Fox Sports 1 issued the following press release:
FOX SPORTS 1 PAYS TRIBUTE TO MILITARY ON MEMORIAL DAY WITH TWO SPECIAL EVENTS
B.R.C. 2014: BEST RANGER Puts Focus on Army Endurance Competition
GOLDEN BOY LIVE! Gets “Jim Ross Treatment” for Title Fight at Fort Bliss
New York – Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, a time set aside to reflect and give thanks for those men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. It is also day used to recognize and appreciate those serving in our military today, and it is the spirit of their bravery, dedication and sacrifice that FOX Sports 1 presents a pair of military-themed specials on Memorial Day evening, B.R.C. 2014: BEST RANGER and a GOLDEN BOY LIVE! title fight.
While many of us are aware of, but don’t truly understand, the training, both physical and mental, learned by our soldiers, FOX Sports 1 provides a peek into a world only seen by a few in a one-hour special titled B.R.C. 2014: BEST RANGER, airing Monday, May 26 (8:00 PM ET). The one-hour jaw-dropping documentary helps cap off FOX Sports 1’s “10 Days of Thunder,” and serves as a prelude to Golden Boy Live! boxing, live from Fort Bliss in El Paso.
For the first time in history, FOX Sports 1 cameras deliver an all-access program chronicling the U.S. Military’s Best Ranger Competition, one of the most intense endurance events ever seen. Shot over a three-day period and stretching into nearly 60 hours of competition, Soldiers are put through never-before-seen obstacles and extreme tests of mental and physical strength. Beginning with 50 teams made up of two men each, B.R.C. 2014: BEST RANGER, awards the greatest duo once all is said and done.
“This special shows exactly why the US Army Rangers lead the way. It’s a true testament to how tough and well trained they are,” said FOX Sports 1 Originals VP, Michael Bloom. “Fifty teams, three days, one winner. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s been a great honor to bring their story to FOX Sports 1.”
In one of many tests, the Rangers must complete the “stress shoot,” an environment very similar to what Soldiers face regularly in combat. Immediately following a four-mile buddy run, Soldiers must drag a 150-pound dummy across multiple ranges designed to test shooting skills. The “stress shoot” features the M9 Pistol and M4 Rifle. Targets vary from two meters to 50 meters with Rangers given only five minutes to complete the course.
“Every year, when I watch these men go across the finish line, as an old Soldier, I know we’re in good hands,” said Army Retired, Lieutenant General David E. Grange. “I feel good about my Army. It’s better than it ever was. If my son had to go to war today and his commander was a Ranger, I’d go to bed at night and rest easy.”
Immediately following B.R.C. 2014: BEST RANGER, FOXSports.com contributor and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross makes his FOX Sports 1 announcing debut in the network’s exclusive presentation of Golden Boy Live! boxing (9:00 PM ET). As a longtime WWE play-by-play announcer and evidenced in his sensational ringside commentary, Ross is a WWE icon, having called the sports greatest matches and events. Ross’ popularity within the WWE circuit and legendary calls in the ring were often edited on plays from other sports, which became known as “getting the Jim Ross Treatment.” Ross works alongside color commentator Dave Bontempo and reporter Jessica Rosales to call the action from Fort Bliss.
Headlining this night of fights is Nicaragua’s Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado who defends his WBC Silver Featherweight Title against perennial contender and Texas native, Rocky Juarez. This much anticipated title fight is expected to be thrilling, however, the Memorial Day bouts on FOX Sports 1 are highlighted by PFC Alex Love, who is part of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), as she takes on Sulem Urbina in a four round flyweight match. The Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) trains and promotes nationally and internationally ranked Soldiers vying for a chance to represent the United States at the Olympics and Paralympic Games. Love was the 2012 U.S. Nationals boxing champion in the light flyweight division. This night of fights airs on both FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes.