HBO’s hit ‘On Freddie Roach’ series will make its UK bow this weekend with all six episodes to be screened back-to-back on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).
The innovative reality series, directed by renowned filmmaker Peter Berg, delves into the life of one of boxing’s most esteemed trainers, Freddie Roach, who owns and operates the famed Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.
Recognised for producing and working with a long line of world champions, the intimate cinema vérité style series gives a raw and unscripted insight into the mindset and workings of one of the world’s leading coaches.
This intensely personal look captures Roach as he trains his fighters during their most critical stages, plays host to a continuous stream of celebrity visitors, finds time to sort through and balance his myriad of outside interests, and manages his new role with USA Boxing, all while fighting Parkinson’s disease, an ailment very likely linked to his own boxing past.
“We filmed for a whole year and it was a lot of fun doing it,“ said Roach. “I don’t hold back and it was truly me. Someone said to me after watching the series ‘I’ve never seen that dark side to you before’, and, I have a dark side and a bad temper and I get mad – I let them know that’s part of my life. That’s the great thing about the show they never asked me to do anything and you truly see my life – the fun parts, the bad parts, the sad parts,” he said.
Roach has been battling Parkinson’s disease since the age of just 29 but the Dedham born trainer, who has worked with the likes of Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan, has always been very forthright about his illness, something reflected in the series.
“I’m a very open person and if someone has a question about my Parkinson’s I have no problem ever giving them the truth and that’s one thing I really like about the show, everything in it is true. Parkinson’s is part of my life I didn’t just want to give them the good parts or just the parts I wanted them to see,” said Roach.
“It’s my life and gives people a look at what I go through every day. Sometimes it’s a struggle, but when you win big fights it brings a lot of happiness, that’s what makes me tick – winning fights,” said Roach.
Episodes 1, 2 and 3 will be screened back-to-back this Saturday 12 October from 9pm on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546), with episodes 4, 5 and 6 aired back-to-back the day after on Sunday 13 October at 9pm.
For more information visit www.boxnation.com.
