Jet2 to Host World Championship Boxing Matches on Board Flights to Alicante
Leeds-Bradford Airport – Budget airline Jet2 has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the World Boxing Council to stage official world championship bouts mid-flight on selected routes to Alicante, promising passengers “the ultimate in-flight entertainment upgrade”.
From next summer, selected Boeing 737-800s will be reconfigured as “SkyRing” aircraft, complete with a reinforced 16-foot canvas ring bolted between rows 15 and 25, LED floodlights rigged from the overhead lockers, and a PA system repurposed to announce “Let’s get ready to rumble!” instead of the usual seatbelt reminder.
The inaugural fight – a WBC featherweight title defence between reigning champion “Lightning” Lopez and challenger “The Costa Brava Crusher” – will take place on flight LS147 departing at 06:45. Refereeing duties fall to the senior cabin crew member, who will also serve as timekeeper using the in-flight microwave timer. Rounds are shortened to 90 seconds to fit within the turbulence window over the Bay of Biscay.
Passengers in premium “Ringside” seats (rows 14–26, £89 supplement) receive complimentary eye protection goggles and a “Knockout Snack Pack” featuring energy gels and a miniature ice pack. Economy travellers get unrestricted views provided they keep heads below seat-back level during exchanges. Anyone attempting to film the bout on their phone will be deducted one complimentary hot drink voucher.
Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy defended the initiative: “We’ve already got screaming kids and elbow wars in the aisle – why not make it official? It’s authentic British holiday chaos at 35,000 feet. Plus, the winner gets first dibs on the overhead bin space.”
Critics, including the Civil Aviation Authority, have raised safety concerns. Jet2’s response? A new mandatory pre-flight waiver: “I acknowledge that sudden cabin movement may resemble a left hook.” Medical staff on board will now include a ringside doctor equipped with smelling salts and extra sick bags.
At press time, bookings for the inaugural “Fight Night to the Sun” were oversubscribed, with one passenger commenting: “Finally, a reason to choose the middle seat.”
