anybody want The Contender?

[GlassJaw]

I really like it so far, but then again, I'm a boxing fan. Not sure how it would do to someone not into boxing.

I was a bit disappointed that the guy from Providence was the first one to leave the show. I've done a bit of reading on some boxing sites and the general consensus is that a 5-round fight puts the more experienced fighter at a disadvantage.

Anyway, good show overall. The reviews have been very good but I guess the early ratings were just so-so. They moved to their regular timeslot last but I'm not sure how it did.

 

[Maerdwyn]

I really enjoy it, more than I have other reality shows. I'm not a boxing fan per se, but I enjoy it well enough when I watch. My wife enjoys the show, too.

We missed last night's ep, but there's a rebroadcast on CNBC (I think anyway - it's on one of the NBC's other networks) tonight, so I'll get to see it.

I was sorry to see the guy from Providence go down early, too.

 

[Teflon Billy]

I think it's fantastic.

A shame to see the dude from Provedence go out as quickly as he did, but he was just grossly outmatched in the ring. Some of those slo-mo bits showing the hits were just brutal.

The best thing that you could say about the guy in that final match was that he could really take a punch.

 

[Stone Angel]

I actually missed it though I wanted to see it glad to hear that some others liked it.


The Seraph of Earth and Stone

 

[GlassJaw]

A shame to see the dude from Provedence go out as quickly as he did, but he was just grossly outmatched in the ring. Some of those slo-mo bits showing the hits were just brutal.

Well I'd take some of the slo-mo shots with a grain of salt. The editing is a little frantic for my taste. They are definitely trying for that "Rocky" feel.

As far as the matches go, a 5-round fight is essentially a toss-up, especially at this weight class. Aside from the 1 mil, it isn't in a more experienced fighter's best interest to start fighting shorter matches (they usually go 10 or 12 rounds).

For example, Manfredo (from Prov) was 21-0 going into the show. I've seen him fight a few times. He gets better in the later rounds and wears people down. Also, remember, these guys aren't doing the normal preparation that they do in a normal fight. They don't have their normal trainers, ring men, etc. I've also heard that Manfredo was taken by surprise at being picked so early.

That's not to say the other guy had a good fight but if there was a 12-round rematch, my money would be on Manfredo.

Also, the previews for next week indicated that someone would be voted back on. I hope it's Manfredo. He actually held a press conference at the RI Convention Center in Prov the night of the premiere. They showed it on the news and he didn't look too upset about it.

 

[Chimera]

I've caught 1.5 episodes so far, missed Sunday night.

Not reallt a boxing fan, just trying to catch Tony Bonsante, who works at the same place as me. I don't really know him at all other than I saw him around when I was working nights and heard his name on the radio (internal) frequently.

I did like the old guys reaction when he said the one guy "had no shot" and Sly and Ray both slammed him down hard, saying 'everyone has a shot'. Yeah, sure. He obviously doesn't think so, but obviously thought he'd better keep his mouth shut.

 

[shilsen]

I've seen all three episodes so far and really liked it. It's partly because I really like it and have boxed myself (amateur lightweight), but even beyond that I think it's a good show and does have a lot more 'reality' than the regular reality shows (which is admittedly not saying much). I would personally have liked them to have at least 10 round fights (and would prefer 12 or 15), but then again I've always been a fan of the longer versions. Going all-out for 5 rounds is easy, but keeping it up for 10 or more is what really separates the good fighters from the so-so ones.