After 4 seasons has the Contender really changed boxing?

[lparm]

The first season was prime time and on a major network, but in the last 3 seasons media coverage has dwindled. Has the Contender changed anything?

[salsaking]

Not any major changes, at worst it has brought new fans to the sport.

[Kris Silver]

I loved the contendor, shame how its faded. Stallone was a big star attraction and doesn't help he's gone now. He kinda bridged the gap for the casual fan I think, nor it's proper boxing and less personaity of the boxers and stuff at times.

We've had a good few guys get in the top 10 in the world pro rankings from that program so it goes to show there are guys out there whom could be top 10 worthy with some work. Manfredo (ok he's not great but gave Lacy a good match, and he's still top 10, gave Taylor a fight at least). Alfonso Gomez is a very entertaining fighter and at least got a title shot, brought some people in. Bika is the best I can think of right now, he gave the now p4p #3 a good tough fight to be fair, and I think is under rated, and a definite belt contendor. Sergio Mora actually is another.

I hope the Contendor recovers on the smaller network it's on but it sounds like it's less of a deal now.

[salsaking]

I think the Contender has also done an excellend job at getting big fights for their fighters. If you think about it, more big names might be willing to give the contender a shot in the future if they see that their fighters keep getting big fights. A few that come to mind are Manfredo-Calzaghe, Forbes- De La Hoya, Mora-Forrest, Gomez-Cotto.

[mrlopez]

I dont know if its changed boxing per se.....

But it has brought more attention and fans to the sport, and its taught fighters how to condition/train better.....at least imo

[johnkraus]

The Contender sucks. I wish they had amateur world champions and Olympians on there who can be superstars in the future and not journeymen fighters who could challenge for an abc belt someday.

[sparked_85]

I think in terms of what the program produces only Bika is a geniune Bonafide contender. I mean the guy had fought for two world titles before even going on that show and he'll fight for more titles yet.

Mora is pretty decent too.

The others that had big fights are decent fighters but never geniune top 10 guys.

Hopefully this year unearths a geniune contender. Whoever wins will probably ultimately be getting KTFO by Maccarinelli or Jonathon Banks if their not.

[ottoevans]

It certiantly didnt hurt boxing. I hate those people who bashed the contender cause this and that and wanted it to get canceled.

It seems like those people who bashed it just dont want to increase boxing popularity at all.

I know we shouldnt settle for mediocracy, but im glad that theres something out there where regular people can watch and maybe become fans of the sport.

[Boxer1590]

I dunno but I watched the new season on Wednesday and I thought it ****** and I wont be tuning in again.

[ottoevans]

you should tho, u should support boxing no matter what. Its not like the NFL that they wont care if a few people wont watch its already a monster in ratings.

Look you got those MMA fans who watch truck drivers grind on the floor for 15 minutes no matter what