Season 2: #11 Gary Balletto

Gary Balletto was a Rhode Island sweetheart who shot to fame in season two of the popular US television series The Contender. Gary was a good looking guy, an exciting fighter and some tipped him to win the series, which included future world champion Cornelius 'K9' Bundrage and eventual winner Grady Brewer.

It didn't work out that way and Gary was eliminated in the second round, only fighting once more before walking away. Then, several years later he was damaged in a horrific backyard accident playing with his children and left a quadriplegic. Life changed in an instant.

Here, in an incredibly open and moving interview, Gary talks about his career, the accident and its aftermath and the rise of his son, Gary Balletto III, who just made his professional boxing debut.

It's an unmissable conversation.

Gary Balletto was a Rhode Island sweetheart who shot to fame in season two of the popular US television series The Contender. Gary was a good looking guy, an exciting fighter and some tipped him to win the series, which included future world champion Cornelius 'K9' Bundrage and eventual winner Grady Brewer. It didn't work out that way and Gary was eliminated in the second round, only fighting once more before walking away. Then, several years later he was damaged in a horrific backyard accident playing with his children and left a quadriplegic. Life changed in an instant. Here, in an incredibly open and moving interview, Gary talks about his career, the accident and its aftermath and the rise of his son, Gary Balletto III, who just made his professional boxing debut. It's an unmissable conversation.