tvN's variety show "I Am Boxer" is heightening anticipation with a preview of what the producers are describing as a once-in-a-generation matchup between actor Julien Kang and heavyweight fighter Myung Hyun-man.
The show, already popular for its high-stakes missions and emotional storytelling, gets ready to air one of the most anticipated segments yet.
According to OSEN, the show has been going strong each week, as contestants push through demanding challenges. The first 1-on-1 final fight has ended and the second challenge has entered its most unpredictable phase with several contestants eliminated in the 6-on-6 Punch Race.
Attention was also drawn to the mission's details, shared by Master Ma Dong-seok and the production team, and how dramatic the "death match" would unfold.
As explained in the report, "The second fight, the 6:6 Punch Race, involves two teams, each punching 100 sandbags. The team that knocks them all down faster wins." With the first half timed at six minutes and the second half open, the segment was replete with different strategies by teams and quick changes in direction by the participants.
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A report from Chosun Biz, the structure of the mission was significantly influenced by Ma Dong-seok. In an article, it said, "This mission is said to have been created by Ma Dong-seok and the production team, who carefully considered the timing of the missions and the boxers' situations from the program planning stage."
The format was designed in such a way that rotation would be allowed so participants could avoid consecutive full-contact sparring.
The excitement even escalated with a pre-release video that showed several eliminations and hinted at a fierce death match among 24 contestants vying to re-enter into future missions.
He explained, "Two people who would have been mentioned at least once in the context of who would win if they fought," alluding to the highly speculated match-up between Julien Kang and Myung Hyun-man.
The two fighters sounded confident before entering the ring: "I thought I could knock my opponent down or knock him out," and "I'm confident I can win if I just do what I practiced." And then there are the physical contrasts: Myung Hyun-man coming in 16 kilograms heavier than Kang, while Kang enjoyed a 12-centimeter reach advantage.
A preview shows the two heavyweights trading fierce blows before Ma Dong-seok shouts, "Down!" and viewers will not want to miss what comes after. The highly anticipated match airs this Friday, December 5, at 11 p.m.
