Join or Sign In
Sign in to customize your TV listings
By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.
16 Episodes 2005 - 2005
Episode 1
Mon, Mar 7, 2005 90 mins
Sixteen middleweights contend for a $1-million payday in this boxing tournament produced by Mark Burnett ("Survivor," "The Apprentice") and Sylvester Stallone, and hosted by Stallone and Sugar Ray Leonard. The format: the fighters are divided into two teams, who face off each episode in a contest of physical strength and mental acuity. The winner chooses its fighter---and his opponent. Each episode culminates with the match. Part 1 also introduces the contenders.
Episode 2
Thu, Mar 10, 2005 60 mins
Rivalries develop that test the team concept prior to the bout, which knocks out contender No. 2.
Episode 3
Sun, Mar 13, 2005 60 mins
Round 3. Before one contender is eliminated in the ring, all 14 must play a game of dodgeball.
Episode 4
Sun, Mar 20, 2005 60 mins
Najai Turpin, who committed suicide in February 2005, is one of the fighters in Round 4, taking on an opponent who has fought before on the series. But before the bout, there's fighting outside the ring.
Episode 5
Sun, Mar 27, 2005 60 mins
A review of the first four "Contender" bouts (all of them won by the West) is hosted by Sylvester Stallone and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Episode 6
Sun, Mar 27, 2005 60 mins
In Round 5, Peter Manfredo, who lost his first pro bout in Round 1, returns to replace the ailing Jeff on the winless East team. Peter's still licking his wounds. ("I'm not sharp," he concedes.) Before the bout: an urban obstacle course in downtown L.A. But first, last week's winner, Sergio, and his West teammates celebrate with former light-heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver.
Episode 7
Sun, Apr 3, 2005 60 mins
Round 6. The East goes for two in a row. But first, the prefight challenge involves a medicine ball on a very hot day.
Episode 8
Sun, Apr 10, 2005 60 mins
Round 7: The West is again best following Anthony's TKO of Brent last week. Only four contenders haven't fought yet. The prefight challenge involves an inner-city cleanup project.
Episode 9
Sun, Apr 17, 2005 60 mins
Round 8: The last fight in the first round of bouts. But first, one battered warrior considers quitting.
Episode 10
Sun, Apr 24, 2005 60 mins
NBC's boxing tournament enters its second phase with a new format: strictly man against man. "It's no longer a team contest," says co-host Sugar Ray Leonard. "It's you, only you." The eight middleweights remaining still must endure prefight contests (an agility course in the first hour), but now the winner has the choice of picking his own foe or playing matchmaker for two other fighters.
Episode 11
Sun, Apr 24, 2005 60 mins
Seven fighters remain. But before the fight it's off to the racetrack for an endurance contest in extreme heat.
Episode 12
Sun, May 1, 2005 60 mins
With Ahmed eliminated, six contenders remain, and one of them will be in the hospital after the fight. Before the fight: a speed-bag race.
Episode 13
Sun, May 8, 2005 60 mins
Five contenders remain, and one of them is hurt in the ring during the fight.
Episode 14
Sun, May 15, 2005 60 mins
Bouts have been lengthened to seven rounds as the Final Four begin the semifinals. But first, the boxers reminisce about the tournament thus far.
Episode 15
Sun, May 22, 2005 60 mins
It's down to three fighters, and the last match before the championship.
Episode 16
Tue, May 24, 2005 120 mins
Two contenders are left standing, one of whom will walk away with $1 million following the championship bout, telecast from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Preceding the final match: the "battle for the bronze," pitting the two losing semifinalists against each other.