They Fight, a documentary about Coach Walt Manigan’s Lyfe Style Boxing after-school program in Washington, DC’s 8th Ward has been acquired by Fox Sports and will make its broadcast debut later this fall as part of the network’s Magnify documentary series.
They Fight was produced by Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy winning entertainer Common’s studio Freedom Road Productions in association with Argent Pictures, which touts Drew Brews, Derek Brooks, Michael Finley, and Tony Parker as investors. It follows Manigan’s struggle to find a permanent home for the program, while at the same time preparing two promising young fighters for the 2017 Junior Olympics.
The Magnify film series on Fox Sports has featured films produced by LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chance the Rapper and Kevin Durant in the past. The series aims to put the spotlight on cultural and political issues through the lens of sports. It has been nominated for a Sports Emmy.
In a Fox Sports press release, Common says Magnify and They Fight are a perfect match.
“It is important to share Coach Walt’s story and seeing how he overcame extreme hardships and now serves as a mentor to the youth in Ward 8,” said Common. “It is a true example as to how we can take the most challenging of situations and turn them into a positive, not only for ourselves but for others. Boxing is more than just a sport to these kids, it empowers and unifies them to fight for a better life.”
There is no firm release date yet for They Fight. Fox has only promised that the documentary will make its broadcast debut this fall.
