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NBC wants a temporary court order to stop Fox airing The Next Great Champ, saying its producers violated Californian state boxing laws.

The network is accusing Fox of illegally promoting boxing matches without a licence.

"This is an effort to stifle competition," said a Fox spokesman.

Dreamworks Television and producer Mark Burnett, who are making The Contender for NBC, say The Next Great Champ producers violated state boxing laws in a "rushed and frenzied" attempt to get on air before The Contender.

Oscar de la Hoya is known as "golden boy"

It wants to ban the first Champ show on 10 September.

"By ignoring and violating California's boxing regulations, defendants have sought to gain a competitive advantage in the market," said The Contender's producers.

They cite a report from 12 August by former chairman of the California State Athletic Commission, which regulates boxing, asking state authorities to take action against The Next Great Champ.

The report will be reviewed on 3 September, the Commission said.

Fox initially tried to get the rights for The Contender but said when it lost out to NBC, it chose one of several other boxing shows that were offered.

A Fox spokesman said a court ruling would be "inappropriate".

Both shows feature several contestants fighting to win a professional contract.

The Next Great Champ features WBO middleweight champion Oscar de la Hoya and is produced by Endemol USA - an offshoot of the European firm which owns the Big Brother format.