Top Rank’s Broadcast Dilemma: A Temporary Stall Or A Sign Of Bigger Trouble?

As the boxing world gears up for the July 26 showdown between rising star Xander Zayas and Jorge Garcia Perez for the vacant WBO junior middleweight title, all eyes aren’t just on the ring—but also on the broadcast booth.

That fight, set to take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden Theater, marks the final event of an eight-year broadcasting partnership between Top Rank and ESPN. And while that might seem like a straightforward transition to a new chapter, signs behind the scenes suggest something more uncertain is brewing.

Club Shows and Clues

Earlier this week, Top Rank confirmed that several of its unbeaten prospects—Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez (13-0, 7 KOs), Art Barrera Jr. (9-0, 7 KOs), and Perla Bazaldua (2-0, 1 KO)—will appear on a club-level event promoted by House of Pain Promotions. That card, scheduled for August 2 at the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto, California, is notably not a Top Rank production.

While the idea of young fighters staying busy might not seem alarming on the surface, boxing insiders are reading between the lines. These fighters would typically grace undercards broadcast nationally on ESPN. Instead, they’re being placed on a smaller stage—off cable, out of sight for many hardcore fans.

That shift may be subtle, but to industry veterans, it’s a loud signal: Top Rank may be preparing for a broadcast gap.

Is This a Broadcast Blackout?

Top Rank has been one of boxing’s most stable promotional entities for decades. Founded in 1973 and led by the ever-outspoken Bob Arum, the company has had long-term broadcast homes, from HBO in its golden era to the more recent ESPN partnership.

But this isn’t just a new cycle starting. It feels different.

Company officials insist a new broadcast or streaming deal is on the horizon. The truth, however, seems more complex. As one industry insider described it, there is an “uncertain lapse” that could last weeks or even months.

“We’re in a holding pattern,” said a source familiar with the discussions. “Top Rank is working out the details, but until the ink dries on a new deal, they need to keep their talent active—even if that means working with other promoters.”

Warner Bros. Discovery in the Picture?

Among the rumored partners for Top Rank’s next chapter is Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of Turner Sports. Conversations between the two sides have reportedly progressed, with expectations that a deal could land Top Rank fights on networks like TNT or TBS.

However, the value of such a partnership may not reach the financial heights of the outgoing ESPN deal. That has prompted Top Rank to tread carefully.

An industry expert suggested the new agreement might not begin until the fall, aligning with the start of the NHL and college football seasons—when Turner’s sports coverage ramps up and advertising potential increases. The delay, then, could be strategic. But it’s a delay nonetheless.

Why Not DAZN?

While speculation around Warner Bros. Discovery continues, another option that seems conspicuously absent is DAZN, the subscription-based streaming service that already features promotions like Matchroom Boxing, Queensberry Promotions, and Golden Boy.

One source found it “sort of crazy” that Top Rank isn’t even in serious conversations with DAZN. The reasoning? Control.

“Top Rank values its production style, its match-making power, and how its fighters are promoted,” said the insider. “DAZN, while powerful, means ceding a lot of that.”

Still, with the current uncertainty, one might wonder if compromise should be on the table.

“DAZN could end up having all of boxing if they really pushed,” the insider added. “Top Rank may want to hold their ground, but it’s risky to do that without a firm broadcast plan.”

Keeping Fighters Active—No Matter What

Even as the company works behind the scenes to secure its next broadcast home, Top Rank continues to move fighters to other promoters’ cards.

Brian Norman Jr., the undefeated WBO welterweight champion, is set to defend his title in Tokyo on Thursday. Meanwhile, junior lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster will unify titles against Stephen Fulton on August 16 under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) banner.

This willingness to share talent is part of what has made Top Rank resilient over its 60-year history. The company’s relationships with promotions like Japan’s Teiken and Mexico’s Zanfer allow it to place fighters in high-profile matchups, even without its own show.

Still, placing prospects on club cards is not the same as lending champions to international or pay-per-view-level events. It deprives emerging fighters of the platform that ESPN offered—one that helped build careers and fandom.

“These guys are missing their moment in front of real eyes,” said one trainer. “It’s not about the opponent; it’s about the exposure.”

What the Industry is Saying

While Top Rank remains tight-lipped about exact details, the chatter around the company is intensifying. Even within the organization, there’s a mix of confidence and concern.

One company official dismissed the August 2 card as “an irrelevant piece,” brushing off suggestions that it reflects any real trouble. But others believe that’s overly optimistic.

“This is a delicate thing,” said another insider. “Broadcast deals don’t come together overnight, and a lot of fiscal-year planning has to happen. The people negotiating this are juggling a dozen moving parts.”

ESPN’s Exit Mirrors Larger Shifts

The timing of Top Rank’s transition comes during a larger shakeup in the sports broadcasting world. ESPN has also lost or parted ways with other major properties, including Major League Baseball, Formula 1, and UFC.

At the same time, the FCC is reviewing major media industry mergers and splits, which further complicates the competitive landscape. Broadcasters are being more cautious. Everyone wants content—but not at the old prices.

“This isn’t just a Top Rank thing,” said a sports media analyst. “It’s the whole ecosystem adjusting. Everyone’s looking for value, and sometimes that means things move slower than promoters like.”

Is It Just a Pause—or a Warning Sign?

Top Rank is no stranger to reinvention. From Ali and Leonard to Pacquiao and Lomachenko, it has ushered generations of champions into stardom. But with platforms evolving, cable TV shrinking, and fan attention divided across social media and streaming, the stakes have never been higher.

If this current lapse is temporary, the company could emerge stronger with a smarter deal and broader reach. But if the negotiations drag on, the risk is real: young talent being overlooked, brand value diminished, and fans turning elsewhere.

In an era where visibility drives momentum, every month without a broadcast home is a lost opportunity.

Source: Does Top Rank placing prospects on club show indicate broadcast deal lapse?

The Bigger Picture

For fans, this moment is a reminder that boxing isn’t just about punches and titles—it’s about business. Who controls the cameras often controls the careers.

The current uncertainty around Top Rank’s broadcast future may seem like a blip in the grand scheme, but for the fighters waiting to be seen and the fans eager to follow their rise, the clock is ticking.

As July 26 approaches, the attention will be on Xander Zayas and the historic venue hosting his world title shot. But behind the scenes, the more important fight might be happening around boardroom tables and in silent negotiations—one that could shape the next era of boxing broadcasts.