The Contender

All Episodes 2005 - 2018

  • Ended
  • #<Network:0x00007ff11b032d20>, #<Network:0x00007ff11b032be0>
  • 2005-03-08T01:00:00Z
  • 1h
  • 2d 16h (64 episodes)
  • Mark Burnett
  • United States
  • English
  • Rogue Marble + 5 more, Mark Burnett Productions, DreamWorks Pictures, ESPN, ESPN Original Entertainment, DreamWorks Television
  • Reality
The new season of The Contender features 16 Cruiserweights from around the world who will face each other in a 12-episode competition. With former boxer and television star Tony Danza serving as host and mentor and veteran Tommy Brooks and John Bray serving as trainers, these fighters will go through the most intense training of their lives and battle in the most challenging fights of their careers. In the end, the two left standing will get into the ring to fight for the coveted title of Contender Champion.

70 episodes

Freddy Curiel fights Ross "The Boss" Minter.

2007-04-25T00:00:00Z

Special 3 Gomez vs. Concepcion

Special 3 Gomez vs. Concepcion

  • 2007-04-25T00:00:00Z1h

The USA's Alfonso Gomez takes on the UK's Martin Concepcion.

2007-05-02T00:00:00Z

Special 4 Ravelo vs. Buchanan

Special 4 Ravelo vs. Buchanan

  • 2007-05-02T00:00:00Z1h

Team USA's Jerson Ravelo takes on Paul Buchanan from Team UK.

Jesse Brinkley from Team USA takes on Team UK's Robin Reid.

Series Premiere

2005-03-08T01:00:00Z

1x01 Random Acts of Courage

Series Premiere

1x01 Random Acts of Courage

  • 2005-03-08T01:00:00Z1h

Sixteen of the best middleweight fighters in the United States arrive in Los Angeles at the Contender Gymnasium. Each week, the boxers will train at this gymnasium and, with the support of their families who are now living close by, will vie to win $1,000,000 if they win a fight at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Teams are divided into East and West and in the first challenge, the winner of which decides the matchup for the fight that week (one fighter from each team), the players must haul three logs up a steep hill. West comes out victorious, and choose Alfonso Gomez and Peter Manfredo as the contenders of the night. In a suprising fight, Alfonso, with help from his father, mother and family, beats Peter, who has his wife and daughter to cheer him on.

2005-03-11T01:00:00Z

1x02 Survival of the Fittest

1x02 Survival of the Fittest

  • 2005-03-11T01:00:00Z1h

The West once again wins the second challenge, a puzzle using flags, they again are allowed to decide the matchup for the week. Ishe Smith wimps out and the team reluctantly allows Jesse Brinkley to challenge veteran Jonathan Reid to the second round of fighting of the show. Tempers flare when Jesse accuses Ishe of betraying his team by rooting for Jonathan instead of himself. Later, in the second surprising upset of the game, Jesse Brinkley defeats Jonathan Reid in a close match of fighting.

2005-03-14T01:00:00Z

1x03 Rivals

1x03 Rivals

  • 2005-03-14T01:00:00Z1h

The tension between Ishe and Ahmed reaches a boiling point when West wins the third challenge, a dodgeball game, and Ishe challenges Ahmed to the third boxing match. Though Ahmed starts out strong with a heavy barrage of punches in the first round, Ishe gets the last laugh when he wins the very personal match and gets the third spot into the quarter finals.

The teams reconvene after the fight between Ishe and Ahmed, and everyone seems glad that Ahmed was outed. Jeff begins to feel ill, and after consulting a doctor, he finds out that he has chicken pox and that he must leave the entire tournament. In his place, Stallone tells the remaining contenders to vote one person back into the game. Peter Manfredo, jr. from Episode 1 is voted back in with a vote of 8-4 (the other votes being for Jonathan Reid). Later, at the challenge, the East Coast pulls their car to the finish line the fastest, and they choose Najai Turpin to fight Sergio Mora. At the boxing match, Najai gives it all he has but is defeated by a surprisingly strong Sergio.

2005-03-28T01:00:00Z

1x05 The Best Fights

1x05 The Best Fights

  • 2005-03-28T01:00:00Z1h

The first four Contender fights are recapped as Sylvester Stallone and Sugar Ray Leonard host, pointing out what went wrong about the fight, and what the winner did right.

2005-03-28T01:00:00Z

1x06 Tears of Pain and Sorrow

Peter Manfredo, after being let back into the game, begins to feel "off." He has tasted his first defeat when Alfonso beat him, and he is afraid to lose again. At the challenge, which tests versatility, West wins again, and is able to choose the matchup for that night. Miguel Espino chooses to fight Manfredo. At the fight, Manfredo conquers his fears of losing and wins the match, sending an ashamed and sad Miguel packing.

2005-04-04T00:00:00Z

1x07 Betrayed

1x07 Betrayed

  • 2005-04-04T00:00:00Z1h

After feeling their first loss of the game, the West Coast team set lineups for the next three weeks - beginning with Anthony (West) versus Jimmy. When West wins the challenge, Anthony chooses not to pick to fight Jimmy because Jimmy's arms are too long, and that challenges him. He does what is best for him, not for his team, and chooses to fight Brent Cooper, a former Alcoholic who turned to religion. That night, all of the other fighters - even Anthony's team - exclude him and wish Brent all the good luck in the world, leading to an explosive pre-fight press conference and an even more explosive fight - Anthony's determination results in a quick win, and only three out of the five rounds need to be fought. Brent is sent packing by Sly, and Anthony's team wishes bad luck upon him.

2005-04-11T00:00:00Z

1x08 Opportunity

1x08 Opportunity

  • 2005-04-11T00:00:00Z1h

Tensions are still surrounding the West Coast from last week's "betrayal" with Anthony choosing not to fight Jimmy Lange. Ishe Smith opts not to take a part in the reward for Anthony's win, saying that he doesn't feel right celebrating a win that he didn't want. At the challenge, the teams knock down graffiti-covered walls and load their debris into the back of a new car, and in the end West wins, giving them a choice of the matchup, ultimatley deciding the matchup for the next week as well, by process of elimination. Tarick chooses to call out Juan, the youngest player in the game, and in the fight, Juan surprises everyone by beating Tarick. On his way out of the Contender Gymnasium, Tarick says that he feels relieved that he finally got his shot.

2005-04-18T00:00:00Z

1x09 Injury Takes Its Toll

1x09 Injury Takes Its Toll

  • 2005-04-18T00:00:00Z1h

After his tough fight the week before, Juan De La Rosa feels terrible. The show must go on, however, and the remaining two contestants who have not won a fight, Joey Gilbert and Jimmy Lange, prepare for their fights. In the ring, Joey beats out Jimmy in a close fight, and Joey is given a ticket to the second round while Jimmy is sent home. After, Juan quits due to his injuries, and Sly and Sugar Ray take the remaining boxers to Caesar's Palace to give them a glimpse of what a champion's life is like - filled with girls, money, and greatness.

2005-04-25T00:00:00Z

1x10 Viva Las Vegas

1x10 Viva Las Vegas

  • 2005-04-25T00:00:00Z1h

After returning home from Las Vegas, the fighters are forced to vote someone back into the competition. In order to throw Ishe off, a new alliance of Joey, Anthony, Jesse, & Peter vote Ahmed back into the game. In a turn of events, the challenge is completley individual, and the winner will make the choice of who will fight that night. In the first individual challenge, Jesse Brinkley defeats the competition and picks Sergio and Ishe to fight, knowing that Sergio will beat Ishe and send him packing. In the fight, Ishe is unable to conquer Sergio, and he is sent home, the first of the Round 2 fighers to do so.

2005-04-25T00:00:00Z

1x11 Who's Playing the Game?

1x11 Who's Playing the Game?

  • 2005-04-25T00:00:00Z1h

Things take a turn to the good in the house when everyone is able to see their family during the next challenge of the competition. The challenge, to haul your family member around a horsetrack, makes Peter Manfredo into a winner, and lets him choose who would be fighting that night. He chooses Alfonso Gomez and Ahmed Kaddour to fight, and Alfonso easily claims victory, putting him into the final four instantly.

2005-05-02T00:00:00Z

1x12 The Hangman's Noose

1x12 The Hangman's Noose

  • 2005-05-02T00:00:00Z1h

Since he beat Ahmed in the last challenge, Alfonso was able to choose someone for his reward. He picked Sergio (because Sergio picked him last time) and the two went on a shopping spree. With injuries abound, Anthony did not compete in the challenge, which Jesse won. Jesse, who makes sure he has the easiest fight the next week, matches up Peter Manfredo and Joey Gilbert, leaving Anthony and Jesse to fight next week. After a lot of training and some more inspiration from their families, Peter and Joey fight a good fight, but the two accidentally headbut, cutting Joey's face and ending the fight midway through the fifth round.

2005-05-09T00:00:00Z

1x13 Heavy Hands

1x13 Heavy Hands

  • 2005-05-09T00:00:00Z1h

Despite being shaken up and being forced to lose ten pounds, so as to qualify for his weight range, Jesse goes through with his fight with Anthony, who has been training harder than ever in order to make his children proud. At the Pre-Fight Press Conference, Jesse and Anthony have a falling out, but at the fight, Jesse has the last word. He knocks out Anthony and becomes the final Contender player to make it to the Final Four.

2005-05-16T00:00:00Z

1x14 The Final Four

1x14 The Final Four

  • 2005-05-16T00:00:00Z1h

The stakes are raised when the Stallone and Leonard announce that the last three fights will be seven rounds instead of the usual five, and that the matchups will be decided by the four boxers themselves - and all of the fighters would have to agree. A rematch is decided between Peter Manfredo Jr. and Alfonso Gomez Jr, who fight in their match at the end of this episode. Manfredo comes out the winner, sending him to the finals, and sending Alfonso packing.

2005-05-23T00:00:00Z

1x15 One Punch Away

1x15 One Punch Away

  • 2005-05-23T00:00:00Z1h

Jesse, who knows that he has a big fight to win against Sergio if he wants to be a part of the finale, an amazing opportunity to win $1 million, feels exhausted after his fight with Anthony only days before. Despite support from both family and friends, Jesse gets beaten up badly by Sergio; Jesse comes out of the fight scarred and bruised. Sergio wins the seven-round fight, ensuring him a position in the prestigious final fight at Caesar's Palace.

2005-05-25T00:00:00Z

1x16 Series Finale

1x16 Series Finale

  • 2005-05-25T00:00:00Z1h

In Las Vegas at Caesar's Palace, Sergio Mora and Peter Manfredo Jr. arrive to slug it out in a seven-round fight for $1,000,000. Preceded by a fight between Alfonso Gomez and Jesse Brinkley for the Bronze Medal, which Alfonso wins, the ultimate fight is tough and brutal. In the end, Sergio conquers Peter by a unanimous vote, and he becomes the one and only Contender.

Season Finale

2005-05-25T00:00:00Z

1x17 Series Finale

Season Finale

1x17 Series Finale

  • 2005-05-25T00:00:00Z1h

In Las Vegas at Caesar's Palace, Sergio Mora and Peter Manfredo Jr. arrive to slug it out in a seven-round fight for $1,000,000. Preceded by a fight between Alfonso Gomez and Jesse Brinkley for the Bronze Medal, which Alfonso wins, the ultimate fight is tough and brutal. In the end, Sergio conquers Peter by a unanimous vote, and he becomes the one and only Contender.

This is the first episode of "The Contender: Season 2". It introduces 15 new boxers and one familiar boxer from season 1, all competing to become the next Contender Champion. This episode features the first fight of the season between Cornelius "K-9" Bundrage and Michael Clark.

2006-07-19T00:00:00Z

2x02 Power of Choice

2x02 Power of Choice

  • 2006-07-19T00:00:00Z1h

Part two of the season premiere, this episode features an all out boxing war between Norberto "El Gallito" Bravo and Rudy Cisneros.

2006-07-26T00:00:00Z

2x03 First in the Kitchen

2x03 First in the Kitchen

  • 2006-07-26T00:00:00Z1h

Week 3 of The Contender found plenty of tension among the competitors. After harsh words between boxers, it was finally decided that Aaron Torres would fight for the Blue team, and he called out Gary Balletto.

2006-08-02T00:00:00Z

2x04 Let 'Em Sweat

2x04 Let 'Em Sweat

  • 2006-08-02T00:00:00Z1h

More drama is brewing between Grady Brewer and Vinroy Barrett, but Walter Wright steps up for an "easy" fight, and challenges a dtermined, but ultimately not in shape Andre Eason.

2006-08-09T00:00:00Z

2x05 Old Rivals

2x05 Old Rivals

  • 2006-08-09T00:00:00Z1h

Trouble is brewing between K9 and Walter, as Walter decides to fight K9 next round. Vinroy calls out Grady, and in a close fight Grady takes it home by Unanimous decision.

2006-08-16T00:00:00Z

2x06 Friendly Fire

2x06 Friendly Fire

  • 2006-08-16T00:00:00Z1h

2006-08-30T00:00:00Z

2x08 The Elite Eight

2x08 The Elite Eight

  • 2006-08-30T00:00:00Z1h

Coming Soon!

2006-09-06T00:00:00Z

2x09 Dog Fight

2x09 Dog Fight

  • 2006-09-06T00:00:00Z1h

Coming Soon!

2006-09-13T00:00:00Z

2x10 Por La Rasa

2x10 Por La Rasa

  • 2006-09-13T00:00:00Z1h

Coming Soon!

2006-09-20T00:00:00Z

2x11 Final Four

2x11 Final Four

  • 2006-09-20T00:00:00Z1h

Coming Soon!

Season Finale

2006-09-27T00:00:00Z

2x12 Championship Bout

Season Finale

2x12 Championship Bout

  • 2006-09-27T00:00:00Z1h

Coming Soon!

Season Premiere

2007-09-05T00:00:00Z

3x01 The Contender Tryouts

Season Premiere

3x01 The Contender Tryouts

  • 2007-09-05T00:00:00Z1h

Tryouts for the new season begin.

Training continues and the boxers are treated to a visit from Oscar De La Hoya.

A five-round fight between super middleweights.

2007-09-26T00:00:00Z

3x04 The Big Guns

3x04 The Big Guns

  • 2007-09-26T00:00:00Z1h

Boxers contend with problems in and out of the ring.

2007-10-03T00:00:00Z

3x05 There Ain't No Quitting

3x05 There Ain't No Quitting

  • 2007-10-03T00:00:00Z1h

With power in the blue teams hand they get to choose the last two fights with four people left, Sakio Bika and Paul Smith of the blue team and David Banks and Donny McCrary of the gold team. Blue Team decides Sakio will face Donny and Paul will face David.

2007-10-10T00:00:00Z

3x06 Gunnin' For the Knockout

3x06 Gunnin' For the Knockout

  • 2007-10-10T00:00:00Z1h

The last of the first-round fights determines the semi-finalists.

Former contenders fight live including Alfonso Gomez vs. Ben Tackie.

2007-10-24T00:00:00Z

3x08 Semi-Final 1

3x08 Semi-Final 1

  • 2007-10-24T00:00:00Z1h

This is the first of the two semi-final fights. Wayne Johnsen vs Jaidon Codrington

2007-10-31T00:00:00Z

3x09 Semi-Final 2

3x09 Semi-Final 2

  • 2007-10-31T00:00:00Z1h

The Second Contender Semi Final Sakio Bika vs Sam Soliman

Season Finale

2007-11-07T01:00:00Z

3x10 The Contender: Finale

Season Finale

3x10 The Contender: Finale

  • 2007-11-07T01:00:00Z1h

The Contender: Finale The final Bout, and all the runner-up fights. The final fight, possibly one of the greatest fights of all time? The judges scorecards are in and EVERY ROUND COUNTS! Final: Jaidon Codgrington Vs Sakio Bika Sam Soliman Vs Wayne Johnson David Banks Vs Donny McCrary

Season Premiere

2008-12-04T01:00:00Z

4x01 Fight 1

Season Premiere

4x01 Fight 1

  • 2008-12-04T01:00:00Z1h

In the fourth season of The Contender”, 16 of the world’s best cruiserweight boxers answered the call and flew across the globe to the island nation of Singapore, to fight, in hope of being the next Contender Champion. The 16 boxers stepped into the Contender Training Gym for the very first time meeting with host Tony Danza and trainers Tommy Brooks and John Bray. The fighters were welcomed to their new gym and to Singapore, their new home. In his address, Tony let the fighters in on his little known past: he was once a professional boxer, but ended up down a different path. Tony then introduced the two trainers. Training the Gold Team is Tommy Brooks, one of the biggest names in boxing. He’s trained Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield as well as the Blue Team’s trainer, John Bray. John was himself a former Heavyweight contender. Now, as a trainer, John faces Tommy as a student challenging his former teacher.

2008-12-11T01:00:00Z

4x02 Fight 2

4x02 Fight 2

  • 2008-12-11T01:00:00Z1h

Setting the bar high for the rest of the fighters, Felix “Bad News” Cora Jr. gives a solid first match performance, out-boxing Joell Godfrey in 5 rounds of cruiserweight action. Felix’s victory now gives the Blue Team the first win of The Contender Tournament and the upper hand.

2008-12-18T01:00:00Z

4x03 Fight 3

4x03 Fight 3

  • 2008-12-18T01:00:00Z1h

After a 5-round, lopsided brawl with the Gold Team’s Jon Schneider, Alfredo Escalera Jr. wins the second fight of the Contender Tournament and keeps the “Power of Choice” with the Blue Team.

2009-01-01T01:00:00Z

4x04 Fight 4

4x04 Fight 4

  • 2009-01-01T01:00:00Z1h

Coming off the exciting Erick Vega vs. AK Laleye fight, the Gold Team has the power of choice for the first time. The mood in the loft has changed drastically, as the Gold Team celebrates their first victory in the tournament. They then get right down to business in discussing who their first target should be. Deon makes it clear he wants to fight, eying either Richard Gingras or Mike Alexander. AK, however, suggests that they should go after the “bleeding lamb”, Ryan Coyne because of the disrespect he’d shown Hino during training the day before.

2009-01-08T01:00:00Z

4x05 Fight 5

4x05 Fight 5

  • 2009-01-08T01:00:00Z1h

It’s the fighter from the Gold Team, Deon Elam who raises his hands in victory over Richard Gingras. It’s all tied up with 2 wins apiece, and the Gold Team, once again, has the power of choice.

2009-01-15T01:00:00Z

4x06 Fight 6

4x06 Fight 6

  • 2009-01-15T01:00:00Z1h

Facing the knock-out power of Darnell “Ding-a-ling Man” Wilson, Ehinomen “Hollywood Hino” Ehikhamenor gives a safe but smart performance and out boxes Darnell in 5 rounds of boxing. The Gold Team walks away with their 3rd victory in a row and retains the power of choice.

2009-01-22T01:00:00Z

4x07 Fight 7

4x07 Fight 7

  • 2009-01-22T01:00:00Z1h

After stopping veteran fighter Lawrence Tauasa with a deadly right hook in just the second round, Troy Ross brings home an impressive TKO victory, keeping control of the Power of Choice and winning the fourth consecutive fight for the Gold Team.

2009-01-29T01:00:00Z

4x08 Fight 8

4x08 Fight 8

  • 2009-01-29T01:00:00Z1h

The eight remaining fighters are treated to a Singaporean reward, and the 2nd round of the Contender Tournament begins with a match up of tournament favorites.

2009-02-05T01:00:00Z

4x09 Fight 9

4x09 Fight 9

  • 2009-02-05T01:00:00Z1h

A new grudge is forged when the fighters are forced to make a decision that will change the tournament. Alfredo Escalera and AK Laleye finally settle their differences in the ring.

2009-02-12T01:00:00Z

4x10 Fight 10

4x10 Fight 10

  • 2009-02-12T01:00:00Z1h

Given a second chance at the Tournament, Joell Godfrey trains hard to prove himself in his upcoming fight. With a spot in the Final Four at stake, Hino Ehikhamenor takes on Deon Elam, and Rico Hoye fights Joell Godfrey in a Double Header.

2009-02-19T01:00:00Z

4x11 Fight 11

4x11 Fight 11

  • 2009-02-19T01:00:00Z1h

In the semi-finals double-header, the final four take to the ring for their shot at fighting live at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods for the title of Contender Champion.

2009-02-26T01:00:00Z

4x12 Fight 12

4x12 Fight 12

  • 2009-02-26T01:00:00Z1h

Troy Ross and Ehinomen Ehikhamenor square off in the season finale.

Season Finale

2009-02-26T01:00:00Z

4x13 Fight 13

Season Finale

4x13 Fight 13

  • 2009-02-26T01:00:00Z1h

Season Premiere

2018-08-25T00:00:00Z

5x01 Why Weight?

Season Premiere

5x01 Why Weight?

  • 2018-08-25T00:00:00Z1h

This episode will feature trainers Freddie Roach and Naazim Richardson who will guide the boxers. The boxers will fight under the mentorship of Andre Ward. In the very first episode, the boxers will be seen as being aggressive. The episode will feature a verbal exchange between fighters Devaun Lee and Shane Mosley Jr.

2018-09-01T00:00:00Z

5x02 Fighting To Live

5x02 Fighting To Live

  • 2018-09-01T00:00:00Z1h

A passionate fighter steps up and is gunning for a major threat from the opposing side; another fighter is determined to stir up trouble as tension between the teams escalates.

2018-09-08T00:00:00Z

5x03 Episode 3

5x03 Episode 3

  • 2018-09-08T00:00:00Z1h

The winning team is riding high from their victory and is hungry for another; one fighter plays mind games with the other team, while another focuses on his faith to maintain peace while in the Contender house.

2018-09-15T00:00:00Z

5x04 Episode 4

5x04 Episode 4

  • 2018-09-15T00:00:00Z1h

One team continues to reign while the other remains discouraged; observant behavior initiates a guessing game of who will be called out next, frustrating members of the losing team, who are waiting for their chance to prove themselves.

2018-09-22T00:00:00Z

5x05 Indecision

5x05 Indecision

  • 2018-09-22T00:00:00Z1h

Tension between the teams rises as one fighter continues his antics, keeping the opposing team on edge; one fighter gets to spend time with his family; two hometown rivals step into the ring to face off.

2018-09-29T00:00:00Z

5x06 Episode 6

5x06 Episode 6

  • 2018-09-29T00:00:00Z1h

One team is livid after being stripped of a victory, and the three remaining fighters are out for blood; after feuding since day one, a heated rivalry between two fighters is settled in The Contender ring.

2018-10-06T00:00:00Z

5x07 Episode 7

5x07 Episode 7

  • 2018-10-06T00:00:00Z1h

A former Olympian, a world record holder, a boxer who hasn't fought in three years and one of the older boxers in the house all fight for the last two slots of round two; with so much on the line, they're all going for a knockout.

2018-10-13T00:00:00Z

5x08 Episode 8

5x08 Episode 8

  • 2018-10-13T00:00:00Z1h

It's every fighter for himself in the second round of The Contender Tournament as former teammates must prepare to battle; a special guest drops by the gym.

2018-10-20T00:00:00Z

5x09 Episode 9

5x09 Episode 9

  • 2018-10-20T00:00:00Z1h

One fighter faces a doctor's evaluation to decide whether he can continue in the tournament; another fighter nearly gets into a fight with a fellow boxer inside the house; two Contenders face off against each other.

2018-10-27T00:00:00Z

5x10 Episode 10

5x10 Episode 10

  • 2018-10-27T00:00:00Z1h

Friends become foes in the last two quarterfinal bouts; with the semifinals just around the corner, one fighter tries to refocus, while another is hungry for redemption.

2018-11-03T00:00:00Z

5x11 Episode 11

5x11 Episode 11

  • 2018-11-03T00:00:00Z1h

The final four contenders face off in the semifinals; two season-long rivals battle, while another match involves two fighters who have built a brotherly bond; in the end, only two will move on to the finals.

2018-11-10T01:00:00Z

5x12 Episode 12

5x12 Episode 12

  • 2018-11-10T01:00:00Z1h

After their arduous journeys, the top two fighters go head-to-head in a battle for the $250,000 prize and the ultimate title of "The Contender"; from the Forum in Los Angeles.

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