The Heritage collection from Everlast is a true Contender
05/22/05

By: Nicole Gately

NBC's new hit reality show "The Contender" is not only knock-out programming, it also features some of the most fashionable duds in sports today. Through a licensing deal with CMG Worldwide, Everlast has outfitted "The Contender" contestants with its prestigious Heritage collection of boxing apparel. In addition, the contestants' suite is furnished with images of legendary boxing greats such as Joe Louis and Rocky Marciano.

Everlast Worldwide Inc., manufacturer, marketer and licensor of sporting goods and apparel, acquired the name and likeness rights for Joe Louis, Floyd Patterson, Sugar Ray Robinson, Rocky Marciano and Jack Dempsey last year. Along with current endorsers Larry Holmes and Sugar Ray Leonard, Everlast unveiled the Heritage Collection at the 2004 MAGIC International show in Las Vegas.

The boxers/contestants in "The Contender" wear the Everlast Heritage Collection in almost every scene. The collection is an athletic men's fashion line that pays tribute to historic boxing champions. It features print tees, warm-up suits, cornerman button-ups and varsity jackets inspired by the fighters and the eras during which they fought.

"The Contender" follows 16 boxers' race to become king of the ring. Every week NBC peers into the lives of these determined fighters to catch a first hand glimpse of what it takes to become a champion fighter. The final two boxers will compete head to head on May 24th at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for "The Contender" title and a cool million dollars.

The Heritage Collection is currently available at department and specialty stores and online at Everlast.com. For more information, visit http://www.everlast.com/.