By Dave Sholler

I am not afraid to admit that professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan was the reason I said my prayers and took my vitamins every day growing up. Next to eating and sleeping, Hogan and his World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment) pals were necessities in my life. Whether it was the Hulkster pushing the benefits of proper nutrition or the tag team of Demolition reminding me of the dangers of face paint, the Vince McMahon-driven wrestling machine was my ultimate source of entertainment.

Unfortunately, once I hit high school, the fascination with professional wrestling fizzled. Every once in a while, like when the WWE bought WCW, a wrasslin’ event would re-ignite my interest. Since that infamous merger though, my interest has again diminished. The professional wrestling world just fails to fuel my entertainment engine anymore.

Thanks to Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s leap into the pro wrestling spotlight, I am curious about the sports entertainment world again. While I admit that I won’t watch a full broadcast of RAW or SmackDown, I have been checking in to see “Money” Mayweather’s appearances. As brutal as they have been from an execution standpoint, Floyd’s emergence in the WWE has got me thinking. Could other boxing stars break into pro wrestling or some other form of hot television programming? Is it possible for Kelly Pavlik to be a game show host or for Israel Vazquez to take part in a survival-based reality show?

Let’s take a lighthearted look at some television programs that we wouldn’t mind seeing some of boxing’s top figures take part in. From reality adventures to makeover shows, the world of boxing holds the keys to potentially comical television programming.

The show: NBC’s Deal or No Deal
The host: Kelly Pavlik
The contestant: Bob Arum

Ok, so we picked Kelly Pavlik to replace Howie Mandel as host largely because they both sport baldheads. But after taking a closer look, Pavlik is just the type of humble, likeable presence that fans gravitate toward. Plus, he might actually shake a contestant’s hand instead of giving them a germ-fearing fist bump (sorry Howie).

As far as contestants go, Bob Arum may be a future Deal or No Deal Hall of Famer. Whether it’s signing the new hot prospect or negotiating site fees for “The Ghost’s” next title defense, we are confident that Arum would iron out quite an agreement with the show’s famed banker.

The show: VH1’s Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew
The participant: Mike Tyson

Talk about riveting television! VH1 would score a ratings bonanza if it could get “Iron” Mike to agree to check into Celebrity Rehab. Plain and simple, the man knows how to generate a buzz. Could you imagine if Dr. Drew had a one-on-one with Tyson regarding his trials and tribulations? While we cannot confirm that Mike still has substance abuse issues (which, on a serious note, we hope he one day conquers), there’s no doubt that a stint on Celebrity Rehab would be must-see TV.

The show: Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild
The participants: Rafael Marquez and Israel Vazquez

The current host, Bear Grylls, is infamous for surviving extended stays in remote locations. No stranger to the harsh wilderness, Grylls is best known for finding food and water using the oddest measures possible. From squeezing water out of animal dung to building shelters out of the earth’s resources, Grylls is battle-tested.

In the boxing dictionary, Rafael Marquez and Israel Vazquez are synonymous with survival. In this version of Man vs. Wild, the foes-turned-friends would alternate stints in the wild, continually attempting to outdo one another. Any man who can live to tell the firsthand tale of the Marquez-Vazquez trilogy should have no problem dealing with a few fire ants or hyenas.

The show: Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs
The participant:  Shane Mosley

Discovery Channel’s Mike Rowe has done some nasty work and rarely turns down a tough outing. From a willpower standpoint, Sugar Shane Mosley is like Rowe in that he’s ready and able to fight the best. Some questioned his chances against Miguel Cotto in November 2007, yet the 36-year-old gave the young Puerto Rican star all he could handle. Sugar’s also turned down lucrative paydays in the past to try and settle the score with men who’ve beaten him (see Winky Wright rematch in 2004).

If Mosley will go in the trenches with boxing’s best, do you think Dirty Job’s sewage or pig farming jobs scare him? That’s what I thought.

The show: Fox’s American Idol
The participant: Manny Pacquiao

A recording artist in his home country, the Filipino sensation may strike a chord with the American audience if he can hit the right notes. A joy to watch in the ring thanks to his footwork and speed, Pacquiao may be able to add a dance step or two to his vocal audition. This is the major question:  How will crude American Idol judge Simon Cowell react? Will he see a future platinum artist or just another poor attempt at a Ricky Martin song a la William Hung?

However he chooses to respond, Cowell better watch his mouth around Pac-Man. A left hand is only seconds away.

The show: Style Network’s How Do I Look?
The participant: Nikolai Valuev

Since Extreme Makeover went off the air, we had to help our friend Nikolai with the next-best option. With more body hair that the average polar bear, it would be train-wreck television to watch the seven-footer get his torso waxed. The folks at the Style Network would have their hands full with Valuev, but could they transform the jolly giant into a rock star? Just imagine Nikolai sporting Louis Vuitton ring trunks and a matching robe. This feat may only be possible with the help of “How Do I Look” host Finola Hughes.

STIFF JABS

JAB ONE: From a fan’s standpoint, it’s awfully difficult to choose a fighter to root for when Manny Pacquiao takes on Juan Manuel Marquez in their highly anticipated rematch this weekend. Both fighters bring it on fight night and it should be a pleasure to watch. For prediction’s sake, I like Manny by decision.

JAB TWO: For Delaware-area fans, Rich Quinones’ afternoon show on 1290 The Ticket should please boxing aficionados. While Rich primarily tackles professional team sports, he is well versed on the sweet science and his frequent guests include Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Hopkins, and Al Bernstein. Somehow, he’s managed to squeeze me on every Wednesday in the five o’clock hour.

JAB THREE: David Haye was impressive last weekend in his win over Enzo Maccarinelli, but I’d still like to see him face Steve Cunningham at cruiserweight. Cunningham, a hard-nosed Philadelphian, wouldn’t mind facing the Hayemaker either.

PARTING SHOT: I received plenty of feedback on my column last week regarding Juan Diaz. While many agreed with my assessment that he still has a lot to learn, one reader believed I was disrespecting the fact that Juan was a soon-to-be college graduate. The reader even hinted that I was jealous that a “young” man like Juan was getting his degree. Just two problems with that argument: First, I am a college graduate. Second, Mr. Diaz is eight months older than I am. As my listeners in Texas (Juan’s home state might I add) will tell you, I am a big fan of Juan, win, lose, or draw. Here’s to betting that Diaz – college degree and all - bounces back quickly.

Dave Sholler is a boxing and MMA analyst for sports radio stations across the country. His column runs weekly on BoxingScene.com.