In August 2007 Sean was approached with an exciting opportunity. He was invited to be one of 16 contenders
(experienced Muay Thai boxers from around the globe) to take part in the reality TV show
'The Contender Asia'. This world premier was produced by
Mark Burnett, a famous American reality TV show producer, responsible for shows such as Survivor, The Apprentice
and The Contender (an American reality show about boxers, on which the format for The Contender Asia was based).
These 16 fighters were flown to Singapore where they spent up to 4 months living in 'The Loft' a purpose built
flat/training area/studio. They were split into teams and performed challenges each week, the winning team getting
not only an award such as a beach side barbequeue or yacht trip, but also earning the right to select which member
of each team would step into the ring for an elimination bout.
All of the episodes except the final were filmed last year, and only over the last few weeks has the show begun to
air. Episodes are currently being shown on AXN, a SE Asia channel, each Wednesday evening. Links to each episode will
be uploaded as soon as they are available.
The final bout is due to happen sometime later this year, maybe April, and will be filmed and shown on television live!
The location is yet to be confirmed but has been rumoured to be Macau, China. The winner of the bout will take home a
huge prize of $150,000 (USD) and will claim the title of Contender Champion.