Sky customers upset that the boxing fight between Sonny Bill
Williams and Frans Botha was unexpectedly cut short from 12
to 10 rounds have been offered a free pay-per-view movie by
the pay TV broadcaster.
"It's our way of acknowledging that things didn't go quite as
we expected and we want you to know that we understand that,
so please enjoy a movie of your choice on us," a letter to
customers said.
Sky didn't have a role in producing the event and elements
such as the length of the fight were out of its control;
however, it is understood some customers were "not completely
satisfied", the letter said.
Sky sold the fight on its pay-per-view platform for $39.99.
With around 20,000 customers having purchased the fight, the
free movie compensation package is worth about $160,000.
Having been advertised as a 12-round title fight, the
February 8 bout ended in controversial circumstances after
just 10 rounds. Williams won the fight on points; however,
had it gone on any longer it appeared likely he would have
been knocked out by his 44-year-old opponent.
Betting agencies in Australia and New Zealand refunded some
wagers on the fight.
- Steve Deane of the NZ Herald
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.