Naazim Richardson, Freddie Roach to lead teams on “The Contender”

According to a report from ESPN’s Dan Rafael, “The Contender” reboot, expected to start airing on EPIX in the late summer, will feature two of the most respected trainers in the game, Freddie Roach and Naazim Richardson.

Producers for the boxing reality series are still in the midst of casting the show, and while Roach is already on board to lead one team, they are just finalizing a deal with Richardson to lead the other.

Roach is best known for his work as Manny Pacquiao’s trainer over the years, and while Richardson doesn’t have quite the same profile as Roach, he’s similarly one of the best in the business, on top of being just one of the best guys in the sport as a whole. Richardson was notably a longtime trainer of Bernard Hopkins while also doing a stint with Shane Mosley, among others.

The show is still looking to cast a host for the series, but it’s expected that it’ll be well-known boxer. Additionally, over a couple dozen middleweight fighters have been invited to audition for spots the show on April 13, but only 16 fighters will make the cut for the series.