Troy has established himself as the man to beat with two impressive knock outs in his first two fights. Tommy Brooks tells him that this tournament is now his for the taking. The pressure is now really on for the other contenders, particularly AK and Alfredo – one of whom will go on to fight Troy in the next round. The Blue team is now down to only two remaining fighters Alfredo and Ryan. Ryan still has to be assessed by the doctor before being cleared to compete in the next round.

The Doctor examines Ryan’s eye, and determines that the swelling is getting worse. He feels that it could be infected, and has no choice but to rule Ryan out of the tournament. Ryan was disappointed to be eliminated in this manor, but was proud of how he carried himself on the show.

Danza brings the fighters together to pick a replacement for Ryan. There are three eliminated boxers who are medically cleared to fight, Joel, Erick, and Mike. The decision is left up to the fighters themselves. While discussing the potential match ups, Alfredo insinuates that Rico is trying to make the easiest fight for himself, and a war of words follows. Alfredo stormed off, and left the Gold team members to make the decision.

They finally decided on bringing back Joel, as he had to fight the first week before he was really prepared. Alfredo feels that it’s an easy fight for Rico because Joel has been out of training for a few weeks. He thought that his old teammate Mike would have been a tougher test.
It appears that Alfredo may have been right, as Joel looks sluggish and out of shape in his first training session back.

AK has guaranteed a victory over Alfredo several times over the last few weeks. He talked a lot of trash in the build up to this fight saying that Alfredo doesn’t belong in The Contender. He now needs a big performance to back it up.

Akinyemi “AK” Laleye (11-1) vs. Alfredo Escalera Jr. (16-1-1)
These guys seem very evenly matched. The first round is very close – AK is pressing the action a little more but Alfredo seems to be getting through with the better shots.

AK ties up and starts fighting on the inside in the second. He has more success here, and looked to be hurting Alfredo with body shots. I have it at one round each.

Another good round for AK. Alfredo was breathing very heavily, and is beginning to show signs of discomfort. AK hurt him again on the inside, mixing it up between body and head. The referee warned them both to stop wrestling a few times. I felt they were working away fine, and didn’t need to be separated.

AK is fully in control now, and Alfredo looks spent. His work rate has deteriorated, and his punches look tired. He needs something big in the last round if he is to turn this around.

John Bray tells Alfredo that he needs the knockout. Alfredo throws the occasional haymaker, but never gets close. AK is beginning to land clean with all his shots, and Alfredo looks out on his feet. AK lands a huge left hook. Alfredo falls hitting the bottom rope on the way to the canvas. There’s no need for a count, Alfredo is out. Good performance from AK.
Winner: Akinyemi “AK” Laleye (KO: Round 5)

AK is more humble post fight, and congratulates Alfredo on a good effort.
John Bray tells Alfredo that he didn’t fight to his full potential because he let his emotions overwhelm him, and wasn’t thinking straight as a result. He then commends him for his bravery in going down fighting.

We have our first semi-final match up: Troy vs. AK

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