World No. 2 and India's Olympic bronze medal winner boxer Vijender Singh will host the international show, The Contender - a first-ever action sports reality show in the country, it was announced in Mumbai on Friday.
The Contender will be co-produced by Bulldog Media and Entertainment and Percept Picture Company and will be telecast weekly on a television channel soon.
Addressing a crowded media conference on Friday afternoon, Vijender said that though boxing is popular worldwide, the scene is different in India.
"Cricket has been the lifeline of Indian sports, but it's high time we realise the enormous talent available in India even in other sports," he pointed out.
" 'The Contender' will promote boxing in India and take it to another level by providing a platform to the deserving candidates and serve as a vehicle for boxers to enter the international competitions."
The international TV series is owned by Mark Burnett Productions and would be adapted in the Indian format, said Bulldog's vice-chairman and managing director Akash Sharma.
"It is a reality show that follows a group of boxers competing in a single elimination style competition. It will provide viewers insight into aspects like the hopes, triumphs and defeats of the contestants," Sharma said.
{{/usCountry}}"It is a reality show that follows a group of boxers competing in a single elimination style competition. It will provide viewers insight into aspects like the hopes, triumphs and defeats of the contestants," Sharma said.
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