powerful storytelling. Recognition like this motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and delivering for the fans, the fighters, and the sport.”
These aren`t just corporate platitudes; they reflect a strategic emphasis on innovation, global expansion, and content quality. By focusing on technology to enhance the viewing experience, forging strategic alliances that bring premium content, and empowering fighter narratives, DAZN aims to solidify its position as the premier destination for boxing worldwide.
Shay Segev`s presence on the Boxing News Power List is more than just a personal accolade; it`s a powerful indicator of DAZN`s current stature and its ambitious trajectory. As the boxing world continues its fascinating dance between tradition and innovation, Segev and DAZN are clearly orchestrating many of the most compelling moves, promising an exciting, perhaps even revolutionary, future for fight fans across the globe.
