(LOS ANGELES, CA) South Boston, known as Southie to its natives, is one of the toughest neighborhoods in the nation. For a group of dedicated young men who live there, boxing is not only a pastime -- it’s a lifeline. Still, over the past 20 years, the sport’s popularity has been declining dramatically. In Discovery Channel’s THE FIGHTERS, a new reality series from Craig Piligian’s Pilgrim Studios and UFC president Dana White, gym owner and former fighter Peter Welch enlists the city’s top trainers in the fight to revive boxing in Boston. “Boxing has always been my favorite sport and it led me to where I am today,” Dana White said. “I’m excited to share this project with viewers and give them an opportunity to take a look into the unique world of boxing in South Boston, and to see up-and-coming talent in the sport.” The eight-part series premieres Thursday, January 23 at 9PM ET/PT on Discovery Channel.Watch teaser
Determined to bring boxing back, Welch formulates a plan to revitalize the sport: each week, trainers from rival boxing gyms across Boston will choose their top amateur fighters to represent their gyms in a bout. After seven days of intense training, the fighters will face off in the ring with their professional futures at stake. “The passion that these trainers and fighters have for boxing is unprecedented, and we are honored to have the opportunity to highlight not only the sport, but also the tenacious cast of characters who are literally fighting to keep it alive,” said Denise Contis, EVP of Production and Development for Discovery Channel. Executive Producer Craig Piligian added, “With THE FIGHTERS we really wanted to get back to the roots of boxing in Southie, where the sport is so integral to the culture. These fighters put everything on the line, and I believe this show will breathe new life into boxing.”
Each episode of THE FIGHTERS documents the daily struggles, personal relationships and epic training sessions as the fighters prepare for the fight of their lives -- where only one will overcome the odds and emerge victorious. Every week, these three rounds will help decide not only their fates, but also the fate of boxing in Southie.
THE FIGHTERS is produced by Pilgrim Studios for Discovery Channel. For Pilgrim Studios, Craig Piligian, Dana White, Ralph Wikke and Mitch Rosa are executive producers. For Discovery Channel, David Pritikin is executive producer.
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