Showtime to Air ‘Prison Fighters’ Documentary on Feb. 24

Showtime announced on Tuesday that it will air a controversial new documentary next month centered around the fight sports. Well, sort of.

Showtime Sports will air a new documentary called Prison Fighters: 5 Rounds to Freedom, which chronicles an unconventional criminal justice system in Thailand where prisoners can earn their freedom through winning muay Thai fights. The state-sponsored rehab program is not reserved for just petty criminals. Instead, violent criminals have been freed through their participation in Prison Fights.

“This story is unlike anything we’ve ever encountered,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Showtime Sports. “Redemption is a common metaphor in sports stories, but this is a story about actual redemption and rehabilitation, with prisoners literally fighting for their release from prison. This film brings viewers inside a personal story of crime and punishment, set against a societal debate about the meaning of justice, rehabilitation and the opportunity for a second chance.”

Prison Fighters focuses on the story of Noy Khaopan, a convicted murderer serving time in the Khao Prik Prison in Thailand. The film crew follows him around for an extended period of time, culminating with his final fight, which is against Lion Fight veteran Cody Moberly. The show also focuses a bit on former bantamweight and super featherweight world champion boxer Sirimongkol Singwangcha.

The 90-minute film will premiere on Showtime on Feb. 24 at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.