Prokick & WKN events to run in the US

BELFAST'S former world kickboxing champ Billy Murray last night landed a major coup for his sport in the US, with Irish owned network Setanta Sports.
Setanta’s recently launched US channel will begin screening events held by fighter-turned-promoter Murray next month to its audiences in the US, Canada and the Caribbean.
Setanta will run a mini-pilot series of Murray’s recent promotions at the Waterfront Hall, Odyssey Arena and Ulster Hall with a view to securing a 20-fight programme deal.
The move follows Murray’s successful link-up with Eurosport in June, the network screening live his Odyssey Arena event to 53 European countries.
“This is an exciting time for kickboxing and especially for the sport in Ireland,” said Murray.
“We have successfully come to an agreement with a top sports network and that shows the worldwide growth in interest in kickboxing.
“The sport has really taken off and I am confident coverage will attract a massive interest for Setanta Sports.”
Setanta Sports, sponsors of the Irish football’s Setanta Cup tournament, is understood to be interested in Murray’s extensive archive.
Murray has been running shows throughout Ireland for over 25 years while defending world titles.
Setanta Sports USA Channel is a 24/7 channel fully dedicated to European Sports. It broadcasts international football (soccer) and rugby to passionate fans in America. “If ratings are good and Setanta gets a positive response, we will look at running further shows and possibly pay-per-view events. There will be bigger and better events coming out of Ireland soon, starting with December’s major world title bill at the Ulster Hall.
“Up to now I don’t think networks in general have tapped in to the massive interest in kickboxing," added Murray.
Orlagh Marnane, Programming and Acquisitions for Setanta USA said, “Setanta looks forward to introducing kickboxing to its schedule in the US and to its partnership with Billy Murray Promotions.”

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