By Brian Campbell of www.cbssports.com
http://www.cbssports.com/boxing/news/terry-flanagan-petr-petrov-fight-will-be-first-boxing-match-exclusively-on-twitter/
At 61, Artie Pelullo admittedly might not be the most technological savvy man in a room at any given time. But the Banner Promotions president and boxing lifer knows a good opportunity for exposure when he sees one.
Pelullo, the promoter of top-ranked lightweight contender Petr Petrov, joined forces with Twitter this week to announce it will live-stream Saturday’s 135-pound title bout as Petrov faces unbeaten titleholder Terry Flanagan in Manchester, England. The bout, which airs at 5 p.m. ET, will be available at boxing.twitter.com and on the @BannerBoxing handle on Twitter.
The free stream marks the first time a boxing match will be offered exclusively on Twitter. In February, during its free preview weekend, Showtime broadcast the Adrien Broner-Adrian Granados junior welterweight fight on Twitter simultaneously with its television feed.
“This is a great opportunity to partner with Twitter on this unique medium, in order to reach a broader fan base and to reach potential new fans of boxing,” Pelullo said.
Flanagan (32-0, 13 KOs), a native of England, will look to make the fourth defense of his title against Spain’s Petrov (38-4-2, 19 KOs), a former 140-pound title challenger and Boxcino tournament champion who enters the fight having won his last six bouts.
“We are thrilled to partner with Banner Promotions to bring more live boxing to Twitter,” said Twitter COO Anthony Noto. “Our passionate boxing fans can view the live stream of the WBO lightweight world championship and join the live conversation all on Twitter.”
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The live stream of Saturday’s Championship fight will be available for free to logged-in and logged-out users exclusively on Twitter and connected devices in the United States. Access to the live stream will be available TODAY!! at boxing.twitter.com and on @BannerBoxing at 5 PM ET.