The broadcast platform that reshaped modern boxing distribution
Introduction
Premier Boxing Champions, widely known as PBC, is one of the most influential forces in modern boxing. Launched to return elite level boxing to mainstream audiences, PBC redefined how the sport is distributed, presented, and consumed across free television, premium cable, pay per view, and global streaming.
Unlike traditional promoters, PBC operates as a media and broadcast ecosystem built around top tier fighters, long term network partnerships, and large scale event delivery.
This profile breaks down exactly what PBC is, how it works, its full broadcast journey, its defining events, its current stars, and where fans can watch today.
Key Takeaways
- Launched in 2015 by Al Haymon to bring boxing back to mainstream TV
- Media/Broadcast brand, not a licensed promoter
- Aired on NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, Showtime. Now exclusively on Amazon Prime
- Current Home: Amazon Prime Video (Subscription Cards & PPV)
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Brand name | Premier Boxing Champions |
| Launched | 2015 |
| Founder | Al Haymon |
| Business model | Broadcast and media platform |
| Legal status | Not a licensed promoter |
| Core markets | United States with international distribution |
| Live events | Yes |
| Pay per view | Yes |
| Primary platform | Amazon Prime Video |
| Category | Active boxing broadcaster |
What PBC Is and Is Not
Premier Boxing Champions is a broadcast brand, not a promoter. Fighters appearing on PBC events are officially promoted by licensed promotional companies. PBC manages the television and streaming experience, media partnerships, production values, and event presentation.
This model exists to comply with the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, which prohibits managers from acting as promoters.
Origins and Launch Era 2015
PBC officially launched on March 7, 2015 with the ambition of returning boxing to free to air television in the United States.
First Ever PBC Broadcast
| Detail | Information |
|---|
| Date | March 7, 2015 |
| Venue | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas |
| Network | NBC |
| Main Event | Keith Thurman vs Robert Guerrero |
| Co-Main | Adrien Broner vs John Molina Jr |
This event marked the first prime time boxing broadcast on NBC in over thirty years and set the tone for PBC’s mainstream ambitions.
Early Broadcast Expansion 2015 to 2017
PBC initially operated on a time buy model, placing boxing across multiple networks simultaneously.
Major Network Partnerships
| Network | Years Active | Coverage Type |
|---|
| NBC / NBCSN | 2015-2016 | Prime time fight cards |
| CBS | 2016-2017 | Championship level events |
| ESPN | 2015-2017 | Prospect and contender cards |
| FOX Sports 1 | 2015-2016 | Regular fight series |
| Spike TV | 2015 | Mid level contender events |
| Bounce TV | 2015 | Development focused cards |
Signature Production and Presentation
At launch, PBC invested heavily in presentation and innovation. Key features included large scale fighter walkouts, custom broadcast music, overhead camera systems, and experimental punch tracking technology. While many elements were streamlined, they established PBC as a premium broadcast brand.
Transition to Rights Fee Model 2018
By 2018, PBC shifted away from the time buy approach and signed traditional rights deals, reducing financial risk and stabilizing distribution.
| Platform | Role |
|---|
| FOX | Broadcast network and pay per view |
| Showtime | Premium cable and pay per view |
Defining Events of This Era
| Year | Fight |
|---|
| 2018 | Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury I |
| 2019 | Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman |
| 2019 | Errol Spence Jr vs Shawn Porter |
| 2020 | Wilder vs Fury II |
| 2021 | Canelo Alvarez vs Caleb Plant |
| 2023 | Errol Spence Jr vs Terence Crawford |
Current Era: Amazon Prime Video
In December 2023, PBC announced an exclusive multi year agreement with Amazon Prime Video.
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Platform | Amazon Prime Video |
| Subscription Cards | Included with Prime membership |
| Pay Per View | Available for purchase (No Prime required) |
| Content | Live events, PPV, documentaries |
This deal marked the end of Showtime Boxing and positioned PBC as the centerpiece of Prime Video’s boxing strategy.
Active Key Fighters on PBC Today
| Fighter | Division |
|---|
| Gervonta Davis | Lightweight |
| Errol Spence Jr | Welterweight |
| Terence Crawford | Welterweight |
| David Benavidez | Super middleweight |
| Jermell Charlo | Super welterweight |
| Jermall Charlo | Middleweight |
| Deontay Wilder | Heavyweight |
| Isaac Cruz | Lightweight |
| Tim Tszyu | Super welterweight |
| Stephen Fulton | Featherweight |
Legendary Fighters Associated With PBC
- Floyd Mayweather Jr
- Manny Pacquiao
- Canelo Alvarez (select periods)
- Keith Thurman
- Danny Garcia
- Shawn Porter
- Adrien Broner
- Leo Santa Cruz
How to Watch Premier Boxing Champions
- Live Fight Cards: Amazon Prime Video subscription events
- Pay Per View: Purchased through Prime Video without a Prime membership requirement
- Highlights: Official PBC YouTube channel and social platforms
Archive and Legacy Content
PBC does not operate a single open archive platform. Availability depends on broadcast rights.
| Platform | Access |
|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Selected past events |
| YouTube | Highlights and recaps |
| Former Networks | Limited legacy access |
Influence on the Boxing Industry
Premier Boxing Champions reshaped boxing by proving that elite level fights could return to mainstream visibility. Its broadcast first model changed how promoters, networks, and fighters approach event distribution. By prioritizing network reach, premium presentation, and star driven matchmaking, PBC helped define the modern era of boxing media.
Why PBC Matters
PBC brought boxing back to major television, unified elite talent under one broadcast vision, and continues to deliver championship level events on a global streaming platform. Few entities have altered the sport’s media landscape as dramatically or as permanently.
