Exclusive Recap: ‘The Contender’ (Season 5 Finale) at the LA Forum

Brandon ‘The Cannon” Adams was crowned champion in the final fight of The Contender season 5 Finale (Photo: DJ Luos for The Hype Magazine)

The final fight of “The Contender” was aired on premium pay television network EPIX and showcased the end of a long journey for two fighters Brandon “The Cannon” Adams & Shane Mosley Jr. Brandon Adams was crowned the new 160-pound middleweight champion of “The Contender” and awarded a $250,000 prize.

The boxing series was hosted by undefeated boxing champion Andre “Son Of God” Ward. It’s the first-of-its-kind documentary series on EPIX, with fights in each episode airing in their entirety. The series highlights 16 fighters, divided into two teams that live and train together under the guidance of legendary boxing coach Freddie Roach and renowned Philadelphia trainer Naazim Richardson. Each fighter pushed their skills, strength, and endurance as they prepared for their weekly elimination fights with the hopes of living out their boxing dreams.

Video by DJ Luos for The Hype Magazine

Shane Mosely Jr. and Brandon Adams faced off in a 10 round fight at the Forum in Los Angeles, on November 9th 2018. Brandon ‘The Cannon” Adams was crowned champion in the final fight of The Contender season 5 Finale. Shane Mosely Jr. showed he had the heart to fight and went the full 10 rounds against Brandon Adams.

During the post-fight press conference, Mosley explained he didn’t watch the fight so he doesn’t know exactly what he did wrong to lose the fight, all he knew was that he fell short of a winning performance. Although the fight was mostly one-sided in favor of Brandon Adams, Mosley showed great sportsmanship and wants to continue his career in boxing. Shane Mosley Jr. is the son of boxing legend Sugar Shane Mosley who was present at The Contender Finale.

Shane Mosely Sr. poses with Shane Mosely Jr. (Photo: DJ Luos for The Hype Magazine)

Brandon “The Cannon” Adams is a true champion from Los Angeles, CA who made his city proud by winning The Contender season 5 championship. He was awarded The Contender championship belt, a $250,000 prize, and has a entered into the No. 10 ranking in the WBA. Adams won every round on two judge’s scorecards, 100-90 (2), and won 99-91 on another. Before this, Adams was out of boxing for three years involved with legal management entanglements, Adams didn’t even want to be involved with the show. Adams, 26, was able to get inside the 6-foot-1 Mosley’s reach and gradually broke his fellow Californian down, opening a cut over his left eye.

Brandon “The Cannon” Adams (Photo: DJ Luos for The Hype Magazine)

At the post-fight press conference, Adams had this to say: “I think the three-year layoff helped me, and everyone in the house really helped me and I wished the other guy’s stories got out there more,” Adams said. “This was huge for me. I feel blessed. Mentally, I was focused and ready. I trained really hard and bonded well with Freddie (Roach).”

“I knew Shane was no joke. I appreciate the fight he brought. We’re close, but it was business in the ring. I wanted Shane to bring his absolute best. I want Shane to continue on with his career, and I plan on continuing on with my career as well.”

“This is definitely another opportunity to establish myself in the boxing world,” Adams said. “I’m grateful. But right now, my mind is completely dry. I want to focus on not focusing.”