Contender Commentary – Episode 5, Demons, Drama & More Depression by Panndyra, Goddess of Chaos – panndyra@realityshack.com
The East has been getting killed. The West has been oh-so dominant. It’s a kick in the pants – or a different low level spot for the East Coast boxers. They have won just one challenge. Najai chose his fight – with Sergio “Latin Snake” Mora – and he lost. The East Coast is down 4 boxers. Four boxers in four matches. Ouch! That’s gotta hurt.
Peter Manfredo Jr. returned to the competition last week after tasting his first defeat in pro bouts – ever – against Alfonso Gomez the first week. Peter’s ego may have suffered the hardest blow though. He’s not himself. He seems down. He seems defeated and well, the West has picked up on that quite easily. He knows he’s a target.
When the East loses the urban obstacle course challenge, it’s no surprise to anyone that Miguel Espino picked Peter Manfredo. Miguel’s a well-conditioned fighter. He’s not perceived as one of the best fighters, but he may be one of the hardest workers and he’s in great shape. Miguel wants to fight Manfredo for several reasons. Most of all, he wants the fight of his life and one he can be proud of. He envisions winning and has his head on straight.
I found myself saying – bye, bye, bye to Manfredo again. Peter goes to chat with his pretty wife, Yamilka. They were high school sweethearts and you can just see how much they care for and about each other. If all else fails, she may want to consider trying out for America’s Next Top Model. Just a thought! Their little girl is cute and has just the right amount of sass that I like to see in a little girl – she reminds me of my 2 ˝ year old.
Yamilka tells Peter to change his attitude. His thinking is stinking and will get him defeat. In truth, I felt throughout this episode, that Peter’s biggest foe was not Miguel but himself. That made this challenge a little less epic, I think. I mean, the personal human drama, was very high, but in a way, Miguel was almost irrelevant to the process.
The fight was not a wash-out. In the end, Peter did win. It was a unanimous decision, but not by much. The points were 48-47 across the board. Miguel was upset. He cried a lot. He wanted to give his dad and his sister more than they have. All the boxers do.
I feel terrible when these guys lose because they all seem to feel like it’s the end-all for them. I don’t know how hard a life boxing truly is, but I’d like to think that if they continued to try, they may get a shot somewhere, somehow. Didn’t the light-heavyweight champ who had dinner and played poker with the West say he made his own chances by continuously winning?
I know – that’s NOT an easy route either, but even if the Contenders don’t win, they have still earned our respect and hopefully a chance at a better future. I don’t want to sound too Paula Abdul American Idol-ish. But …
You’re all so talented and you’re special and you should keep reaching for your dreams.
At least, the East will earn a reward next week. I wonder how sweet it will be – and how the West will feel about their decision to bring Manfredo back. He is, as Sylvester Stallone said, “the man to beat.” I’m still thinking Ishe has a shot, but Manfredo’s my sentimental favorite, y’all.
Anyway, it’s too soon to tell, right?
Here’s to great TV in such an unexpected place. Another great episode from the next biggest thing in Reality TV!
|
|
