Top Rank is looking to follow UFC's lead and bring combat sports to ESPN platforms in the coming weeks.
The Athletic reported that Top Rank is looking to have WBO featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson fight on June 9 in Las Vegas, where the promotional company's headquarters are located. The fight could be against former title challenger Rafael Rivera and would headline a Top Rank on an ESPN platform.
This would be the second boxing card to air on an ESPN platform in the United States ever since boxing came to an abrupt stop due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Stevenson has held the WBO featherweight title since last October when he defeated previously unbeaten fighter Joet Gonzalez by unanimous decision. Stevenson, who was originally set to fight Miguel Marriaga in March, has been targeting a fight against IBF champion Josh Warrington for quite some time, even before he won the WBO title.
In addition, it was also reported by ESPN that Top Rank is planning to have WBO super featherweight champion Jamel Herring fight in Las Vegas in early July. No opponent was decided for Herring, who would be making his second defense of the title.
Originally, Herring was planned to fight this year in Ireland against former multi-time champion Carl Frampton, but that fight and setting was put on hold due to the coronavirus.
It should be noted that Top Rank has yet to officially announce any fights as of this writing.