Contender Asia 2009 - Season Two Qualifiers ( Updated Aug 8, 2009 )

CA2 Organisers' Interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvwRDxY6zYg

The World Muaythai Council is the official sanctioning body for the Contender Asia has officially announced that filming for season two will begin on April 1st in Malaysia. It's scheduled to air in Asia in the summer 2009.

Contender Asia Season Two Update : Article by Stephen Fox ( currently VP. World MuayThai Council )

Malaysia has won the bid the host season two of The Contender Asia, despite tough competition fromThailand, Singapore and Macau. Season two is shaping up to be even more successful than season one as the world is in Contender fever. Through The Contender Asia, the world will fall in love with the beauty of Malaysia from the vibrant capitol city of Kuala Lumpur to the mysterious Borneo and with no doubt the world’s most pristine beaches, from Langkawi to Terengganu, and all other places and sights which will be featured during production of the show.

The Contender Asia season two also possesses an aspect that wasn’t afforded to season one (Singapore)
- A world wide qualification process has been set up to promote season two whilst procuring the best of the best to participate on the show. The bar has been raised for this next installment of the popular muaythai reality show. A special 8 minute trailer was produced to promote Malaysia and the representatives of the Malaysian embassies and tourism board have been invited to the events in the various countries to present the Key to Malaysia to the winners.

Millions of people around the world are eagerly awaiting the start of the show and will follow the hopes and dreams of these 19 outstanding sportsmen from all five continents. So far 10 skilled and agile fighters have rightfully qualified for a coveted spot on the show. Prime Ministers, Sport Ministers, national television stations and newspapers, are wishing and hoping that their chosen athlete will bring home the Contender Asia fame and glory.

The first qualifier was held in Stockholm, Sweden. The event was televised on Eurosport, Fox Sport, TV4 and many other channels reaching over 60 countries and had a live audience of over 10,000 spectators. To the delight of Sweden, it was the IFMA bronze medalist Marcus Oberg that took the first spot.

From there, the event moved on to Canada, where the qualifier will be held in 2 legs. The first leg of the mega event was televised in North and South America. The final leg is set for March and will see Alex Ricci and Jesse Miles vying for the chance to represent Canada on the show. The Canadian Prime Minister will preside over the event.

Next up was Spain, and what an event is was! Madrid was in Contender craze. H.E. the Ambassador of Malaysia to Spain invited Spain to Malaysia, and when he presented the belt and key to the winner Rafi Zouheir, it was a Spanish flag fiesta in the 5,000 seater stadium.
 

Following Spain, was the first of the South American qualifiers, where Marco Pique, a true legend in the sport who took home the gold. His bags are packed and Marco is ready for Malaysia.

Next stop was Cape Town, South Africa, another sold out event which was televised live. Malaysia was advertised in a special presentation and at the end of the 8 man tournament, Bakhalule “The Zulu” Baai earned his place. This was one of the most memorable qualifying events, as the Minister made an emotional speech in which he outlined that sport can make a difference, and he hoped that through the Contender Asia, the world would come closer together, as not only would Malaysia be showcased, but the world will also learn about South Africa through Bakhalule, South African representative on the show.

London was next to host a qualifier, where the best competitors from all over the United Kingdom came together to battle for Britain’s spot on the show. Season one was a mega hit in the UK, aired prime time. The qualifier event was also aired on Sky Sport. The event was sold out with people queuing for tickets. H.E. the Ambassador of Malaysia to the UK was on hand to present the belt and Key to Malaysia to Jordan Watson. The event received rave reviews from the local press and Sky Sport broadcast the show on 2 replays by popular demand.

Next up was Hong Kong, where it was decided who would be the Chinese contender. The event also televised on a local channel sold out and it was Heung “The Bomber” Pak Wing who earned the spot. Celebrations were in full force in Hong Kong after beating out boxers from the motherland.

Next up was Switzerland to hold a qualifier for the German speaking countries. The event was packed with celebrities from television, political and sports sectors. The event had a huge build up as Switzerland beat out Germany and Austria to host the event. When Swiss fighter Paolo Balicha won the final bout, there was no holding back the roars of the sold out audience. H.E. the Ambassador of Malaysia to Switzerland invited Paolo to his residence to congratulate him on his win.

The event then went down under for the Oceania qualifier. This again was a highlight event. Chandler Arena was packed to over capacity and people had to be turned away at the door for this Fox Sport event. It was Eli Madigan who will represent Australia, which was already in Contender fever from season one, as it was aired prime time.

Next up was Thailand. The event in Bangkok was an international qualifier which saw fighters from 8 different countries. The event was held in honour of H.M. the King’s birthday, televised in 170 countries and had a live audience of over 200,000 spectators.
It was a night where Malaysia made history as to the surprise of the world, it was Malaysia that took home a qualifying spot with Bernard Radin. This will give Malaysia the only country to have two spots on the show, as another event is in planning in Malaysia to qualify another Malaysian fighter.

The last event of 2009 was held in Russia. The Malaysian tourism board showed up in full force to this nation wide telecasted event. It was 3 time world champion Levin Artem who earned the spot to represent Russia.
 

February and March will see the last remaining qualifiers in the United States, Italy, France, Thailand and the final event on the 1st of April in Malaysia for the last spot on the show to find the second Malaysian fighter.

The last major event will be in Denver, Colorado. The Summer and Winter Olympics IOC Executive Board, GAISF General Assembly along with all 108 recognized World Sports Federation, and all sports media will meet. The event will feature an Exposition Hall where Contender Asia will have a special display. Representatives from the sporting world will be able to preview the Contender Asia's upcoming Season Two. 19 athletes representing 18 countries and 5 continents will embark on the quest of the lives to compete for their country, their families, and themselves to become the champion of all champions and the next Contender Asia champion. More than 500 million people will be on the edge of their seats, crying with the losers, cheering with the winners, learning of the different cultures and will fall in love with a country that can only be described as truly Asia, Malaysia.

NOTE : The above article clarifies some issues, though raise a couple of questions....

i) Khem Fairtex has not yet qualify as a Season Two Contender . His win during the Thai King's Cup Qualifier only earned him the right to proceed to the next Thailand Qualification round possibly in March 2009;

neither has

ii) Tengku Sharizal, winner of the International MuayThai Superfights which took place on July 5th in Kuala Lumpur last year. Tengku will have to compete in the Malaysian Super 8 CA Qualifier supposedly scheduled for April 1, 2009 for right to join fellow Malaysian, Bernard Radin as the 2nd Malaysian Contender . As host country, Malaysia was accorded 2 places in CA2. 

and

iii) Jesse Miles, who won in the highly controversial fight against Alex Ricci in the Canadian /North American Qualifier event on September 20, 2008; The final leg of the Canadian CA2 Qualifier has been set for March in which we'll get to see both Alex Ricci and Jesse compete in again; thus put to rest once and for all, who has the right to represent Canada on the CA2.

Finally, ????

Marco "The Sniper" Piqué qualifying in a South American qualifier ??? I know Marco is of Dutch-Surinamese but he usually fights under the Holland( Europe ) flag rather than Suriname ( South America )... ; the only South American fight he took part in 2008 was the International Muay Thai Fight Night ( Montego Bay, Jamaica ) which he lost to Deiselleck Rungruangyon.

To further clarify...

Khem Fairtex was apparently chosen to represent Bangkok area, or the central Thailand

Recently, the Southern Qualifier selections ( 13th Chaweng Stadium Birthday ) took place featuring Singsiri Por Sirichai, Rolex Kaennorasing, Attapon Superprosamui (Por Samaranchai) and Madsua WMC Samui.

In the final of the 4 men event, Singsiri Por Sirichai ( pic below ) defeated Madsua on points and emerge victor.

There are supposedly more regional qualifiers taking place..; Respective regional winners will meet in a "MuayThai Battle Royale" for prestigeous right and honor represent Thailand in the Contender Asia Season two. Can't wait for it!!!!

Contender Asia 2 : News Update

KOTA BAHARU, April 25 (Bernama News) -- Two Malaysian Muay Thai exponents did the country proud after being selected among 18 foreign exponents to contest in this season's "The Contender Asia 2" (TCA) reality TV combat show.

Bernard Radin, 36, from Sarawak and Faizal Ramli, 19 ( Pic Above ) from Kelantan earned their ticket after beating their respective opponents in the finals of the Super Muay Thai championship at the Youth and Sports Complex here yesterday.

TCA executive producer Riaz Mehta said it was the first time Malaysian exponents had gained selection for the popular reality TV show and more significant was the fact that the Malaysia will be the venue for shooting the programme.

"The presence of Malaysian exponents in the popular show that has about 500 million viewers in more than 40 countries through the AXN channel, will be an added bonus to local Muay Thai fans. The show will start in June while the final is scheduled for January 2010," said Mehta.

Mehta added that the 18 contestants from 17 countries will be vying for coveted belt and RM800,000 total prize money.

Meanwhile, Faizal who had been competing in Muay Thai competitions for the past six years said he was both delighted and determined to do well in the show.

On top of this, there has been news that Malaipet Sasiprapa ( the Diamond ) is also in contention for the Thai slot; He speaks of it during his interview on the biopic film based on his life, Legendary, due for release in late 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K004n8ZQMwo

and here's the trailer for the movie, Legendary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N-jJKtRyX4

Khem Fairtex may not be selected as participant in the Contender Asia Muaythai as the producer of the reality show reportedly wants an English-speaking fighter to take the slot.

The fighter, also known as Khem Sor Ploenchit, was widely speculated to represent the Thai fighters in the second season of the popular AXN network show, but muaythai website thairec.com reported that the show producer is instead looking for a Thai fighter who is able to speak English in order to better attract the audience.

Among those tipped to take the Thai fighter slot are Singsirichai Por Sirichoke and Madsua Por Pongsawang, both of whom are from the Samui Island and have managers who are associated with the show producer.

According to the report at MuayThaiMag, the second Contender Asia will be held in Malaysia with 16 fighters selected from around the world. The fighters will be split into two competing teams, and the last two remaining fighters will fight each other off in the finale to earn about US$25,000. The second season is scheduled to start in August this year, while the final match will be held on December 5.

Apparently the list has changed yet again. This time Jesse Miles of Canada is in, while Saro Presti, Pak-Wing Heung and Levin Artem is not confirmed as yet. But one this for sure, one of them will not be appearing as there are only two spots left.

There was several critism/ comments as to why certain fighters were not selected for the show despite winning the qualifying bouts within their country; here's a letter from Stephan on the K-1 Fans site explaining the situation:-

Dear Muaythai Friends,

Friends of mine have forwarded me this post so I will take this opportunity to set the facts straight. Every coin has two sides and I’m not sure where some people get their information from. Maybe it’s just the fact that they enjoy smearing others.

First of all, my role in The Contender is to maintain the integrity of our sport; to make sure that the rules and regulations are upheld; that the boys are treated with respect and are not being used by the producers. Certainly we like to advertise the sport. For example, we did a full episode on the Wai Kru in season one so that viewers could learn more about the aspects of the sport. That is my role and nothing else.

The final selection of contestants lies in the hands of the producers. This is in everyone’s contract. I do understand the producer’s decision this season for requiring all the boys to speak English. Research from season one indicated that the majority of the viewers did not wish to read a novel on the screen. This again is the sole decision of the producers. They put in the money (a lot of money) to produce the show. We must and will adhere to their decisions as it is our objective to take Muaythai to the world.

Regarding Khem Fairtex, let me explain further. Originally, the King’s Cup should have been a qualifier, but sadly, the airport in Thailand was shut down due to political unrest at that time, and our international fighters from Belarus, Russia, France, etc. could not make it, so we had to use fighters from Thai gyms only. This is why the decision was made to no longer use the event as an official direct qualifier.

This was explained to everyone, and I have a very good relationship with the owner of Fairtex. For the record, his sponsorship was for advertising and TV exposure for his gym and not as Khem’s sponsor. Khem was paid a fight purse like everyone else who fought at that event.

Madsua was the producer’s choice as he was one of the trainers in season one and also beat JWP at Evolution in Australia. I had opposed the idea for the simple reason that I am associated with Madsua and didn’t want to be blamed in Thailand if (for example) he lost early. Nonetheless, Madsua was subject to a screen test with the producers, as were all other potential contestants with questionable English skills. He was subsequently turned down for a spot due to his inability to communicate well enough for the show. If I was egotistical, and as you say “call the shots” in Contender, Madsua would be in, and I would have taken a cut on his purse. Just for the record, I never take a cut from Madsua’s purse (or anyone else).Money is not my main objective (getting Muaythai Olympic recognized is). The fighters get what they earn and deserve. I have the highest respect for each and everyone and bow down to them for all the sacrifices they make.

Khem is being given his chance at a screen test, which I think will be done this week, and the outcome of this is completely out of my hands. One thing I can ensure is that the final will not be on the 5th of December. That is the birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand. We all will be in Bangkok to celebrate this day together with the nation of Thailand.

Another thing, which is out of my hands, is the start date of the show. What I can tell you is that the loft is 80% complete and they are currently working on acquiring the necessary permits and so on.

I hope this answers your questions and misunderstandings. To finish this off, I do not want to get involved in ongoing discussions. We are very busy organising our upcoming IFMA World Championships in which over 1,000 boxers will be travelling to Bangkok, and also planning for the 2010 Sportaccord Combat Games in Beijing.

I would like to ask you before you believe the gossip of others, that you email me anytime (wmtc@hotmail.com). I’m sure one of our friendly and good looking office girls will answer any questions you may have. I am looking forward to working with everyone to take our sport to the highest level. Stay tuned for some very fantastic upcoming news for this year. Visit our website anytime (www.wmcmuaythai.org) or our amateur site (www.ifmamuaythai.org) for updates.

Stephan Fox
Vice President, WMC
Contender Asia, Host & Mentor

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Trailer for Season Two