TOP RANK TO PRODUCE BOXING SERIES FOR DIRECTV

          Top Rank, Inc. plans a monthly series of live boxing
     events on DirecTV beginning February 12, according to Carl
     DiOrio of the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.  It would mark the first
     time fights are "exclusively transmitted via a satellite TV
     service."  The monthly boxing series, called DirecTV
     Ringside, "marks the first original programming effort for
     DirecTV," and it will offer the series to subscribers on a
     PPV basis.  Top Rank will produce DirecTV Ringside and will
     "use some of its video library for related boxing specials
     and promotions."  Top Rank President Bob Arum said the deal
     won't affect his current relationship with HBO.  In a
     separate deal, DirecTV agreed to carry the next three fights
     of Oscar De La Hoya (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 1/14).