New York, NY – May 18, 2016 – PIX11 is pleased to announce it has partnered with DiBella Entertainment, one of the top boxing promotional companies in the world based in New York, and Barclays Center, Brooklyn’s landmark sports and entertainment arena, to broadcast “Broadway Boxing: Presented by BROOKLYN BOXING,” a 90-minute special airing on Saturday, May 21. Sponsored by BROOKLYN BOXING, Nissan of Queens, Optyx, and Azad Watches, “Broadway Boxing” will air directly following the PIX11 broadcast of the New York Mets’ home game against the Milwaukee Brewers, which starts at 4:10 p.m ET.
Hosted by boxing expert and play-by-play announcer Brian Custer and PIX11 Sports Anchor Andy Adler, “Broadway Boxing” will feature a look back at some of the most exciting moments of the series, voiced by award-winning actor Danny Aiello, and a recap of the March 30th 10-round New York State middleweight title matchup between local prospects Chris Galeano, of The Bronx, and Devaun Lee, of Queens. Galeano and Lee will be in the PIX11 studio at Barclays Center to discuss the aftermath of their heated contest.
“Broadway Boxing” will also include an interview with Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, who launched the “Broadway Boxing” series in 2004 as a combination of live programming and taped-delayed broadcasts. “Broadway Boxing” is currently the longest running independently produced boxing series. DiBella will delve into the history of the series, the importance of club shows and how the grassroots nature of such allows the sport to thrive.
“Broadway Boxing” will feature a segment hosted by PIX11’s Andy Adler on women’s boxing, with fighters Heather Hardy, who is undefeated in six fights at Barclays Center, and Amanda Serrano in studio giving their thoughts on the growth and development of women’s boxing and the challenges females continue to face in what has predominantly been a male-driven sport.
The broadcast will preview the eagerly anticipated Keith Thurman-Shawn Porter WBA welterweight title bout that will be televised live by SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS from Barclays Center on Saturday, June 25.
“As PIX11 continues to be a local destination for sports, we are pleased to announce our second boxing special,” said Rich Graziano, President/GM, PIX11. “‘Broadway Boxing’ will air in partnership with DiBella Entertainment, presented by BROOKLYN BOXING, Nissan of Queens, Optyx, and Azad Watches, and give boxing fans a behind-the-scenes look at local boxing talent, while reaffirming our commitment to bring the highest quality sports programming to our viewers.”
“We have worked for 12-plus years developing the ‘Broadway Boxing’ brand in New York and throughout the country,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “It is the finest local television boxing series in the US, showcasing New York area and international talent and developing future stars. We are thrilled to partner with PIX11 and to introduce the series to its New York viewers. PIX11 is quintessentially New York and a media force in the tri-state area. Under Rich Graziano’s leadership, this is evidenced by its local sports programming. ‘Broadway Boxing’ belongs on PIX11.”
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ABOUT PIX11
Founded in 1948 and owned by Tribune Broadcasting, a division of Tribune Media, WPIX-TV (PIX11) has long been regarded as a groundbreaking station in New York. In 2006, PIX11 became the flagship station of the CW Television Network and PIX11’s award winning news, successful primetime programming, off-network sitcom favorites, public affairs shows and outstanding event coverage have contributed to the station’s success. The station has been honored with numerous awards for excellence including nearly 300 Emmy® Awards (two for Outstanding Morning News Program and multiple Awards for Outstanding Newscast.) PIX11 also has a long history of local sports coverage and in 2015 became the broadcast home of the New York Yankees. PIX11 is also the broadcast station of the New York Mets, since 1999. In 2014, PIX11 announced a long-term, exclusive content and marketing partnership with the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. PIX11 is also home to the New Jersey Lottery drawings. PIX11 engages with audiences across multiple social platforms; find us on Facebook at facebook.com/pix11news, on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Periscope: @pix11news. For more information visit www.pix11.com.
ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in April 2004. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2014, DiBella was inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. You can find DiBella Entertainment on Twitter @loudibella and on Facebook at Facebook.com/DiBella Entertainment. For more information, please visit www.dbe1.com.
ABOUT BROOKLYN BOXING™
Upon opening in 2012, Barclays Center brought major championship boxing back to Brooklyn after more than 50 years. Over the past four years, the BROOKLYN BOXING platform has hosted more than 100 bouts and more than 20 world title fights while giving local fighters their own shot in the spotlight. In April 2016, BROOKLYN BOXING extended its brand by creating an active wear and lifestyle apparel line that is available at www.BrooklynBoxingShop.com. BROOKLYN BOXING is proudly presented by AARP.
