ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (11:56 AM)

I just got a call from Tony's people. He's running about 15 minutes behind schedule, so he'll be here at 12:15 ET. Send in your questions!

Buzzmaster

  (12:09 PM)

We've got Tony!

Aaron (Florida)

how did you get involved with the show?

Tony Danza

  (12:10 PM)

I was involved from the beginning with The Contender, then they decided that they would use the big movie star, Sylvester Stallone instead of me. I went on my way and then this year they asked me to replace Ray. I'm in a place where I can do jobs where I think will be fun doing.

Craig (Norwich, CT)

Do you ever wonder how successful a boxer you would've become if you hadn't become an actor?

Tony Danza

  (12:11 PM)

Yeah, I could have been a contender, instead of a bum, which is what I am....But I'll be honest with you, I hadn't in a long time, but when they did this show, they dug up some footage and showed it to the guys. They said, I'm always pooh-poohing my career, but that I had some skills. But we always get better after we're done.

fran (alabama)

Now with the Contender, have you gotten an itch to get back in the ring?

Tony Danza

  (12:12 PM)

I boxed. As soon as I got there, I couldn't resist. I had to get in there. I looked bad, I was terrible. I wish I could have boxed at the end of the show instead of the beginning, because I had my feet under me.

Ryan (San Diego)

How many times a day do people ask you about Who's the Boss?

Tony Danza

  (12:12 PM)

A lot! Tons of that. A lot.

Gary (Phoenix)

Contender will deal with cruiserweights this season, is it always the same weightclass?

Tony Danza

  (12:13 PM)

No, this is the biggest class we've had on the show. This is the 200 pound limit. They all weigh between 190 and 200. They're bigger guys. Terrific athletes at this weight. Some knockouts too.

Paul (Connecticut)

What's harder, a round of sparring or trying to memorize lines for a TV or a movie?

Tony Danza

  (12:13 PM)

Too close to call.

Pete (Canada)

Tony...When growing up who did you idolize ?

Tony Danza

  (12:14 PM)

I got to box some of the greats when I was in the gym, Duran, I was in the ring with Ali. I boxed a lot of champions. I had a lot of guys that I was around. I guess Ali would be the big one. I have some baseball heros, of course. I was a Yankee fan. Mantle.

Steiny (NYC)

What memories do you have from when you were a professional boxer with a 9-3 record, all 9 wins coming by way of knockout?

Tony Danza

  (12:15 PM)

Actually, my record, all together was 12-3. I don't know where 9 comes from. 10 wins before Taxi and 2 wins after. I remember the great moments. I remember the losses as well.

Steiny (NYC)

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

Tony Danza

  (12:16 PM)

The biggest influence in my life are my parents.

BJ (Carmel, NY)

Hey Tony, your former Assistant Sebastion says hello and had nothing but great things to say about you as a Boss....Whats your favorite part of being involved in a show like this?

Tony Danza

  (12:17 PM)

I guess seeing the final product. I hope people watch it and enjoy it. I enjoyed this kind of show, because I was in the gym a lot.

Matt (South Bend, IN)

Tony, how should we rate the success of the show? How good the fights are on the season's shows? Or how good the contender champion fares following the show?

Tony Danza

  (12:18 PM)

I think it's about the show. We have one champion out of the Contender so far in Mora. I think it's about the show. For boxing fans, the fights are important. Plus the drama of it and the reality part. For the non boxing fans, they talk about why they do it. Why they put themselves on the line. Some of them have two jobs to support their boxing.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Danza: I have to say that Taxi is one of my all-time favorite shows. Do you keep in touch with any of your former cast members?

Tony Danza

  (12:19 PM)

Yeah, we have a club, it's called the Taxi Club, we all rely on Mary Lou Henner to keep us in touch.

Steiny (NYC)

What was your favorite sport growing up?

Tony Danza

  (12:20 PM)

Hmmm. I played a lot of basketball. A lot of basketball. A lot of football. Baseball. I played a lot of things. I was a jack of all trades and a master of none. But as a young guy, I also did street fights.

Steiny (NYC)

What was it like appearing in the motion picture, Crash?

Tony Danza

  (12:21 PM)

Crash was an interesting job, because you're working with one of the best directors in town. It's work. It's a lot of concentrated focus. That movie was not a big budget movie, so they were working hard to get it done.

Steiny (NYC)

What was it like attending the University of Dubuque?

Tony Danza

  (12:22 PM)

It was great. Imagine being in Iowa in the 60's.

Tony Danza

  (12:22 PM)

Thank you for tuning in and the great questions. I hope you enjoy The Contender.