Professional boxer and former "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Laila Ali will join Hulk Hogan as co-host of "American Gladiators," which NBC is preparing to bring back as a midseason offering.
"Laila is a Gladiator in her own right. Her fierceness in the ring is matched only by her charisma and authenticity. There is no competitor — male or female — who she can not relate to on a personal and competitive level," said Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment.
Ali, daughter of the boxer called "The Greatest of All Time," made her professional boxing debut on October 8, 1999 and is currently the undefeated Super Middleweight Boxing Champion of the world with a 24-0 record and 21 knock-outs.
Reworked for another round on network TV, "American Gladiators" promises splashy twists including special effects, water skills and the latest technology. As in MGM’s traditional "American Gladiators" franchise, everyday amateur athletes compete against action stars and stunt professionals in contests of physical strength and endurance. The series will include such classic events as The Joust, The Wall, Hang Tough and the Eliminator.
The new series will be produced by MGM Television (the original producers of the show) and Reveille Mark Koops, Howard T. Owens and David Hurwitz are the executive producers.
