DAZN is adding a new voice-driven series to its boxing lineup.
According to a press release provided by DAZN, the streaming platform will debut Fighter and The Writer, a weekly talk show hosted by veteran boxing journalist Chris Mannix and former world champion Sergio Mora, on Friday, April 11. The show will be available on DAZN’s OTT platform, the DAZN Boxing YouTube channel, and across DAZN’s social media outlets.
On Fighter and The Writer, Mannix and Mora will discuss—and more often debate—the hottest topics in the sport of boxing.
“I respect Sergio more than anyone in boxing,” said Mannix in a release. “I also disagree with virtually everything he says. It’s been a blast debating him on broadcast, in podcasts, and way too many late-night text messages. I’m excited to continue the conversation here.”
Mannix, who covers boxing for Sports Illustrated, also serves as a DAZN analyst. He provides the journalistic perspective for most DAZN boxing streams and is almost always partnered with Mora.
As a fighter, Mora was known as “The Latin Snake.” He is a former junior middleweight champion who compiled a 29-5-2 record as a professional with 9 KOs. Mora was an active fighter from 2000 to 2018.
“Mannix may be a man that can’t fight, but he can sure talk and write,” Mora said. “I enjoy our verbal sparring sessions. He’s a stubborn sparring partner that takes a beating and keeps coming. You need guys like that to keep you sharp and on your toes.”
Ben Cohon, vice president of brand partnerships and client solutions for DAZN North America, said the show is part of DAZN’s effort to expand its boxing coverage beyond live fights.
“We’re creating conversations that bring fans closer to the sport,” said Cohon. “Fighter and The Writer is another step in deepening that connection, offering sharp insight and real talk from two of the most respected voices in boxing.”
DAZN also has other combat sports-themed talk programs like Ariel and Ade, On the Ground, and Mannix’s Off the Cuff.
Episodes will be released weekly, with clips and full segments distributed across DAZN’s digital and social platforms. It is unclear if Mannix and Mora will have guests on their show during some episodes, but it will be interesting to see and hear which topics they discuss.
Because of the partnerships between Golden Boy, Queensberry, and Matchroom, Fighter and The Writer should have access to most of the top stars in boxing. It also wouldn’t be a shock if they’re able to set up conversations with boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.
On the debut show, I expect Mannix and Mora to discuss Saturday’s IBF and WBA welterweight title fight between Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis. Ennis will be defending his IBF title but also battling to secure Stanionis’ WBA crown and the Ring Magazine title in the process.
Be on the lookout for my pre- and post-fight coverage of Ennis vs. Stanionis.