The Contender's Latin Snake Slithers, Hisses Into Finals
Published May 23, 2005
We're getting close to the end. Two fighters now remain after an awfully good and tough bout between semi-finalists Jesse Brinkley and Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora.
Spending time with these fighters over the last few months, via the phenomenon of reality television, gives me an appreciation for the sport of boxing that I've never had before. Having a growing connection with each athlete also increases the emotional stakes each week. Sergio talks about buying a house for his family if he wins the $1 million prize, Peter Manfredo Jr. (who reached the finals already by defeating the tough, rugged Alfonso Gomez) talks about spending more time with his family. Jesse, who has always been a bit of a mystery, a bit of a wildcard, is more vague, though he gives the appearance of someone who just can't stomach the thought of losing.
While I know full well that my emotions are being set up by the music, the lighting, and the reality-savvy editing, I can't help but be swept away by these dreams of greatness. In the end, I don't care about the set-up because these fighters represent the American Dream: fighting for something better against obstacles both physical and mental, as well as the unfair realities that life often brings.
But to see hard work, talent, and that intangible quality known as heart succeed is to bring hope that you can succeed in life by throwing your all against some greater goal, some greater good.
This week, Sergio Mora used his slithery and elusive tactics to defeat a talented, tough, and resilient fighter in Jesse Brinkley. Because Brinkley had fought recently against Anthony Bonsante, I believe he was not at his best and therefore did not put up his best possible showing in the seven-round match against Mora. Nonetheless it was a good fight, but not up to the magnificent standards we've seen over the past several weeks.
Eric Berlin is the Executive Producer of Blogcritics.org and publisher of Online Media Cultist. He's also prone to referring to himself in the third person in author bios in an attempt to make it look like someone Less Important wrote it for him.
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- The Contender's Latin Snake Slithers, Hisses Into Finals
- Published: May 23, 2005
- Type: Review
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: Reality TV, Video: Television
- Writer: Eric Berlin
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Comments on this articleComments
I enjoyed Sunday's show, but man, stop cutting so much to the onlookers and show me more of the fight. I don't want to be too harsh and piss anyone off, but I'm glad Jesse's gone, just so I don't have to hear his wife squawking "knock him out Jesse!"... ever again.
My two cents.
Thanks for turning me onto this show Eric.
You got it, Bennett -- another passenger joins me on my trip in the TV vortex!
I agree, the editing can be way over-the-top at times. I suspect that they're doing anything they can to attract female viewers, so they're trying to do all they can to "humanize" the show.
Let me just get it straight: I'm not agreeing with this tactic or the motives behind it. But NBC is disappointed with the ratings of the show -- which overall is pretty great, as I've talked about for weeks -- and they attribute it to a lack of female viewers.
What I'll miss the most about Jesse is his son wearing the all-white tux and his daughter wearing the tiara to fights.
Seriously, though: Jesse really really annoyed me until about three weeks ago. For some reason he won me over and I ended up rooting for him pretty hard. In fact, I kind of wanted to see him defeat Mora.
Man, am I looking forward to Mora v. Manfredo. I can't believe it's tomorrow night.
By the way, I think the last boxing match I cared about prior to this show was Mike Tyson v. Buster Douglas.
What exactly was shown about Jesse over the last 3 weeks that won you over? In contrast, I became annoyed with Jesse over the last 3 weeks. Before both of his last matches, all he did was whine about how he wasn't physically ready or mentally ready for the match (which was evident when he gained weight). Whine, whine, whine. I didn't think he deserved to win. He was also rather sloppy in the ring, always going for a knockout punch and taking some majorly heavy blows from his opponent in the process that, ironically, caused him to require a knockout just to win.
I'm not sure what won me over, actually. I suppose, over time, he appeared less like a manipulative weasel and more like a genunine, funny guy.
His knockout of Bonsante was absolutely stunning... and I had to root for Jesse in that fight because I could not bear witness to one more tear-laden breakdown from Bonsante about the kids, the kids, the #1 daddy hat and... the kids.
I agree with you Eric, that "Harry" Bonstante and all those tears! As a chick, I wasn't much into boxing until this show came along, and I know, it's the music, the wonderful editing, the families, the tears, but know I love boxing although sometimes it's a little hard to stomach. I'm amazed that Sergio was able to slither past Peter to win the final, I didn't think he was as talented, but I am also from East L.A. so...yeah!! Either way, they were both class-acts, and this was a great show. Now what am I going to do on Sundays???
My wife got sucked in by the finals as well -- she enjoyed everything except the "trash talking," as she put it. I explained that the trash talk was pretty soft compared to the usual, which I think wound up being a good thing.
It was hard to root against either Manfredo or Mora, wasn't it? The final fight was interesting. I'm a little disappointed in Manfredo's showing, but I think Mora is brilliant at frustrating his opponents.
Look for my thoughts on the final and the series soon!
The Latin Snake deserved the win
Frankly i think Manfredo will never be able to beat Sergio (Latin Snake)
Sergio kept his mouth shut at the right times and spoke when had to
And most of Boxed like he had to
He deserved the Million more than the rest although Alfonso Gomez is a great Boxer i think he deserves to be 2nd best
Raheel -- You haven't heard, there's going to be a rematch, so hopefully things will be settled once and for all in the Latin Snake v. Pride of Providence department.
I think a lot of people are with you on Gomez being the second-best boxer of the group.
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I've been on the Sergio wagon since his first bout on the show when he admitted to having fears of losing. Everyone talks all confident, but when I heard that he was willing to say what no other boxer would admit to, I saw a certain quality in him that the others didn't. And I completely admire the scholar in him. He goes against all stereotypes of a boxer and because of that, I've been cheering for him to win it all.
Oh and definitely agree with what a quality show The Contender is. Sure lots of it is probably due to great editing, but there's no denying the reality of the contenders and their dreams.