Boxing fans are ready for an almighty smackdown in North London this weekend as Britain’s Daniel Dubois faces Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk once again, with both fighters looking to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Host broadcaster for the fight, DAZN, has chosen Gravity Media to be the OB facilities provider for the historic showdown at Wembley Stadium on 19 July, for which DAZN is the exclusive global broadcaster.
Gravity Media was appointed by DAZN as OB supplier for Queensberry Promotions earlier this year, on a two-year contract covering 2025 and 2026.
Dan Smith, global client manager at Gravity Media, said: “On a week when we’ve rebranded our global business as Gravity Media it seems extremely appropriate to deliver a global event of this magnitude for one of our most valued clients.
“It’s a privilege to partner with DAZN and provide the outside broadcast services for this huge spectacle. We are proud to have our newest addition to the UK fleet, Nova 139, capturing the exhilarating action and broadcasting it live to the world.”
The camera plan for this event is commensurate with the size of the fight itself. A total of 21 cameras will be rigged at Wembley Stadium including:
- 1 x helicopter supplied by ACS
- 1 x Batcam Hold
- 1 x Luna Remote Systems 4 point Falcon camera system
- 1 Steadicam
- 2 x jibs
- 2 x ENG
- And a world’s first outing for the brand new Sony HDC F5500V
Supplied by Luke Depper at equipment hire firm, Livewhire, the brand new Sony HDC F5500V arrived in the UK only four days before the show. This camera will see its first use globally on Saturday night and will be utilised as one of the locker room cameras, showing fighters in their final warm up preparations and having their hands wrapped before putting gloves on.
Using a Super 35 4K 3 CMOS sensor with global shutter, the F5500V has a pre-installed variable ND filter that allows for a quick and accurate shallow depth of field and cinematic look in multiple different light conditions, which makes it ideal for use in and around the Wembley Stadium changing rooms, where light can vary between rooms.
Speaking to SVG Europe, David Rees, DAZN head of outside broadcast, says: “Having worked with both the HDC F5500 and the HDC 3500V over the last year, I look forward to seeing what this camera can offer and how it can enhance the viewing experience for fans, making it more engaging and immersive. DAZN strives to be at the forefront of technical innovation, and this is a great example that.”
DAZN has worked with Girraphic to provide augmented reality (AR) GFX on boxing pay-per-view shows over the last year in Saudi Arabia, the US and the UK. In the build up to each event, Girraphic works closely with the DAZN design team, picking out details and inspiration from the fights’ promotional artwork before Girraphic recreates the look in Vizrt.
Combining AR GFX with Luna Remote System’s 4 Point Falcon camera enables accurate camera tracking, giving the onsite Girraphic team the platform to offer creative graphics positions while maintaining the fast paced nature of the production and contributing to raising the production value and ‘big event’ results.
Girraphic has a lightweight set up that can be easily rigged inside the main OB truck, meaning reduced OB compound footprint and cabling between vehicles.
Presentation and fight graphics will be supplied by Offshoot Operations using Vizrt. Again, this will be rigged inside the OB truck onsite for ease of operation and communication.
Watch Dubios versus Usyk on Saturday 19 July live on DAZN pay-per-view. Ringwalks will take place at 9.45pm BST. The DAZN broadcast will begin at 5:30pm with the first undercard fight starting at 5.35pm
