In 1998, ESPN premiered Friday Night Fights; the series traditionally featured bouts involving both up-and-coming and seasoned professional boxers, along with studio segments covering headlines and developments across the sport. As implied by its title, the program was primarily broadcast on Friday nights, semi-regularly.

Ringside commentary was provided by Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas; previous seasons featured boxing analyst Max Kellerman alongside Brian Kenny and sportscaster Bob Papa in Tessitore's role ringside with Atlas. The program spawned spinoffs, Tuesday Night Fights and Wednesday Night Fights. A Spanish-language version, Noche de Combates, aired on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Latin America.

Friday 27, August 1999

Larry Marks vs. Brandon Mitchem

Vivian Harris vs. Isander Lacen

Vernon Forrest vs. Santiago Samaniego

Friday 16, April 1999

Zab Judah vs. Juan Torres

Vivian Harris vs. Hector Arroyo

Devin Rodriguez vs Jonet Hernandez

Vernon Forrest vs. Steve Martinez