With the season three finale of The Contender right around the corner, I wanted to get a little bit more from the two finalists. Unfortunately, schedules did not make it possible for me to get in contact with Sakio Bika, but I did catch up with Jaidon Codrington, and I want to share some of his thoughts with you.

As most of you know by now, Jaidon’s father passed away while he was involved with the show, and he elected to stay on and continue toward his goal. After he won his match that guaranteed his trip to the finale, Sugar Ray Leonard sent him home to spend time with his family. I asked him how that trip went. “I had to deal with the tragedy that I had, and at the same time I felt I was loved, and people showed a lot of support, so I enjoyed it.”

I was wondering if the two knockouts that he provided for his two wins (against Brian Vera and Wayne Johnson) was the plan. “I didn’t plan to knock anybody out,” he told me, but made it clear that he really didn’t want the fights to go on too long, either.

So now he has to face Sakio Bika, a formidable opponent in anyone’s eyes. I wanted to know if he was preparing for this last Contender fight any differently. “Definitely,” he said. “This fight is a 10-round fight, a lot more boxing, so more hours in the gym. My nutrition is different, and I’m a lot more focused. I’ve also had a chance to study him as a fighter a lot more. So I can definitely say I’ve prepared a lot differently.”

 Since Codrington admits to studying Bika, I asked him what he got out of his observations. “I noticed that his left hand is always dangerous. He’s a big counter-puncher. I noticed that the only time he carries his left hand down is when he wants to throw a left hook. I noticed a lot of little things, watching over and over again.

“I noticed that he has trouble pushing back. Push him back against the ropes he has trouble.” he also said that Bika chops down with the right hand, and for a taller opponent that can cause Sakio trouble also.

So does he expect the fight to go the distance? “I’m expecting it to, but hopefully it won’t,” was his response.

Now the stage is set for the season three finale. If at all possible, join the action live at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston Massachusetts. You won’t be sorry – there are some great fights in store for you.

Before the main event, the under card begins with Brian Vera facing Max Alexander in a six round Super Middleweight bout. Next, Middleweight Donny McCrary goes against Miguel Hernandez in another six round fight. The final under card match should be a super battle, with Paul Smith going at it against David Banks in a Welterweight fight, a grudge match, as it were.

Then what will be considered the Bronze Medal fight that should be a really good one has Sam Soliman going against Wayne Johnson. I can’t wait for this one.

Closing out the night will be Codrington against Bika. This should be an outstanding fight, and I must say again that I am so disappointed that I cannot be there. But you can! Tickets are still available. If you can’t make it live, catch it on ESPN Tuesday night. Check you local listings for the time.

So, especially now,

Be safe and God Bless,

Viva La Raza,

Barb.