Ryan Covert has become a true fan of reality TV shows.

The 25-year-old Butler amateur boxer may soon become one of their benefactors as well.

Covert has been selected as one of 20 national finalists for the reality TV show entitled "The Next Great Champ," which will air on Fox this fall.

Six-time world champion Oscar De La Hoya is producing the show through his Golden Boy Promotions. The show's idea is to discover young, raw boxers with potential to become a top prize-fighter.

Open auditions were held in seven cities over the past few weeks. Contestant requirements are to be at least 18, be a United States citizen, weigh between 130 and 185 pounds, be an amateur open division fighter or a pro who has fought in four-round fights or less.

Covert and Butler Cubs boxing teammate Ken Peth tried out in Detroit, Mich., recently. There were 70 boxers there and Covert and Peth made it to the final five before Covert was selected as a finalist.

"They're looking for guys with boxing skills, personality and a story to tell," Covert said. "I feel like I've got all three."

Covert, 20-8 as an amateur fighter, flew to Hollywood Sunday for the final tryouts with Cubs Hall boxing trainer Steve Six. They will be there through Thursday.

All costs of their trip are being paid by the TV show.

"Ryan had a great interview, they saw him work out and they like him," Six said. "We were told he turned in the most impressive workout tape of all the contestants."

Twelve of the 20 finalists will be selected to appear on the reality series, which will show the boxers' training, tell their individual story and conclude with a box-off in the ring to determine "The Next Great Champ."

The winner of the series' tournament will receive $500,000 and a two-year contract with Golden Boy Promotions.

"We're looking for talented, determined, courageous young boxers who want their chance at stardom," De La Hoya said in a story on the DoghouseBoxing.com web-site. "Once we find them, we will push them to their limits to see which ones have the heart of a champion."

Boxing has already done wonders for Covert, who admitted to being on drugs when he joined the Cubs boxing program three years ago.

"I love Butler, I feel like I belong here," Covert said. "My Dad lives in Las Vegas and he said I can join him there anytime, but I like it here. I like everyone from the girl who whistles at me when I walk down the street to the guy I meet on the corner.

"This can be a rough town, too, though. There are a lot of drug problems around here and I was part of that. I was into drugs big-time."

Covert weighed 285 pounds when he began boxing at the Cubs Hall. He is a 178-pound fighter today.

"I was a big, fat lazy drunk when I first came in there," he said of the Cubs boxing program. "I was terribly out of shape. I've been working out steadily ever since."

While in Hollywood this week, Covert will undergo physical, psychological and vision exams. He will shadow box and work out as well.

A part-time employee for a tree company, he plans on giving back to the community if he wins the $500,000.

"I just joined a church and they need a new heating and air conditioning system," Covert said. "I'd love to get that for them.

"The Butler Cubs Hall could use some major renovations and I'd love to spearhead that. I want to help people."

"Ryan's gotten where he is through simple hard work," Six said. "He's turned himself around that way."

Now he's trying to work his way on to national television.

"I'm a small-town guy with the energy, personality and desire to become the next Oscar De La Hoya," Covert said. "This is my chance to prove it."