A contestant on upcoming reality show The Contender has reportedly comitted suicide.

23-year-old Najai Turpin, who was expected to become one of the show's brightest stars, was found dead at his Philadelphia home on Monday.

Host Sylvester Stallone and co-creator Mark Burnett are refusing to divulge many details of the young boxer's death.

Although scenes involving Turpin will not be edited out, he will be honoured with a written message after one of the shows.

The first show will air on March 7.