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Last night, from the Staple Center in Los Angeles, the debut boxing card on ESPN featuring fighters from the first season of The Contender premiered. Controversy reigned. Fan favorite Alphonso Gomez was dominating Luciano Perez [a last minute replacement for former Contender Jeff Fraza] but when the ref stepped in and stopped the fight, a clearly game Perez was joined in his complaints by the crowd witnessing the action.

The second fight pitted Jesse Brinkley against Anthony Bonsante. The two had fought in the first season of The Contender. Despite being way ahead in their first fight, Bonsante lost when he was knocked out in the final seconds of the last round. He said that he was back to avenge that loss. Clearly he was. Despite Bonsantedominating the fight, the judges UNANIMOUSLY gave Brinkley the win?! It seemed that everyone [including Brinkley] was shocked at the outcome. The crowd roared its disapproval and even an interview with Mark Burnett [the creative genius behind the show] focused on the controversial decision.

The final bout of the evening had an outcome that was even worse! Undefeated Contender Champion, Sergio Mora, faced Peter Manfredo. Mora beat Manfredo to win the Contender title and the fight had been a great one. Unfortunately for Mora, last night wasn't a repeat... except for the outcome. Mora was cut in the first round, but the fight was allowed to continue. Manfredo dominated most of the rounds, although Mora did mount a rally in the late rounds. Still it wasn't enough to win the fight... at least that what most everyone thought until the judges cards were read. Mora was given a split decision!

So we had three fights and three controversial decisions. Perhaps it will call into question the ability of the judges... maybe it'll set up some great rematches. I just hope that this doesn't hurt the second season of The Contender.

- Craig