DAZN and Matchroom Boxing have confirmed their game-changing deal for live boxing in the UK and Ireland, further extending Matchroom's global reach on the streaming service.
One of the newer faces on the recently-announced broadcast team for the new era is Maya Jama, who has presented a number of shows on major television networks and makes her debut covering 'the sweet science'.
What is Jama's connection to boxing? Well, she explained to DAZN in-depth exactly what boxing means to her.
DAZN: What inspired you to make this big switch to boxing?
MJ: I think a lot of people are going to be thinking ‘why is she presenting boxing now?’ but I’ve secretly been a big boxing fan for years. I love the sport. Me and my friends stay up until all hours of the morning to watch the fights. It’s a whole new challenge, a whole new adventure for me. Matchroom and DAZN are literally changing the game so I’m so excited to be a part of it.
DAZN: You’ve become a fantastic TV personality in a specific genre. What do you think you can bring to the sport of boxing?
MJ: Anyone who has seen anything I’ve done before knows that I’m very excitable so hopefully that will come across. I don’t want to give too much away but I’m looking forward to bringing a new face and a new flavour!
DAZN: Ever thought about switching the microphone for a pair of boxing gloves and stepping into the ring yourself?
MJ: I’ve got so much pride that I wouldn’t ever take it on unless I was totally sure I was going to win because I don’t think I’d live down the memes of me getting beaten! So, for now, I’ll definitely stick to the presenting. Although I did used to do kickboxing for four years when I was younger so I can fly kick….I know that’s not allowed in boxing but it might be my only weapon!
DAZN: What would your fighter nickname be?
MJ: Maya Jam-Her!
DAZN: Your first job with Matchroom/DAZN is likely to be Fight Camp 2, what are you most looking forward to?
MJ: Fight Camp isn’t your average back garden! It’s basically a mini festival so I think I’ll be right at home. I can’t wait. I think I can bring a new energy to it.
DAZN: Can you remember the first fight you ever watched?
MJ: The first fight I properly remember watching was Diego Corrales vs Jose Luis Castillo… I must have been 10 or 11 and watched a recording of it. I’d already heard the result and can’t recall a lot of the detail apart from round 10, which was an extraordinary come back by Corrales!
DAZN: Is there a (boxing) fight that stands out to you the most? What was it and why?
MJ: I enjoy watching a lot of fights but one I will never forget is the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight. I had never seen so much anticipation and hype around a fight – it felt like the whole world was going to be tuned in, regardless of whether they were into boxing or not.
DAZN: Do you have a favourite fighter (past or present)?
MJ: I don’t necessarily have a favourite fighter but when I look at the greatest figures in boxing history - and even the present greats like Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor – I think they all have something unique about them in terms of their approach to the sport. I’ve also seen the positive impact boxing can have on so many people’s lives and that’s down to many of the individuals who compete at the highest level.
Matchroom Fight Camp 2 airs on Saturday, July 31; Saturday, August 7; and Saturday, August 14 on DAZN. Click here for more information.