Episode 11
“One More Step to the Big Show”
In the semi-finals double-header, the final four take to the ring for their shot at fighting live at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods for the title of Contender Champion.
After two rounds of fierce competition, Canada’s Troy Ross, Nigeria’s AK Laleye, Nigeria’s Hino Ehikhamenor and the United States’ Rico Hoye emerge as last four fighters standing.
To celebrate their arrival into the semi-finals, Tony Danza rewards the fighters with a day of rest and relaxation aboard the Il Lido yacht. They take a trip around what has been their home for the past several months—the beautiful island-nation of Singapore—all the while, enjoying a taste of the good life. Everyone decides to jump in the water, except for the usually boisterous Hino. “I could swim though,” he claims, “but I don't want to take the chances. It's too risky.” As the guys soak in the fun, Tony lies out on the deck and reflects. “When I entered TV, I really had no perception of this kind of life,” he says. “It's a taste of the possibilities.”
Later, surrounded by views of the ocean, Tony and the fighters enjoy dinner al fresco. Tony speaks of the long journey each has been through and the fighters they’ve had to face along the way. One by one, Tony brings up fighters of the past, taking the guys on a trip down memory lane to reminisce about their “fallen comrades”.
As the day comes to a close, and with their fights looming in the horizon, the heat of the competition begins to set in. “In order to be the best, we have to face the best,” proclaims Troy. “And the best is right in front of us. It’s each other.”
The next day, in the first fight of the semi-finals, Troy faces off with AK.
AK starts off strong in the first round by staying busy, but begins to get anxious by round’s end. In the second round, AK starts deviating from the game plan and fails to keep his hands moving. Troy capitalizes on AK’s mistakes and goes to the inside to deliver uppercuts and overhand rights. In the third round, AK’s emotions take more of a hold on him. Withstanding a flurry of punches from Troy, AK shows he won’t go down without a fight, shaking off hits and pounding on his chest like a gorilla. But Troy also refuses to let up, attacking with under-over combination shots. In the fourth round, AK continues to show a good chin but not much else. Troy lands several 1-2 combinations, but the beating seems to do little to break AK’s spirit. In the fifth round, Troy keeps on with his assault, and throws a straight 1-2 that stuns AK. Showing tremendous heart and determination, AK takes the hits, yet, still manages to stay on his feet until the very end.
In the end, the three judges reach a unanimous decision, scoring the bout 50-45. All for the winner, and moving on to the finale… Troy Ross!
As AK makes his way back to his locker room, he becomes consumed with disappointment. In a raw moment of release, AK looks at himself in the mirror and lets out a grunting scream. “I felt I could've done better,” explains AK. “But you know, my gun jammed, the AK47 jammed on me.” After some time and a visit by Tony, AK comes to terms with his defeat. “You win some and you lose some,” he realizes. “You have to be able to win with grace and lose with grace.” Hanging up his gloves on the wall, AK makes his exit. “The AK jammed tonight,” he states. “You know me. I'll take it back, clean it, load it up with full metal jackets and I will be back on the battle field.”
In the next fight of the semi-finals, Hino battles it out with Rico.
Round 1 sees an even match between the two, with both fighters seeming to hold back, waiting for the other to strike. In Round 2, Hino catches Rico with a good straight right and 1-2 combination. Hino steps up his game in Round 3, letting his hands go to rock Rico with speedy punches. In Round 4, Rico stays busy with his jabs while Hino gets a bit cocky with his flashy moves. Needing a knockout in the final round to secure a victory, Rico does his best to work Hino. In the fight’s final-moment, the crowd chants Rico’s name as he and Hino square off. With time running out, Rico throws a powerful punch hoping to take Hino out… but it’s too late. The bell rings and the fight is over.
The result: The judges score the bout 50-45, 48-47, 49-46. All for the winner, and meeting Troy in the finale… Hino Ehikamenor!
Back in his locker room, Rico takes respite in readings of the Koran. Believing that things happen for a reason, Rico states, “God doesn't make mistakes. And although sometimes we have plans… they don't always fall into his plans and his desires for for us. But the only thing that we can do is remain faithful.” Tony pays Rico a visit to wish him well and leaves Rico with a bit of advice. Turning his attention to his family, Rico says, “I gave it everything I could. It ain't over with… As Tony says, ‘Keep on punchin’.”
With the stage now set, Troy Ross will showdown with Hino Ehikamenor live at the MGM Theater at Foxwoods in a final match to determine the next Contender Champion.
Two fighters remain. Who will be the Contender?
