How good are the Contender fighters really?

**diamonddavestafford** · 11-07-2006 09:44 PM

How good are these guys really? I've heard Peter Manfredo was being considered to fight Roy Jones or Joe Calzaghe. How realistic is this? Could Manfredo be competitive against either of them or against Antonio Tarver or one of the other outstanding fighters near this division? What about Manfredo-Lacy? I mention Peter's name because he is the only fighter from the show who seems to be making a name for himself. Only thing i really know about him is that he has a hell of a trainer in Freddie Roach. What do you guys think? I think even now if he fought Jones, Manfredo would get schooled.

**killersheep** · 11-07-2006 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by diamonddavestafford

How good are these guys really? I've heard Peter Manfredo was being considered to fight Roy Jones or Joe Calzaghe. How realistic is this? Could Manfredo be competitive against either of them or against Antonio Tarver or one of the other outstanding fighters near this division? What about Manfredo-Lacy? I mention Peter's name because he is the only fighter from the show who seems to be making a name for himself. Only thing i really know about him is that he has a hell of a trainer in Freddie Roach. What do you guys think? I think even now if he fought Jones, Manfredo would get schooled.

I have yet to see anyone who is elite step-off the contender show, but there is some talent there. Yeah Manfredo, is doing well and has looked good lately. Mora, if he fights guys without power or defense may have a good record. I though Ebo Elder had some skill, but he got rocked. Ishe Smith, could also do ok with more focus and less whining.

All things being said, I can't vote because there are plenty of tomato cans, a couple of mediocre fighters, and a few good fighters.

**RozzySean** · 11-07-2006 10:20 PM

Mora and Manfredo are on the back of the top 10 in their respective divisions. I might rank Manfredo a little higher at SMW than Mora at MW, due to more depth at MW.

**TyBuff** · 11-07-2006 10:36 PM

It depends on which fighter you are talking about. They have had their fair share of not quite up to par fighters on the show, decent fighters, and fighters with potential. I dont think that there will be fighter coming off of that show that will walk straight into a championship fight. I always saw the show as a way to promote the sport and to give unproven or unknown fighters a chance at a good payday.

I am not so familiar with the second season so I will stick with the first. But as far as which ones have potential Ishe, Manfredo, and Mora are guys I think we will continue to hear from and about for awhile. Then you have Joey Gilbert (training with Dan Birmingham now) who might make some noise in a year or two, but most likely will stay on the outside looking in. Then there is Gomez, who I like, but I think at best he will be a good journeyman fighter. He will make a little bit more $$$ because of the show. Jesse Brinkley wont get much further than where he is at. I thought all of the rest were limited at best.

**LegendBoxing65** · 11-08-2006 12:40 AM

I saw that show this last season and I think that the show might actually improve these guys 25 percent or so and make them that much better fighters. It gives them the confidence in a way to get the best out of the talent they have . They are probably fighting better guys in this competition than they have in most of their careers, except for Steve Forbes. I would like to see the producers of the show get some really top guys and put on a show like that. Can you imagine a fantasy show with guys like Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones JR. Michael Nunn, Marvin Hagler and Michael Spinks? But in reality I think that Bundrage could possibly fight for a title and win, although when he won the last fight he was too big for the other guy.

**CountryBoy** · 11-08-2006 06:00 AM

Manfredo is the best of the bunch and then that guy from the first season with cowboy...You know that weak ass christian....No but I do think Manfredo will be champ one day, And I'm hoping that Mora will get Knocked out soon.

**cockey cockney** · 11-08-2006 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by TheDukeof74

Manfredo is the best of the bunch and then that guy from the first season with cowboy...You know that weak a** christian....No but I do think Manfredo will be champ one day, And I'm hoping that Mora will get Knocked out soon.

YEAH BOIIIIIII, nail has been WHALLOPED on the head!

**fightinfireman** · 11-08-2006 04:27 PM

steve forbes held the IBF belt at super featherweight I believe... not elite by any means but I hated how they tried to make him look like the underdog when he was the only one on the third season to ever win a belt.

**RozzySean** · 11-08-2006 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by fightinfireman

steve forbes held the IBF belt at super featherweight I believe... not elite by any means but I hated how they tried to make him look like the underdog when he was the only one on the third season to ever win a belt.

He was played as the dog because he is much smaller than most of the other fighters. He had the best skills, for sure, but he was giving up tons of size to everyone that he fought.