Many TNT Sports customers tuning into tonight’s Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk live stream may be surprised to see Laura Woods absent from her presenting duties.
Especially since Fury vs Usyk is being considered boxing’s biggest night so far this year and the 36-year-old’s absence will be duly noted.
However, his reasoning for skipping the titanic clash for the undisputed heavyweight title and being absent from TNT Sports in recent days is justified.
Woods took to Instagram to explain her recent absence from television to her 757,000 followers and revealed that she is recovering from surgery after suffering serious injuries to her face and arm while on vacation caused by a broken glass lampshade.
So who will replace Woods and take over presenting duties tonight?
Graphic content warning below.
Rebecca Ives to take over hosting duties tonight for Fury vs Usyk
Laura Woods was originally set to present duties, but had to withdraw after needing surgery.
Woods needed surgery after a freak accident involving a glass lampshade that left her with deep cuts to her eye and arm.
TNT Sports host and reporter Becky Ives will now host Fury vs Usyk coverage
Ives will present alongside Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce with commentary from Darren Fletcher and Richie Woodall.
UK reporter and presenter Becky Ives will take on Woods’ role in tonight’s winner-take-all fight.
The broadcasters revealed their full panel for the fight on Thursday, stating that TNT Sports’ box office coverage will be presented by Becky Ives alongside Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce with commentary from Darren Fletcher and Richie Woodall.
Ives is no fan of the game, and many of you tuning in tonight may already recognize her from appearing on screen as a presenter for Premier League Today, TNT Sports and ITV.
The self-proclaimed “professional talker” has an impressive CV spanning over 11 years working for some of the industry’s heavyweights including UEFA, TNT Sports and Discovery Sports.
The British reporter is no stranger to the camera or TNT Sports, as she has a permanent role on sports stations.
Ives can now be found regularly presenting and reporting on screen for TNT Sports, primarily their football coverage including European competitions, the Premier League and the National League.
Revealed on her LinkedIn, Ives says her passion for sport “stems from her teenage years, where she competed as a high-level diver and swimmer at national and county level, and an avid football fan.”
The English presenter has built an impressive reputation, appearing in content for companies such as ESPN, presenting live SPFL games for Rangers Football Club on RTV and offering her vast football knowledge to companies such as Bleacher Report football news.
Not only is Ives good at being in front of the camera, away from the lens, but she has also hosted a number of high-profile sporting events, including the exclusive United Legends Dinner for Manchester United, the United Legends Celebration Dinner ‘Road To Victory’ awards for West Ham United in 2023.
It was also selected to host UEFA corporate lounges for Premier League teams including Tottenham FC, Chelsea FC and Leicester City during their Champions League debut.
Coverage of the Usyk vs Fury fight will begin around 4pm in the UK.
Although it may seem that her sporting knowledge is mainly in the world of Sports, the Englishwoman shares extensive knowledge in other sports and her impressive CV can support it.
Ives reported for Red Bull at the WRC Wales Rally GB race, concluding the event by interviewing winner and world champion Sebastian Ogier, joined Eurosport as host of their 2017 British Cycling Elite Series, presented the Strongman Championship for Spike TV and worked with the Minnesota Vikings for their NFL game in London.
Woods’ replacement for Fury vs Usyk can now be found regularly presenting and reporting on screen for TNT Sports, primarily their football coverage including European competitions, the Premier League and the National League, reporting on the FA Cup for ITV , in addition to working in the Premier League. Productions.