Potential Matchup Denied
In recent days, many media sources have circulated headlines regarding a potential matchup between heavyweight champions Oleksandr Usyk and Deontay Wilder set for July 11 in San Francisco, claiming it would draw a monumental crowd. However, Ed Pereira, founder of the newly launched iVisitBoxing (iVB), has categorically denied these reports.
“False,”
when asked about the Usyk-Wilder bout being part of iVB’s event. He admitted to having preliminary discussions with Usyk’s team but stressed that no agreements have been finalized, thus cautioning fans against such speculation.
iVisitBoxing’s Ambitions
At a press conference in San Francisco last Friday, iVB officially introduced its boxing brand, expressing ambitions to host at least twelve major events in 2026. Pereira indicated that the first of these events is tentatively scheduled for April and will be publicly announced in February.
“We’re aiming for something significant,”
he stated, hinting at a collaboration with YouTube for event broadcasting. The broadcasts will feature a mix of free viewing options and pay-per-view content, leveraging YouTube’s extensive user base of 2.5 billion to promote these events.
Funding Strategy
Unlike many contemporary boxing showcases funded by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Pereira’s iVB is operating without a wealthy financier, relying instead on a different funding approach. He explained that their strategy is rooted in three main dimensions:
- Securing corporate sponsorships;
- Establishing partnerships for experiential zones at events, which will include food vendors and entertainment;
- Utilizing YouTube, both for paid broadcasts and promotional endeavors.
Attendance Goals
Pereira shared that while the quest for breaking the U.S. boxing attendance record — currently at 73,126 from Canelo Alvarez’s fight in 2021 — poses challenges, he envisions transforming the event into a holistic festival experience. He aims to combine musical acts, experiential areas, and of course, the boxing matches themselves, creating a vibrant atmosphere akin to Coachella.
Pereira believes in the potential of achieving an attendance goal near 150,000 by offering half of the entries as free access, thereby maximizing participation and revenue potential from ticket sales. He concluded,
“There will be a mixture of paid tickets and free entry, and we believe this model will draw a large crowd.”
