HBO Orders Spike Lee Directed Mike Tyson Boxing Drama

The show is said to be modeled loosely after Tyson's career inside and outside of the ring.

By Jorge Rivas Aug 31, 2011

The cable network HBO has ordered a pilot for Da Brick, a boxing drama based on the former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson’s early life in the ring, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The project includes some of television and films biggest names including director Spike Lee, Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Martin writer John Ridley, Entourage creator Doug Ellin and his producing partner Jim Lefkowitz.

Lee is set to direct with Ridley on board to write.

The show is set to take place in Tyson’s hometown of Newark, New Jersey. Deadline Hollywood provides a few more details:

The project, titled Da Brick, is described as a contemporary exploration of what it means to be a young, black man in supposedly post-racial America and is loosely inspired by aspects of Tyson’s youth. Is its set in current-day Newark, NJ, nicknamed "brick city."

Lee has worked with HBO before (When the Levees Broke and If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise) however this is his first television series as a director.