There’s no exclusive agreement with boxers is there?  Ok, so we should see some of today’s top boxers in the latest announcement from 2K Sports, Don King Presents: Prizefighter.  I know what you’re thinking.  What the hell is Don King doing headlining a video game?  We’ll have to wait and see. 

“The combination of real-life fight scenarios, story-driven gameplay and photo-realistic graphics will set this title apart from the competition,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “Our goal has always been to deliver the most engaging and realistic titles, and Don King Presents: Prizefighter will exceed these expectations.  Based on the game’s innovative features and high-profile fighters, this title will be a ‘must have’ for any sports gamer.” 

“In all my years working in professional boxing, I have never seen anything come as close to recreating the thrill, the intensity, the courage and the spectacle of the sport,” said legendary boxing promoter Don King.  “Don King Presents: Prizefighter is more than a game — it is a glimpse at what life is like in and out of the ring for these incredible athletes.” 

Developed by Venom Games, the 2K studio that brought Rocky and Rocky Legends to the Xbox and PlayStation 2, Don King Presents: Prizefighter will bring the realism of live action match-ups and the true tactics of the sweet science together for the first time. More than just a night at the fights - players will be responsible for building a career by overcoming adversity, avoiding temptation, and balancing their commitments to train and promote, all while focusing on the goal of ultimately winning and defending the title belt.  The story will be told by a revolutionary sports documentary-style narrative never before seen in a video game. 

It’s scheduled to ship in Spring 2008 so it’s right around the corner.  I’m a big Fight Night fan so I’m looking forward to what 2K Sports and Venom Games can do in the next-generation arena with a boxing title.  I liked the first Rocky game but hopefully they step it up a notch for the Xbox 360. (also shipping for the Nintendo Wii)