IPO warns illegal Golovkin vs Alvarez streamers of jail time

[Len]

FIGHT fans attempting to watch Gennady Golovkin vs Canelo Alvarez illegally are facing a huge crackdown under laws that could throw them into jail for a decade.

As the sport gears up for the September 16 super bout hordes of British spectators are expected to use unverified websites and programmes like Kodi to watch without paying.

BoxNation will be showing the contest – which will start at around 5am UK time – on pay-per-view for £16.95 or by subscribing.

But the channel says a major crackdown targeting illegal streamers will be under way as rogue spectators attempt to tune in for free.

The broadcaster has told Daily Star Online it has hired a team that will target both illegal providers and viewers before referring them on to the police.

The Intellectual Property Office say illegally streaming the fight would break the law and fall under copyright infringement.

There is not a known case of anyone prosecuted for illegally streaming but under UK laws the maximum sentence for copyright infringement was this year extended from two years to a decade under the Digital Economy Act.

George Warren, BoxNation CEO, told Daily Star Online: "In Canelo v Golovkin we have a genuine 50-50 matchup that has the makings to go down as one of the best fights in modern history.

"By supporting this event - by buying it either on BoxNation Box Office or subscribing to BoxNation - it allows us to continue to bring the very best matchups to British households.

"We are well aware of the issue of illegal streams and will have a dedicated team on the night to find them and bring them down.

"We are using a lot of resources and measures to ensure this piracy is swiftly dealt with.

"Where necessary we will also involve law enforcement agencies to deal with offenders.

"Canelo v Golovkin is a once in decade fight and only on BoxNation Box Office will you be able to watch it uninterrupted and in the highest quality."

The crackdown comes after Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) said there was an increasing trend in fans attempting to watch fight action for free.

The company worked with Sky for Floyd Mayweather's fight against UFC star Conor McGregor before and during the American's 10th round stoppage of the Irishman.

FACT does not represent BoxNation but has told us it is targeting streaming in sports including boxing.

A spokesman told Daily Star Online: "We are aware that illegal streams of live sports such as boxing is becoming an increasing problem and we are working with industry and law enforcement to tackle this.

"If you want to watch live sporting events we advise you to go directly to the official provider to ensure you watch legal, safe and high quality content and don't end up missing the moments that matter."

FACT also maintains that those caught streaming boxing illegally could be subject to a criminal investigation and find themselves in hot water with the authorities.

Kodi is not itself illegal but its open source platform allows users to install add-ons which can then access illegal content.