There is no question by now that virtual reality has finally made its way into every sport. Whether it is used to recruit, train or give fans a different way to experience a game, virtual reality is becoming extremely common.
This includes the boxing world.
David Haye has teamed up with IM360 to launch the first live VR boxing match and Showtime has also created VR boxing broadcasts. Now, NextVR is collaborating with FOX Sports to bring live VR coverage of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) matches.
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David Cole and DJ Roller, veterans in stereoscopic imaging, founded NextVR in 2009. The company helps transmit live, long-form virtual reality content into broadcast quality. It has become a mainstream experience for sporting events, concerts, cinematic productions and more.
NextVR and FOX Sports have previously joined forces for the Auto Club 400 NASCAR race in Fontana, California, and the United States Open Golf Championship from Chambers Bay in Washington. Because of the history between these companies, the broadcasting of the PBC matches will be something boxing fans do not want to miss.
The headline PBC match is between undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, a former three-division world champion. The match will air on FOX (8 p.m. ET) on Saturday, January 23. The VR stream will also include Sammy Vasquez Jr. against Aaron Martinez and Amir Mansour against Breazeale, as well as commentary and graphics.
Multiple cameras will be set up during the match and throughout the ring. There will even be a ringside camera to capture the action. Fans will now have the best seat in the house and new vantage points. Which is something we can personally attest to after getting to view a live NBA game from virtual reality courtside seats, courtesy of NextVR.
“This is the latest example of NextVR’s commitment to bring the most compelling live content to sports fans in virtual reality,” said Brad Allen, executive chairman of NextVR. “We strive to deliver a great virtual reality experience and the key is great, exciting content.”
The PBC boxing VR broadcasting is available for free through the NextVR portal. Samsung Gear VR owners can download the NextVR app and access the fight through any Gear VR headset compatible phones.
“We continue to explore ways to offer FOX Sports viewers the most current and immersive technology available,” David Nathanson, Head of Business Operations for FOX Sports, explained. “Sports fans expect FOX to be on the cutting edge with all of our broadcasts, and through the FOX Lab initiative, we will continue to experiment with new and exciting technologies with all of our partners.”