Andre Hörmann – Syndication Server

Showtimes provides first look at documentary ‘Ringside’

Showtime has provided a sneak peek at its documentary “Ringside,” which premieres at 8:30 p.m. ET / PT on Friday.

The documentary, filmed over nine years, follows the lives of boxing prodigies Destyne Butler Jr. and Kenneth Sims Jr. on the rough South Side of Chicago.

The clip, which hasn’t been available until now, illustrates the different paths the young men took. Butler reflects on the mistakes he made in an emtional letter to his father from a correctional center. Meanwhile, Sims fulfills his dream of becoming a successful professional boxer.

The film, directed by Andre Hormann, won the Silver Hugo Award at the Chicago International Film Festival

‘Ringside,’ documentary on two boxing prodigies, to premier on Showtime

Showtime has acquired the rights to the award-winning documentary “Ringside,” which will premier on the network on June 12.

Showtime has acquired the rights to the award-winning documentary “Ringside,” which will premier on the network at 8:30 p.m. ET / PT on June 12.

“Ringside” chronicles the journeys of two boxing prodigies on the perilous streets of their rough neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago.

The documentary, filmed over nine years, focuses on amateur standouts Kenneth Sims Jr., and Destyne Butler Jr., as well as their fathers, who train them. The film was directed by Andre Hörmann.

“Filmed over the course of nine years, “Ringside” is a complex, emotional account of two youths fighting to survive both professionally and personally,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “This remarkable film follows two gifted young boxers and the fathers who guide them, as they strive to overcome a seemingly never-ending series of personal and societal obstacles.

“The result is a moving story about hope, ambition, self-discipline, resilience and redemption. It is this type of provocative story, at the intersection of sports and society, that has become the hallmark of Showtime Sports Documentary Films.”

Both fighters are now professionals. Sims (14-2-1, 5 KOs) has fought four times on “ShoBox: The Next Generation.” Butler (9-0, 5 KOs) has bounced back from a prison term.