HBO Planning Freddie Roach Reality Show

HBO said Tuesday it is teaming up with Friday Night Lights director Peter Berg to produce a reality show on acclaimed boxing trainer Freddie Roach.

The greenlight for “On Freddie Roach” is probably the most exciting non-fight programming notice for boxing fans since HBO debuted the “24/7” series before Mayweather-De La Hoya in 2007. According to a release the show will follow Roach as he trains world champions in the Wildcard gym in Hollywood while dealing with the constant stream of media and celebs that love to pop in.

“Freddie Roach is an extraordinary person and many of our subscribers are familiar with his superior work in training some of the world’s premier fighters,” said Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. “This will be a fascinating and unique series.”

“HBO’s enthusiasm in supporting a less-conventional, vérité style of storytelling is why they continue to create original and truly innovative programming,” said Peter Berg. “It’s why they are the best and we are very excited to be working with them.”

Cameras will capture Roach in his new role with USA Boxing as he helps prepare the U.S. team for next year’s Olympics in London. The trainer’s battle against Parkinson’s disease is likely to be featured as well. This six-episode series will debut early next year.

A native of Dedham, Mass., Roach turned professional after an extensive amateur career and amassed a record of 40-13 (15 KOs) fighting mostly as a lightweight.  After retiring in 1987 he began serving as an apprentice to his former trainer, the legendary Eddie Futch before opening his first gym with Mickey Rourke in 1992.

Roach has trained a number of world champions including Manny Pacquiao, Oscar de la Hoya, and Mike Tyson. He has been named Boxing Writers Association of America trainer of the year five times and has been inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame.