Sylvester Stallone Pays Tribute to Dead Boxer  3/29/05

Sylvester Stallone  filmed a tribute to dead boxer Najai Turpin on his critically-acclaimed reality TV show The Contender on Sunday night (27MAR05). The movie star teamed up with show co-host Sugar Ray Leonard to present a recap program for TV viewers who missed the first four episodes, and the pair included a tribute to Turpin, whose taped elimination after defeat in the ring aired last week (20MAR05). 

Turpin shot himself on 18 February (05). Last night's (28MAR05) episode featured Stallone telling the boxer, "You've won everyone's heart. That was incredible and, you know what, you were absolutely fantastic." An emotional Turpin was then featured saying, "I fought with all my heart. I fought with my best ability. I left everything in the ring. I came up short. "This agony, it just pick at you. It just hurt. The feeling is overwhelming. 

What did I do wrong for something to go wrong... I gave my word and it hurt me that I can't keep my word." The show ended with Turpin playing with his little daughter in the dressing room after his defeat, while a tribute reading 'In loving memory of Najai Turpin 1981-2005' flashed on the screen. 

Stallone stated, "Five months after the taping of this episode the Contender family received heartbreaking news that Najai Turpin had passed away." Leonard revealed the producers of the show had set up a fund for Turpin's daughter, so she would "have the chance of a better life".

see also:

3/14/05 Clever Frank Stallone Steps in to Help Out Sly on The Contender

3/1/05 Brother of Contender Contestant That Committed Suicide Speaks Out 3/1/05