Going into the second season of the Contender, Steve Forbes was considered one of the favorites to win the coveted half million dollar prize, and on Tuesday he stayed alive with a split decision win over the impressive Nick Acevedo to advance into the semifinals. Forbes had to come back and take the final two rounds to win the fight; as Forbes put it after the fight, he had to dig deep. Both men had won their last bouts and were fighting just three days after advancing, but it didn't seem to bother either fighter.

    Acevedo came out firing in round one, like he did last week against Jeff Fraza. He outworked Forbes and did good work to the body. Forbes came back in round two, picking up his punch output, something he has not always been used to doing. But, he outworked Acevedo to win the 2nd round. The third round was all Acevedo as he even appeared to stun Forbes midway into the round with an overhand right. Forbes recovered and got his bearings back to finish the round. Forbes, maybe sensing he was in trouble kicked it up a notch in round four. It was a close round, but it appeared Forbes was a little more effective.

    Round five was all Forbes, as he beat Acevedo to the punch, outworking his taller opponent. There was still doubt in the air as the fight went to the cards, but Forbes was announced the winner by a split decision. Now, the former champion gets to kick back and watch the remaining three quarterfinal fights, knowing he is only one win away from the championship match. As for Acevedo, another solid performance in a week span for a guy who had not fought in three years. During a dinner on the show Sugar Ray Leonard had each remaining fighter vote for who showed the most heart in the first round. After all eight vote there was a 3-3 tie between Norberto Bravo and Mike Stewart. Leonard ended up casting the tie breaking vote for Bravo. With the winning vote Bravo was the winner of a brand new Toyota Tundra pickup. Bravo defeated Rudy Cisneros, and is set to fight Gary Balletto in the quarterfinals.

    Next week's second quarterfinal match will feature a grudge match between Cornelius Bundrage and Walter Wright. Bundrage pulled off a huge upset in the opening fight defeating Michael Clark, Bundrage was the last fighter picked but showed he's a fighter to be reckoned with. Wright is the youngest fighter remaining as he destroyed Andre Eason in the first round. Wright's victory of Eason is what sparked the feud with Bundrage, who was close with Eason. Bundrage seems to feel Wright has a big head, while Wright thinks the same of his opponent. Next week's clash should be a good one, a match-up of power versus speed.

    Here are the remaining three quarterfinal fights:

     Bundrage vs Wright
     Bravo vs Balletto
     Grady Brewer vs Mike Stewart

8-30-06       

 

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