ESPN’s new original series “The Fight Life” premieres October 7 and chronicles a year in the world of elite boxing – Top Rank Boxing

The five-part series follows the careers of boxing superstars Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez and Josh Taylor.

(25 September 2024) — ESPN today announced its new ESPN Original Series, The fighting lifewill premiere on ESPN+ on October 7, followed by a linear broadcast on ESPN2.

The series chronicles a year in the world of Top Rank boxing through the lives of five of the sport's best fighters – Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez and Josh Taylor – and offers unprecedented and exclusive behind-the-scenes access with Top Rank executives. As the fighters prepare for some of the biggest fights of their careers, the episodes document the traveling circus that is the business of the sport, offering a living, breathing, hard-hitting 360-degree portrait of the “fight life.”

“The fighting life “Boxing is a boxing-focused sport that showcases all the hallmarks of boxing: rich personal stories of sacrifice and determination, lots of pressure and, of course, conflict,” said Lindsay Rovegno, vice president of production for ESPN Originals. “Whether you're a diehard boxing fan or someone who just loves great characters and quality storytelling, this exciting new series showcases the unique perspectives of extraordinary fighters that we're excited to share with viewers.”

The fighting life is produced by ESPN in association with Words + Pictures and Top Rank.
Episode descriptions and streaming/linear schedule (tentative and subject to change) are listed below.

Episode descriptions
EPISODE 1 | Tyson Fury: A heavyweight challenge
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 7 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 9 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Tyson Fury is preparing for a showdown against Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years. After a near-loss to MMA star Francis Ngannou, “The Gypsy King” must prove he still sits on the heavyweight throne. Go behind the scenes with Top Rank executives and matchmakers who shape the boxing business.

EPISODE 2 | Teofimo Lopez: The Giant Killer
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 8 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 16 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Teofimo Lopez is preparing for a career-defining fight against reigning WBO junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor. After several subpar performances, including losing his lightweight title to George Kambosos Jr., top-ranking officials are wondering if the mercurial Lopez still has what it takes. Once considered the future of boxing, Lopez now has one last chance to prove he is still one of the sport's greatest talents.

EPISODE 3 | Josh Taylor: The Crossroads
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 9 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 16 at 11:00 p.m. ET
After losing his WBO belt to Teofimo Lopez, Josh Taylor must face the question: how many more chances will he have to fight at the top of the sport? Age and injuries have begun to plague the former undisputed champion, but his road to reclaiming his junior welterweight title begins with a rematch against former rival Jack Catterall. It's a fight that Top Rank executives make clear will define Taylor's future in the sport.

EPISODE 4 | Seniesa Estrada: Love and Hate
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 10 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 16 at 11:30 p.m. ET
Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada has dreamed of becoming the undisputed world champion, and now she finally has her chance against fellow undisputed world champion Yokasta Valle. Estrada is a pioneer in women's boxing, but to become the first undisputed minimumweight world champion, she must overcome injuries and the mental pressure of settling a personal score with her former promoter, Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

EPISODE 5 | Naoya Inoue: The perfect fighter
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 11 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 22 at 12:30 a.m. ET
Many experts consider Naoya “Monster” Inoue to be the world's best pound-for-pound boxer, and top executives who have been in the business for decades consider him to be one of the best fighters they have ever seen. But for many Western fans, the undefeated Japanese star is the greatest fighter you've never heard of. The undisputed junior featherweight world champion can make a global statement when he faces Japan's most despised boxer, Luis Nery, in front of a sold-out crowd of over 50,000 at the world-famous Tokyo Dome.