Earlier
this week it was confirmed that ESPN has picked up The
Contender for a second season and already has options
for seasons three and four. Mark Burnett, Jeffrey
Katzenberg and Sylvester Stallone will return as
executive producers.
Sly
will also appear on screen, but unlike season one probably not
each week. "It'll be a limited involvement but definitely
a presence," said Will Staeger, executive producer
of ESPN Original Entertainment.
Sugar
Ray Leonard, Jackie Kallen, and Tommy Gallagher are
also tentatively scheduled to return for Season 2. In
addition, fighters from Season One may make cameo
appearances in Season 2. Additionally, ESPN plans
to broadcast three live boxing specials featuring The
Contender's first season fighters. A formal announcement
of the fighters involved is expected soon.
Plans call for casting
and production for The Contender: Season Two to
start immediately and for the series to air beginning April
2006 in primetime on ESPN. The format will
remain much the same as the first season with 16 boxers
competing in twelve hour-long episodes and the last
episode will air live.
You can read more about the return
of The Contender
here,
here, here,and
yes, even here.
- Craig Zablo
