Sylvester Stallone, DreamWorks honcho Jeffrey Katzenberg and Survivor mastermind Mark Burnett are joining forces for a reality series dubbed "The Contender" that aims to find a real-life Rocky. 

The trio reportedly made the rounds of the Big Four TV networks over the past two days pitching the concept. "The Contender" will follow wannabe boxers from training through a series of pugilistic challenges with the ultimate winner getting a shot at becoming a pro prize fighter. 

While the show will incorporate competitive elements à la the Burnett-helmed "Survivor" and "The Apprentice" that will eliminate people from the series (in some cases literally knocking them out), it will also focus on contestants' backstories. 

Burnett tells Variety that he sees the show following the "American Idol" model, with "The Contender's" producers actually managing the winners' careers. 

To that end, the threesome will also try to launch their own boxing federation independent of the three main bodies, the WBA, WBC and IBO. 

"We're looking to reclaim a part of America that's been missing," Burnett tells Variety. "Where are the 'Thrilla in Manilas?' The Sugar Ray Leonards? We all agree no one can tell who owns what belt. 

"We're all businessmen, and there's a serious business around boxing," he says. "It's the highest paying sport, yet no one believes in it anymore. What happens when we make it transparent and clean? Once clean, the upside is astronomical." 

Burnett and Katzenberg signed up Stallone to be the on-screen ringmaster. "Sly will be the heart and soul of the show," says Burnett. "He'll mentor these fighters with the whole Rocky spirit. He would never get involved in this if it weren't 100 percent aboveboard." 

But "The Contender" will have no official connection with Stallone's Rocky franchise since MGM owns the rights. 

Calls to Stallone, Burnett and Katzenberg's reps were not immediately returned. 

But if all goes well, Burnett tells Variety he plans to have the new boxing federation launched in time for "The Contender's" premiere, most likely in January 2005. 

The boxing series is the latest venture for reality kingpin Burnett, whose realm already includes "Survivor", "The Restaurant" and "The Apprentice". He's also set to produce "The Casino" for Fox as well as drama pilots for the WB and NBC.

For Stallone, the boxing gig could spark a long-dormant career. Two of the erstwhile action star's last three flicks, D-Tox and Shade, went straight to video. The third was the kiddie sequel Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over - not exactly the blockbuster action fare he's known for. 

No word whether Stallone's involvement with "The Contender" will affect him adding yet another roman numeral to his long-dormant Rocky franchise. Stallone has reportedly been writing Rocky VI, and if "The Contender" succeeds, the sequel could be fast-tracked. 

First, though, the actor may have to go a few legal rounds after being sued last November by a heavyweight boxer who claims he inspired the Rocky movies and that Stallone owes him a cut of the profits.