The following press release was sent to us:
Ohio Valley Wrestling and Top Knotch Boxing to Merge
Gladiator Sports Network Formed to Oversee Sports’ Growth
Louisville, Ky. – September 18, 2018 – Louisville’s Ohio Valley Wrestling and Top Knotch Boxing have merged under Gladiator Sports Network (GSN). Each company will continue to focus on its respective sports, while GSN oversees overall growth initiatives.
Al Snow, a former WWE superstar with more than 30 years of experience as a producer, trainer and executive in professional wrestling is president and CEO of GSN. James Dixon, founder and head coach of Louisville Top Knotch Boxing, is director of boxing.
“I’m excited at the opportunity to build on OVW’s long-running success and to grow Louisville’s combat sports offerings,” said Al Snow. “Today OVW is the longest, continually operating wrestling venture in the U.S. We couldn’t have a better foundation to support our Gladiator Sports Network vision for future growth.
On October 10th, 2018 OVW will celebrate its historic 1000th television episode by producing the first professional wrestling event ever to take place on 4th Street Live, Louisville’s hub for tourism, dining and entertainment. OVW 1000 will be a star-studded event broadcast live on WBNA-TV and on ippv to the world via the Fight TV AP.
With more than 20 years on television some of the biggest stars in pro wrestling cut their teeth on OVW TV including John Cena, Brock Lesnar and more than 150 others who went onto the national stage. Many of our alumni and famous wrestling friends will join us for OVW 1000 including WWE Hall of famer Mick Foley, WWE legend Billy Gunn, ECW original Tommy Dreamer and OVW founder Danny Davis. Gunn and Dreamer will also compete among the “Great Eight” as OVW crowns a new heavyweight champion in the culmination of the Grand Tournament at 1000.
Louisville Top Knotch Boxing will continue training local athletes and promoting events through its partnership with Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports and Entertainment.
“Gladiator Sports Network is going to provide structure and other resources that will enable me to re-establish Louisville’s boxing legacy,” said James Dixon. “We’ve already taken local boxers to the next level to fight professionally. I think there is endless potential in Louisville to produce another world champion.”
Next up for Louisville Top Knotch Boxing is the Real Deal boxing showcase event scheduled for October 6 at Davis Arena. Tickets for both events are available at www.gladiatorsportsnetwork.live.
Gladiator Sports Network also produces Game On, a high school football prospect show that highlights local talent. The show is hosted by Chris Redman, Bob Redman, Super Bowl XXIV MVP Deion Branch, and Chris Labar and airs on WBNA on Thursday nights at 10:30 p.m.
