A little less than a month before the official start to its 2019 fight calendar, Brave Combat Federation has announced a deal with ESPN5 which will start with the broadcast of Brave 22: Storm of Warriors. The groundbreaking show takes place at the iconic Mall of Asia Arena, in Manila, Philippines, on March 15th and Filipino fans will now be able to watch the event live in the biggest sports channel in the country.
The announcement was made in a press conference with the presence of Brave president Mohammed Shahid, TV5 president Vincent "Chot" Reyes, and Bantamweight champion Stephen Loman - who's defending his title against Elias Boudegzdame in the main event.
Mr. Shahid talked about the opportunity that this deal provides for Brave local fighters to be recognized in their own country, and praised the local warriors for their willingness to defend their flag around the world as they have done in the past.
"A lot of promotions use their local stars only when they go to their backyard. We don't. We make sure to make this a global event, and these Filipino warriors have defended their flag all over the world. Stephen Loman has faced and beaten tough fighters from Brazil, Ireland, and India. Jeremy Pacatiw has beaten a Brazilian prospect in Brazil. People ask me why they're not known here, but they will be now. They are known all over the world and will now have the chance to be known here".
Mr. Reyes, who has a long association with sports having coached the Philippine basketball national team to historic results, was appreciative of the opportunity that Brave provides to local athletes and agreed that the Philippines deserves to get to know more of its Brave stars, such as Loman, Jeremy Pacatiw, Harold Banario, among others.
"Thank you, Mohammed Shahid, for gracing us with your presence. As you all know, ESPN5 is the biggest sports channel in the Philippines. And that's not just trying to beat everyone else, but it is also to look and promote hidden gems of Filipino sports. This partnership with Brave is meant to promote our warriors, and on March 15th, everyone here will have the chance to watch live the likes of Stephen Loman. We're very proud to be partnering with Brave and proud in our role to developing sports all over the world and with Filipino athletes".