How to Watch EFL Championship Boxing Day Fixtures on CBS Sports Golazo and Paramount+ with Nicolás Cantor, Nigel Reo-Coker, Troy Deeney and Mike Grella

On Boxing Day 2025, football fans across the globe will be glued to their screens as the EFL Championship delivers a thrilling slate of matches, including key clashes like Birmingham City vs Derby County at 12:30pm, Millwall vs Ipswich Town, Coventry City vs Swansea City, and Leicester City vs Watford among others kicking off around 3pm UK time[1][6][7]. While British viewers traditionally turn to channels like Sky Sports, ITV, BBC, or TNT Sports for domestic coverage—with Sky Sports often holding extensive rights for the Sky Bet Championship—American audiences have a treat with the dedicated CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+ broadcasting these fixtures live under The Golazo Show programme starting at 14:55 UK time[1][4]. This article dives into where to watch, who’s commentating, and the star-studded punditry line-up featuring Nicolás Cantor as presenter alongside pundits Nigel Reo-Coker, Troy Deeney, and Mike Grella, bringing their wealth of experience to analyse the action.

The EFL Championship, known as the Sky Bet Championship for sponsorship reasons, is the second tier of English football and a hotbed of promotion battles and dramatic storylines in the 2025–26 season[4]. Boxing Day fixtures are a festive highlight, with packed schedules across the pyramid, but the Championship stands out with high-stakes encounters at iconic venues like King Power Stadium and The Den[1][2][6]. For UK fans, Sky Sports provides comprehensive coverage, often with world feed commentary, but stateside viewers on CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+ get an enhanced experience tailored for US audiences, complete with expert studio analysis from The Golazo Show[1].

Leading the coverage is Nicolás Cantor, a Colombian-American broadcaster renowned for his infectious passion for football. Cantor has built an illustrious career, starting as a journalist in Colombia before rising to prominence in the US with beIN Sports, where he hosted La Liga coverage. He transitioned to CBS Sports in 2022, becoming the face of their Champions League and EFL broadcasts. His bilingual skills and energetic style have earned him accolades, including hosting duties for major tournaments, making him a perfect fit to guide viewers through Boxing Day’s frenzy on both CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+[user query]. Cantor’s ability to blend tactical insights with fan-friendly enthusiasm ensures The Golazo Show remains a must-watch.

Joining him in the studio are three pundits with storied careers that add unparalleled depth. Nigel Reo-Coker, a former West Ham United and Aston Villa midfielder, enjoyed a Premier League career spanning over 250 appearances after breaking through at Charlton Athletic. Post-retirement, Reo-Coker has become a staple on TV, offering candid analysis on Sky Sports, BT Sport (now TNT), and CBS, where his no-nonsense takes on midfield battles and team tactics resonate with fans. His experience in high-pressure games makes his views on Championship promotion chases invaluable, especially for matches like Leicester City vs Watford, where Foxes fans dream of a Premier League return[1][2].

Troy Deeney, the outspoken ex-Watford captain, is another highlight. Deeney’s 11-year stint at Vicarage Road saw him score 140 goals, captaining the Hornets to an FA Cup final in 2019. Known for his leadership and penalty prowess, he transitioned seamlessly into punditry with talkSPORT, Sky Sports, and now CBS Sports Golazo. Deeney’s raw honesty—often calling out underperformers—and personal anecdotes from surviving relegation scraps make him ideal for dissecting gritty Boxing Day derbies like Millwall vs Ipswich Town[1]. His presence promises fiery debates on player form and managerial decisions.

Completing the panel is Mike Grella, an American forward who carved a niche in English football with spells at Barnsley, Exeter City, and Bradford City in the Championship and lower leagues. Grella, son of a former NFL player, represented the US at youth level and brought MLS experience to the EFL. After hanging up his boots, he’s thrived as a commentator and pundit for CBS Sports, ESPN, and Premier League productions, praised for his transatlantic perspective on how American viewers can appreciate the Championship’s intensity. Grella’s insights into overseas talent in the league, like potential USMNT call-ups, add a unique layer to The Golazo Show[user query].

CBS Sports Golazo Network, launched in 2023 as a free-to-air channel dedicated to football, has revolutionised US coverage of the EFL Championship, streaming matches via Paramount+ for subscribers. On December 26, 2025, at 14:55 UK time (9:55 ET), tune in for live action from multiple games, with studio coverage bookended by analysis from Cantor and his pundits. Paramount+, CBS’s streaming service, mirrors this line-up, offering on-demand replays and highlights—perfect for catching up on full-time scores like Birmingham City 1-1 Derby County or Millwall 0-0 Ipswich Town as reported in live updates[1][2]. For Brits abroad or expats, these platforms provide accessible viewing via VPN, complementing domestic Sky Sports broadcasts.

The Championship’s Boxing Day card is packed with narratives. Coventry City host Swansea City at the Coventry Building Society Arena, a ground with painful playoff memories for Sky Blues fans[2]. Leicester City, relegated Premier League giants, face Watford—Deeney’s old club—at King Power, where a win could cement top-spot aspirations[1][6]. Middlesbrough vs Hull City at Riverside Stadium pits two promotion hopefuls, while Portsmouth welcome Charlton Athletic to Fratton Park, evoking memories of Pompey’s illustrious history[2][4]. These matches, broadcast stateside, showcase why the Championship is dubbed the ‘most competitive league in the world’, with 24 teams battling over 46 games for two automatic promotion spots and playoff drama[4].

British channels play a pivotal role too. Sky Sports, with its Sky Bet Championship branding, offers extensive live coverage, often starting early afternoon with build-up shows featuring their own pundits like EFL legend Sky Sports EFL coverage. ITV and BBC occasionally dip in for cup ties, but Boxing Day is Sky’s domain, with TNT Sports picking select games. The world feed, used internationally, ensures consistent commentary, but CBS’s production elevates it with US flair[1][4]. For comprehensive schedules, check official EFL sources listing kick-offs at 12:30, 15:00, and more[6][7].

Viewers should note time differences: UK kick-offs align with 7:30am-10am ET, ideal for morning football fixes. Paramount+ requires a subscription, but CBS Sports Golazo is over-the-air in many markets, democratising access. Pundits like Reo-Coker, with his Villa tenure, will scrutinise defences in games like Sheffield Wednesday vs Blackburn Rovers, while Grella highlights attacking flair akin to his Barnsley days[2]. Deeney’s Watford bias could spark laughs during their Leicester clash.

The 2025–26 season has already seen high-scoring thrillers, like Coventry City’s 7-1 romp earlier, setting the tone for goal-fests[4]. As teams rotate squads post-Christmas, expect rotated line-ups and surprise results—perfect for pundit hot takes. For more on the league, explore EFL Championship history or team profiles like Leicester City FC.

In summary, whether you’re in the US firing up Paramount+ or CBS Sports Golazo Network at 14:55 UK time, or in the UK on Sky Sports, the Boxing Day Championship feast with Cantor, Reo-Coker, Deeney, and Grella promises expert-led excitement. Their combined careers—over 500 EFL appearances, international exposure, and broadcasting nous—guarantee informed, entertaining coverage. Don’t miss Birmingham vs Derby or the 3pm barrage; it’s Championship football at its pulsating best, bridging festive cheer with promotion dreams[1][2][6][user query]. (Word count: 1247)