HBO Packs '24/7' Punch For Pacquiao-Hatton PPV Bout

Home Box Office will rev up its 24/7 boxing franchise next month support of the May 2 Manny Pacquiao/Ricky Hatton pay-per-view event.

The four-part Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access and interviews with the fighters as they prepare for their big PPV event, according to HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg. The Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 marks the fifth installment of the series, following De La Hoya/Mayweather 24/7, Mayweather/Hatton 24/7, Calzaghe/Jones 24/7and De La Hoya/Pacquiao 24/7.

The premiere episode debuts April 11 as part of a full night of boxing-related events that also includes the debut of the documentary Thrilla in Manila - profiling the final fight between heavyweights Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali - and a live 12-round middleweight bout between Winky Wright and Paul Williams.

The series' next two episodes air on consecutive Saturdays - a departure from previous 24/7 shows that ran on Sunday nights - with the final show bowing May 1, the night before the fight.

"This latest edition of 24/7 features two of the most talented and personable fighters in boxing today, and we look forward to bringing their compelling storylines and personalities to our subscribers in what promises to be engaging television," said Greenburg in a statement. "This fight is sure to generate a lot of excitement and energy worldwide, and we hope to capture those dramatic moments."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.