Watch The Contender

The Contender was a reality television series that premiered on the cable network Epix in 2005. The show was created by mega movie star Sylvester Stallone and featured former boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard as one of the show's hosts. The premise of The Contender was simple. The show featured sixteen professional boxers, who were divided into two teams. Each week, the teams would compete in a number of physical challenges related to boxing, with the losing team having to vote off one of their members. The final boxer standing at the end of the competition would be declared the winner and receive a cash prize of one million dollars.

Unlike many reality television shows, The Contender had a focus on skill, honor, and respect. Host Sugar Ray Leonard regularly emphasized the importance of these qualities throughout the program. The show also allowed viewers a glimpse into the lives and backgrounds of the participating boxers - many of whom had struggled with poverty and adversity.

One of the most appealing aspects of The Contender was the intense training regime that the boxers followed throughout the show. Each week, the boxers were put through a grueling workout program designed to maximize their athletic abilities. These workouts were overseen by some of the most respected trainers in the boxing world, including Tommy Gallagher, Freddie Roach, and Joe Goossen.

But despite the rigorous training and intense physical challenges, The Contender was not just about physical strength. The show also placed a strong emphasis on strategy and mental toughness. As the competition progressed, the remaining boxers had to learn to adapt to new situations, hone their skills, and outwit their opponents.

While The Contender undoubtedly had all the hallmarks of a reality television show - drama, conflict, emotion - it was also a showcase for the sport of boxing. Each episode featured a number of thrilling bouts, in which the boxers put their skills to the test. The fights were expertly choreographed and filmed, with slow-motion replays and expert commentary adding to the drama.

Of course, no reality television show would be complete without a few surprises and twists, and The Contender was no exception. One of the most shocking moments in the show's history came in season two, when one of the boxers was forced to withdraw due to a serious injury. The remaining boxers were given the choice of whether or not to continue with the competition, leading to a tense and emotionally charged episode.

Despite its success - the show was widely praised by critics and was even nominated for an Emmy award - The Contender was not without controversy. In 2005, amid allegations of match-fixing, boxer Najai Turpin took his own life. Turpin had lost a bout on The Contender and was facing financial difficulties at the time of his death. The tragedy cast a shadow over the show, leading some to question the ethics of reality television competitions.

Overall, however, The Contender was a compelling and thrilling show that captured the hearts of boxing fans around the world. With its emphasis on skill, strategy, and honor, it was a refreshing departure from many of the contrived and over-the-top reality shows that were popular at the time. Even today, The Contender remains a popular and highly regarded program, beloved by fans of both boxing and reality television.

The Contender is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (66 episodes). The series first aired on March 7, 2005.