Well, the boxers have been announced for the Contender series 2, and I have to say this is what the show should be about.
A bit of a mix of rugged journeyman, GENIUNE fringe world contenders, and prospects. They are focusing at the Light Welter limit (one or two Lightweights there). If it was a series of 8 rounders (instead of 5) - I think the claims that winner will become a geniune world rated contender is more valid than for the first series.
The fighters include.
Nick Acevedo - One time prospect making a comeback.
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=16149
Gary Balletto
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=19037
Vinroy Barrett
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=36086
Norberto Bravo - Journeyman but drew with Tackie last time out
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=4043
Grady Brewer - tough, loses when he moves up but is big for Welter
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=44367
Cornelius Bundrage
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=36086
Rudy Cisneros
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=255563
Michael Clark - former NABF champion, and world title challenger
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=255563
Fred Curiel - Again comebacking after an absence
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=51929
Andre Eason
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=20385
Ebo Elder - World rated former NABO champion
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=20380
Steve Forbes - Former world champion, looking good as a Lightweight
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=14432
Jeff Frazza
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=31380
Michael Stewart - Former world title challenger
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=15710
Aaron Torres
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=41722
Walter Wright
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=194302
I think there is some guys who on paper at least are worse than the worse guys in the first series. Have to question what the likes of Balletto, Barrett, Brewer, Bundrage, Frazza, Wright, Torres, Cisneros, and Curiel are on there for - but there are more proven decent operators like Elder, Forbes, Clark and Stewart all of whom are geniune fringe contenders already. Thats why I am saying if the bouts were 8 rounders then it would be fair enough to rate the lesser known guys above the more established (if they win).
My other concern is the weight, there is mention that it will be set a Light Middle (or even Middle) - how fat is the likes of Forbes and Elder going to be at that weight.... That could even be dangerous.