Sky Sports host announces move to rival broadcaster with emotional statement

Sky Sports presenter Anna Woolhouse has issued an emotional statement to confirm that she is leaving the network to join a rival broadcaster. She joined the channel in 2012 and has served as their lead boxing presenter in recent years, while also presenting on Sky Sports News and hosting other events like the World Darts Championship. The 42-year-old has covered many high-profile fights, including the recent heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Arslan Makhmudov on Netflix.

After nearly a decade and a half with Sky Sports, Woolhouse is leaving to continue her career elsewhere. She has signed with DAZN, the subscription service which regularly covers the biggest fights in boxing. In a heartfelt statement on social media, she confirmed that she would still be appearing on Sky Sports on a part-time basis to supplement their darts coverage.

“The next round & the start of a new chapter,” wrote Woolhouse, alongside a boxing glove emoji. “After almost 10 years with the incredible Sky Sports Boxing family, I’m excited to announce I’m heading to join the @daznboxing team.

“I love working in this incredible sport and can’t wait to cover more of the biggest fight nights.

“I’ll also be continuing to work on the World Darts Championship for Sky Sports, along with some other exciting projects, you’ll be sick on the sight of me! Huge thank you for all the support. Let’s go!”

Olivia Wayne, who was a fellow presenter on Good Morning Sports Fans but is now at DAZN, replied to Woolhouse’s post: “Reunited and it feels SO good!”

Former professional boxer Johnny Nelson, who is the flagship boxing pundit on Sky Sports, also congratulated his former colleague on her impending move.

As one of the channel’s leading presenters, Woolhouse has been in the public eye for many years, which has occasionally brought some unwanted consequences.

She previously opened up about the abuse she has received on social media, revealing that people had been making threats against her and mocking the death of her brother, Harry, who was killed in a bus crash in Malaysia in 2014.

In an interview with IFL TV, Woolhouse said: “I’ve always said that I don’t mind if you have an opinion or if you don’t like me, but I draw the line when it gets personal and they bring family into it.

“That’s my tipping point. I think when you put yourself out there, people just assume that you’re fair game. I don’t think it’s fair.

“I’ve received some really nasty and horrible messages on Twitter, Instagram, even my email. Targeting my body image, that kind of stuff, slating me and saying some horrifically nasty things about my family and my brother.

“They wished me dead as well. It’s just not acceptable. This happening to me has made me realise that it really does affect a lot of people and some people don’t have the support I have.”