HBO Sports’ groundbreaking reality franchise “24/7,” will return with PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7, an all-new four-episode, all-access series debuting SATURDAY, APRIL 11 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT). The series spotlights two of boxing’s most intriguing superstars – Manny Pacquiao, the sport’s reigning pound-for-pound king, and Ricky Hatton, his fiery opponent from across the pond – as they prepare for their May 2 junior welterweight pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas..
PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7 will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access, along with in-depth interviews, as these determined warriors, both making their second “24/7” appearance, prepare for the first mega-fight of 2009. A hero in his native Philippines, the 30-year-old Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) is regarded by most boxing observers as the sport’s unofficial pound-for-pound king.
Demonstrating knockout power in five weight classes, his recent victory over his boxing idol, ring legend Oscar de la Hoya, was cause for national celebration in his homeland. Amid growing worldwide celebrity, he returns to the 140-pound division to take on the hard-hitting Hatton.
Hailing from the streets of Manchester, England, Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) has a tenacious fighting style and a devout following. The 30-year-old suffered his only professional loss in December 2007 when he battled future Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather Jr. as a welterweight. Now back in the junior welterweight ranks, he wants to prove himself the most formidable fighter in the division.
Storylines for this fast-paced series will include the interaction between Pacquiao and his trusted trainer and friend Freddie Roach, as well as the fascinating alliance of Hatton and outspoken trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr.
Episodes two and three of PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7 debut on subsequent Saturdays – APRIL 18 (10:00-10:30 p.m.) and 25 (9:35-10:00 p.m.) – while the finale debuts FRIDAY, MAY 1 (9:30-10:00 p.m.), the night before the fight. All four episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO, and the series will also be available on HBO On Demand.
PACQUIAO HATTON 24/7 Debuts April 11 On HBO
HBO Sports’ groundbreaking Emmy®- winning reality franchise “24/7” returns with PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7, an all-new, four-episode, all-access series, kicking off SATURDAY, APRIL 11 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT). Episodes two and three debut on subsequent Saturdays (April 18 and 25), a traditional viewing night for boxing, while the finale debuts Friday, May 1, the night before the fight. All four episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO, and will also be available on HBO On Demand.
Episode #1 Debut date: SATURDAY, APRIL 11 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: April. 11 (12:30 a.m. ET/11:30 p.m. PT), 12 (10:30 a.m., 11:30 p.m.), 13 (7:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 15 (7:30 a.m., midnight), 16 (10:30 p.m.), 17 (midnight) and 18 (noon), and May 1 (8:00 p.m.) and 2 (2:30 p.m..)
HBO2 playdates: April 14 (noon, 11:30 p.m.) and 17 (8:30 p.m.), and May 1 (12:30 a.m.) and 2 (10:00 a.m.)
HBO On Demand availability begins: April 14
Superstars Manny Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) and Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) hit the publicity trail and begin preparations with their high-profile trainers Freddie Roach (Pacquiao) and Floyd Mayweather Sr. (Hatton) for the May 2 pay-per-view junior welterweight showdown in Las Vegas.
The launch of PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7 is part of a compelling night of boxing programming that also includes the debut of the documentary “Thrilla in Manila” and an intriguing battle between two of the sport’s most formidable competitors. Debuting at 8:00 p.m. (ET)/10:00 p.m. (PT), “Thrilla in Manila” tells the story of the final fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. The 12-round “World Championship Boxing” middleweight bout between Winky Wright and Paul Williams will be seen live from Las Vegas at 10:00 p.m. (ET)/7:00 p.m. (PT).
On Saturday, May 2 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT), HBO Pay-Per-View presents “Pacquiao vs. Hatton,” live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The “24/7” franchise, which earned three Sports Emmys® in 2008, has received six 2009 Sports Emmy® nominations, including four for “Calzaghe/Jones 24/7” and two for “De La Hoya/Pacquiao 24/7.” The winners will be announced April 27.
The executive producers of PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7 are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; coordinating producer, Dave Harmon; producers, Scott Boggins and Bentley Weiner; narrator, Liev Schreiber; writer, Aaron Cohen.