US sports channel ESPN has taken boxing show "The Contender" off the air, after taking it over for its second and third seasons. The show has given a career leg up to boxers Alfonso Gomez, Peter Manfredo and Steve Forbes.
ESPN spokesperson Ron Wechsler said: "It was a hard decision to make. We were talking to [promoter Tournament of Contenders] about a renewal but we couldn't come to terms." It is likely that the series will be picked up by another network.
"The Contender" executive producer Jeff Wald said: "Hopefully, the deal we are working on will be closed in the next few days. 'The Contender' is the show that will not die. The show is a success with the fans..."
