Many TNT Sports customers tuning into tonight’s live broadcast of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk may be surprised to see Laura Woods absent from her presenting duties.
Especially since Fury vs Usyk is being regarded as the biggest night in boxing so far this year and the absence of the 36-year-old will be duly noted.
However her 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 to her 757k followers her recent absence from television by revealing she is recovering from surgery after suffering serious face and arm injuries while on holiday caused by a shattered glass lampshade.
So who will be replacing Woods and taking over the presenting duties for tonight?
Graphic content warning below.
Rebecca Ives will takeover hosting duties tonight for Fury vs Usyk
Laura Woods was originally poised for presenting duties but had to pull out after needing surgery
Woods needed surgery following a freak accident involving a glass lampshade which left her with deep cuts to her eye and arm
TNT Sports presenter and reporter Becky Ives will now present the coverage of Fury vs Usyk
Ives will present alongside Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce with commentary from Darren Fletcher and Richie Woodall.
Becky Ives a UK-based reporter and presenter will step into Woods role for tonight’s winner-takes-all-fight.
The broadcasters revealed their full panel for the bout 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 amateur to the game, and many of you tuning in tonight may recognise her already from appearing on screen as a presenter for Premier League Today, TNT Sports and ITV.
The self proclaimed ‘professional talker’ has an impressive resume spanning over 11 years working for some of the industries 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 with the Sports broadcasters
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 Board Diver, and swimmer to a County and National standard, an avid football fan’.
The English presenter has built an impressive reputation, featuring in content for the likes of ESPN, hosting Live SPFL games for Rangers Football Club on RTV and offering her vast football knowledge to the likes of Bleacher Report’s football news.
Ives is not just good for being in front of the camera, away from the lens, she has hosted a number of high profile sporting events such as the exclusive United Legends dinner event for Manchester United, the ‘Road To Victory’ Awards celebration Dinner for West Ham United in 2023.
She was also selected to host UEFA’s corporate lounges for Premier League teams, including Tottenham F.C, Chelsea F.C and Leicester City during their Champion’s League debut.
Coverage of the fight between Usyk vs Fury is set to get underway around 4pm UK
Although it may seem that her knowledge of sports, is primarily found in the world of Sport, the English woman shares a vast knowledge in other sports and her impressive CV can back her up.
Ives has reported for Red Bull at the WRC Wales Rally GB race, concluding the event by interviewing winner and world champion Sebastian Ogier, joined up with Eurosport as host of their 2017 British Cycling Elite Series, presented for the Strongman Championships 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, alongside work at Premier League Productions.