Host Jeff Keating Examines Atlanta’s Infamous Armed Robbery from the Night of Muhammad Ali’s Historic 1970 Comeback Fight
New York – October 19, 2020 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, Georgia-based production company Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media today announced the launch of “Fight Night,” a new iHeartRadio Original true crime podcast. The podcast, hosted by Jeff Keating and co-produced by record-breaking producer Will Packer and James Lopez, President of Will Packer Productions, examines one of Atlanta’s most infamous armed robbery from the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 return after being banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft.
“Fight Night” will debut Monday, October 26, the 50th anniversary of Ali’s historic fight when he defeated Jerry Quarry, with new episodes airing weekly each Monday. Listeners can hear the official audio trailer now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.
In “Fight Night,” host Jeff Keating unravels the story of an after-party celebrating Ali’s victory that turned horribly wrong. After the fight, hundreds of wealthy guests headed to a private party and according to police reports robbers met them at the front door and herded the guests into the basement forcing them to hand over their money and jewelry. “Fight Night” takes a deeper dive into that notorious night, examining the private party that quickly turned into one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen.
“What happened in Atlanta shortly after heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali made his celebrated return to the ring is a true crime mystery that will keep listeners craving more, especially with the 50th anniversary of the fight and horrendous crime so near,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “Will Packer Media and Doghouse Pictures are known for their groundbreaking and innovative content. Partnering with them on this show will bring the highest level of storytelling to this layered podcast.”
“We’re excited to partner with iHeartMedia and Will Packer Media to finally share with the world this riveting crimewhich reflects race and relationships from the early 1970’s,” said producer Jeff Keating of Doghouse Pictures. “The friendship between the hustler, Gordon ‘Chicken Man’ Williams and cop, JD Hudson, comes to life through their fascinating interviews, which span five decades and have never been heard before.”
“This is the type of project that is perfect for the podcasting space: captivating, high stakes, suspenseful - all against the backdrop of a historic moment in the great Muhammad Ali’s career,” said Will Packer. “True crime aficionados and those new to the genre will be enthralled by this piece.”
Executive Produced by Dan Bush, Lars Jacobson, and Kenny Burns and co-written by Jeff Keating and Jim Roberts, all episodes of “Fight Night” will be distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network and available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.
About Will Packer Media
Led by Hollywood producer Will Packer, Will Packer Media is a first-of-its-kind production and branded content company focused on the New American Mainstream audience, with an urban millennial core. In partnership with Discovery, Inc. and Universal Pictures, the company produces episodic scripted and unscripted series across television and digital platforms, compelling content for brand clients, and short-form digital content for millennial audiences. Will Packer’s films have earned more than $1 billion, with ten opening at number one at the box office.
About Doghouse Pictures
Doghouse Pictures (DHP) is a film and podcast content production company, founded by CEO Jeff Keating. DHP produced the feature documentary LIVING IS WINNING, which won the audience award during the 2009 Atlanta Film Festival and received U.S. distribution from Passion River Films in 2011. DHP has optioned the critically acclaimed short story FOLLOW ME by Paul Griner and is developing the script into a feature film. Keating will begin production in November on his second season as an iHeartMedia host with a true crime series entitled PEE WEE GASKIN WAS NOT MY FRIEND.
