NBC PRESENTS A SPECIAL EASTER EDITION OF 'THE CONTENDER'

NBC will air two back-to-back hours of its latest unscripted drama, 'The Contender.'

BURBANK, Calif. -� March 24, 2005 �- After last week saw the disqualification of Jeff Fraza and the return of world-ranked Peter Manfredo, this Sunday at 7/6 Central, NBC takes a special look back at the incredible fights of its first four episodes. Immediately following this Easter special, "The Contender" airs as scheduled in it's regular time slot - Sundays at 8:00 p.m. Eastern/7:00 p.m. Central.

Hosted by Sylvester Stallone and Sugar Ray Leonard, Sunday's one-hour special will provide fans a retrospective of all four of the climatic bouts. Along the way, Stallone and Leonard will add their own insights and opinions on the fights, the fighters and the outcomes.

"Due to tremendous feedback from our fans, we decided to offer a second look at the achievements of these brave warriors. The episode showcases the first four fights of our series. You will see the impressive wins of Alfonzo Gomez, Jesse Brinkley, Ishe Smith and Sergio Mora," Mark Burnett said.

"The Contender" is a joint production between Mark Burnett Productions, DreamWorks Television and Rogue Marble and is executive produced by Oscar nominee Sylvester Stallone ("Rocky"), Mark Burnett (NBC's "The Apprentice," "Survivor") and Jeffrey Katzenberg, Co-Principal, DreamWorks SKG.