NBC Sports Group has announced that it has extended its agreement with promoter Main Events to expand the Fight Night boxing series on NBC Sports Network. The deal which was originally for one year will now extend to 2014. In addition, the number of Fight Night cards will expand from the original six this year to a total of 16 over the life of the contract.
The Fight Night series will also air at least twice on NBC. The first Fight Night card on NBC is scheduled to air on December 22.
We have the NBC Sports Group press release for you below.
NBC SPORTS GROUP RENEWS FIGHT NIGHT BOXING SERIES
NBC Sports Network Extends Deal With Main Events For 2013-2014
Saturday Night Boxing Series To Expand From Six Telecasts To Up To 16NEW YORK – July 2, 2012 – NBC Sports Group will partner with Main Events to produce a second season of the network’s successful primetime boxing series Fight Night. The Saturday night boxing series will expand from six telecasts to up to 16 and will showcase compelling match-ups between some of the world’s best fighters.
NBC Sports Group will continue to work with Main Events and Hall-of-Fame matchmaker J Russell Peltz, to once again feature a multi-promoter strategy for the series. Designed to produce the best quality fights, the collaboration allows any promoter the opportunity to get their boxers involved in these programs and allows viewers the ability to see world class match-ups that would not otherwise take place.
“We are once again reaching out to all promoters to get involved in the series.” said Kathy Duva, president, Main Events. “The multiple promoter format worked incredibly well during season one and we are hoping to continue to build on the momentum. All fighters who are willing to further their careers by engaging in compelling, interesting, meaningful matches are welcome.”
“This series is the best thing that has happened to boxing in years,” said Hall-of-Fame promoter/matchmaker J Russell Peltz. “In just four shows, we have seen the emergence of US heavyweight prospect Bryant Jennings and junior middleweight contender Gabriel Rosado. We have shown matches between world-rated fighters and that’s something you rarely see these days on television. On top of that, the fights have been promoted the old-fashioned way, in sold-out noisy venues in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Bethlehem and Newark. This is the way boxing was meant to be.”
“Fight Night has been a tremendous success. The unique approach to have multiple promoters competing to put fights on the NBC Sports Network has allowed us to produce compelling match-ups and incredibly exciting shows.” said Jon Miller, President of programming, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “The NBC Sports Group is committed to the property and we are looking forward to expanding the series from six telecasts to up to 16.”
Starting in 2013, a minimum of six Fight Night telecasts will take place each year on the NBC Sports Network. The NBC Sports Group will also look to place up to two Fight Night broadcasts on NBC.
As part of the agreement, an additional Fight Night telecast has also been added to the 2012 calendar. The show will air Saturday, December 22 on NBC, from 4-6 p.m. ET. The fight card will be announced at a later date.
2012-2013 NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE
(All times ET and subject to change)Saturday, December 22 4-6 p.m. NBC
Saturday, January 19, 9-11 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Saturday, March 9, 9-11 p.m. NBC Sports NetworkKenny Rice will continue to serve as the play-by-play commentator for all telecasts, and will be joined by Hall-of-Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach and cruiserweight contender B.J. Flores. Chris Mannix will continue to serve as the ringside reporter for each telecast.
FIGHT NIGHT 36: The NBC Sports Network will continue to use its all-access 36 series to compliment the Fight Night telecasts. In 2012, individual Fight Night 36 episodes featured fighters Zab Judah and Eddie Chambers. The collaboration between Fight Night 36 and Fight Night allowed fans a unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes prior to each fight and see how the boxers train, spend time with their family and interact with fans.
One more NBC Sports press release coming up.
