Here are my choices for the top five boxing films of all time, plus other boxing movies that I’ve seen. Let me know what you think and what else should be on this list.

Top five boxing films

1. When We Were Kings

It’s hard to see how any traditional movie could top this documentary-style coverage of the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, telling the story of the epic Muhammad Ali-George Foreman showdown in Zaire. Featuring Ali at his wise-cracking, driven, calculating and inspirational best. What more could you want?
Amazon: When We Were Kings [DVD] [1997]

2. Raging Bull

Martin Scorsese’s 1980 masterpiece chronicling the life of Jake LaMotta is a regular contender in lists of the greatest films of all time, let alone the greatest boxing films. Robert De Niro’s performance as LaMotta is spellbinding and the whole movie – shot in black and white – has a brutal, balletic quality, loaded with violence. Stunning.
Amazon: Raging Bull (Wide Screen) [DVD] [1981]

3. Rocky

The original and best of the Rocky films. Riffed on classic moments from boxing history and helped take the legends to the wider public to such an extent that many are now clichés.
Amazon: Rocky [DVD] [1977]

4. The Harder They Fall

A great period piece based on Budd Schulberg’s classic novel, itself a fictionalised re-telling of the Primo Carnera story. Humphrey Bogart plays boxing-journo-turned-PR-man Eddie Willis who gets drawn deeper into the world of mob corruption as his backers exploit the commercial potential of naïve Argentine heavyweight Toro Moreno.
Amazon: The Harder They Fall [DVD] [2003]

5. The Hurricane

The boxing is far from the primary focus of this movie, but Denzel Washington gives a great performance in the telling of the remarkable life story of Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter. The movie’s reception amongst boxing fans was somewhat spoiled by its inaccurate depiction of the Carter v Joey Giardello fight, the story wrongly suggesting that Giardello’s deserved points win was the result of racial bias against Carter. This was a long way from being the only historical inaccuracy, but the film is still a stimulating watch.
Amazon: The Hurricane [DVD] [2000]

Other boxing movies

Against the Ropes

Meg Ryan plays the part of US boxing manager Jackie Kallen. I’ve seen the film. I can’t really remember it. That probably says a lot.
Amazon: Against the Ropes [DVD] [2004]

Ali

They said that the role of Muhammad Ali was an impossible one to play, and Will Smith achieved the impossible… he portrayed one of the most charismatic human beings to ever walk the planet as a miserable, sullen, lifeless bore. Just dreadful. Avoid this film like the plague and (re)watch When We Were Kings instead.
Amazon: Ali [DVD] [2002]

Bleed For This

The story of Vinny ‘the Pazmanian Devil’ Pazienza is remarkable, inspiring and film-worthy. As a movie, it works and is worth a watch, but many of the boxing scenes are unconvincing.

The Boxer

Daniel Day-Lewis is on form as an ex-IRA activist trying to resume his life as a professional boxer after his release from prison. Includes an atmospheric fight scene at the National Sporting Club.
Amazon: The Boxer [DVD]

The Calcium Kid

Orlando Bloom as a boxer. That’s the funniest part about this comedy.
Amazon: The Calcium Kid [DVD] [2004]

The Champ

A proper tear-jerker. Saw it as a kid and it made me miserable. Haven’t wanted to watch it since.
Amazon: The Champ [1979]

Champion

Kirk Douglas gives a superb performance as Midge Kelly, a boxer who rises to the top while destroying everything that’s good in his life. A rarely seen 1949 classic, well worth digging out.
Amazon: Champion [1949] [DVD]

Cinderella Man

A Hollywood re-telling of the remarkable Jim Braddock story. Entertaining, although I find it hard to watch the demonisation of the much-loved Max Baer.
Amazon: Cinderella Man [DVD] [2005]

Creed

A memorable and convincing continuation of the Rocky universe with some visceral fight scenes. Highly recommended, although the portrayal of Tony Bellew as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world is hard to swallow.

The Fighter

The fight scenes aren’t the greatest, but this is a great film with memorable performances from Mark Wahlberg as Micky Ward and, in particular, Christian Bale as his brother ‘Dicky’ Eklund.
Amazon: The Fighter [DVD]

Grudge Match

Umpteen years on, Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro riff on their classic roles as Rocky and LaMotta in this sports comedy. Nowhere near as embarrassing as it could have been.
Amazon: Grudge Match [DVD]

I am Ali

If you only watch one Muhammad Ali documentary, make it When We Were Kings. But why wouldn’t you want to see two?
Amazon: I Am Ali [DVD]

Matilda

Saw it as a kid as the first film of a double feature (remember those?) at Tredegar Workmen’s Hall. It was about a boxing kangaroo. As a four-year-old, I loved it.

Million Dollar Baby

I’m usually a big fan of Clint Eastwood’s movies, but I think he dropped the ball on this one. Little new to say and rather depressing.Amazon: Million Dollar Baby [DVD] [2005]

Mr Calzaghe

It’s obvious that no Welsh fight fan should be able to hold their head up with dignity until they’ve seen this film! A solid telling of the remarkable Joe Calzaghe story, those familiar with his career will enjoy reliving it and may gain an extra appreciation for the strength that he gained from his relationship with his father and trainer, Enzo Calzaghe.

It will be interesting to gauge the reaction to the film from non-boxing fans… although its initial reception gleaned the rather unsurprising thought from reviewers that Enzo stole the show!
Amazon: Mr Calzaghe [DVD]

On the Waterfront

Marlon Brando in another film based on a classic piece of Budd Schulberg literature.
Amazon: On the Waterfront [DVD]

The Quiet Man

Cliche-ridden 1952 fare from John Wayne about a boxer who returns from the States to his childhood home in Galway, where he tries to build a new life having killed a man in the ring.
Amazon: The Quiet Man [DVD] [1952]

Real Steel

Do boxing robots count? The film was all right.
Amazon: Real Steel [DVD]

Risen

I was hugely excited when I heard about this project that chronicles the life of one of my favourite boxers, Howard Winstone. The film makers treat their subject lovingly, but unfortunately with too much reverence. A worthy film that lacks joy and colour.
Amazon: Risen [DVD]

Rocky II

Kind of like Rocky I except this time (spoiler alert…) he wins.
Amazon: Rocky II [DVD]

Rocky III

So gloriously ‘80s, and every time I hear Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” theme music I remember the schoolboy excitement and anticipation that preceded this film’s launch. It’s ultimately a bit disappointing, though, and the climax of the piece – Rocky’s revenge win over Clubber Lang – just seems a bit too easy.
Amazon: Rocky III [DVD]

Rocky IV

Rocky trains in the snow then brings down Communism by breaking Mikkel Kessler. I’m trying to ignore what happened to Apollo Creed. It’s still too painful.
Amazon: Rocky IV [DVD]

Rocky V

Surely the weakest film in the series as Rocky turns trainer after his forced ring retirement before having to whup ungrateful protégé Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison) in a street brawl.
Amazon: Rocky V [DVD]

Rocky VI (Rocky Balboa)

A valiant attempt to re-boot the franchise as a decrepit Rocky makes an unlikely return to the ring against Mason ‘the Line’ Dixon (Antonio Tarver). A decent movie if, ultimately, a little bit dull.
Amazon: Rocky Balboa [DVD] [2007]

Rocky Marciano

A plodding TV-movie take on the life and career of Marciano.
Amazon: Rocky Marciano [1999]

Snake Eyes

Nicolas Cage plays a corrupt cop at a world title fight in a movie that’s more about the crime thriller than the boxing.
Amazon: Snake Eyes [DVD] [1998]

Somebody Up There Likes Me

Paul Newman plays Rocky Graziano in this fistic classic. A little dated but well worth checking out.
Amazon: Somebody Up There Likes Me [1956]

Southpaw

I watched this film on an aeroplane, and it seems to have been the perfect setting – it was a pleasant way to waste a bit of time without requiring any amount of thought or interaction with what passes as a story.

Jake Gyllenhaal gives an impressive physical performance, but if you haven’t worked out the entire plot line by the end of the opening frame, you’re doing something wrong.
Amazon: Southpaw [DVD]

Tyson

A brutally honest documentary focusing on a brutal and honest man. Harrowing, but not to be missed.
Amazon: Tyson: The Movie – Ultimate Knockout Edition [DVD]

Undisputed

Wesley Snipes does lots of boxing while in prison. Worth a watch on a quiet night.
Amazon: Undisputed [DVD]

Shocking admission…

I haven’t seen the following, but they need to be mentioned here:

Fat City

John Huston’s 1972 take on the classic Leonard Gardner book. I really need to see this.
Amazon: Fat City [DVD] [1972] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

Kid Galahad

Elvis’ take on the boxing world!
Amazon: Kid Galahad [DVD]

The post Boxing films appeared first on Welsh boxers.

• Gareth Jones, The Boxers of Wales: Volume Four, Swansea and Llanelli (St David’s Press, Cardiff, 2015)

Gareth Jones continues his invaluable exposition and documentation of the fighting men of Wales in the fourth volume of the series.

The story moves west to look at the boxers of Swansea and Llanelli, from Teddy Barrow to Taffy Williams.

The well-known figures such as Colin Jones, Enzo Maccarinelli, Brian Curvis, Ronnie James and Floyd Havard are, of course, studied in some depth.

The work also takes in many of the lesser-known figures, while illuminating some of the deeper stories behind little-known greats such as Gipsy Daniels.

The post Book review: Boxers of Wales, Vol IV appeared first on Welsh boxers.

Considering the varying histories and experiences of the leading Welsh boxers during World War I, the conflict having erupted in a true golden era for the sport in Wales.

Battle of the Somme

• Johnny Basham in World War I
• Dai Davies in World War I
• Jim Driscoll in World War I
• Fred Dyer in World War I
• Llew Edwards in World War I
• Percy Jones in World War I
• Eddie Morgan in World War I
• Dai Roberts in World War I
• Francis Rossi in World War I
• Walter Rossi in World War I
• Freddie Welsh in World War I
• Jimmy Wilde in World War I

The rich, varied and, at times, horrific experiences of Welsh boxers in the First World War reflect both the vibrancy of the country at the time and the glory of the sport in a true golden era for Welsh pugilists.

The heavy industry of south Wales coupled with the diversity and militancy of its workforce was a potent, explosive mix that would burst out onto the world stage in many unexpected forms.

Boxing was undoubtedly one of those forms of expression, and it was a sport that had a tightening grip on the nation.

‘Peerless’ Jim Driscoll was the pride of, not just the Welsh, but the entire British boxing scene, the darling of the National Sporting Club and a man whose classic, upright style epitomised everything that the country valued in the noble art.

Freddie Welsh (centre) prepares for a transatlantic trip

If ‘Peerless’ Jim was coming towards the end of his career when the war started, the ageing hero seemed to have paved the way for an even more glorious generation.

1914, the year that the Great War started, had finally – after many near misses – seen Wales secure its first world champion in Percy Jones, and he was soon followed by the second, Freddie Welsh.

Jimmy Wilde and Johnny Basham already appeared likely to follow in those footsteps, while the likes of Llew Edwards, Fred Dyer, Eddie Morgan, Dai Davies and the Rossi brothers – Francis and Walter – also awaited their opportunities.

World War I would have a varied and profound impact on the lives and careers of all these men.

Some of the more prominent pugilists were able to continue their ring careers at home, with varying degrees of disruption.

The rise of Wilde, for example, continued almost unchecked and his role as a fitness instructor in the army does not seem to have been overly onerous.

Fred Dyer in military uniform

Basham’s fitness and exhibition work for the military seems to have been more taxing and – whilst he was grateful for the privileges he gained in the army – the war may well have stopped him from becoming a world champion and from forging a lucrative career in the States.

Freddie Welsh, as individual as ever, quickly took his newly won world title to the US where he would remain for the rest of the war, a route also taken by title-hopeful Morgan.

Dyer and Edwards continued their careers through the war years in the States and Australia and – while their experiences appear comfortable – each faced losses in their own way.

In simple numeric and financial terms, author Alex Daley says that there were around 8,000 fights a year in the UK in the build-up to World War I.

Trench warfare on the western front

This dropped to around 4,000 a year in 1915-18, then climbed to 7,000 in 1919-25, before peaking at close to 20,000 in 1930, meaning that this golden generation of Welsh fighters missed out on a booming sport in some of the peak years of their careers.

If none of the boxers here were unaffected by the war the true losers were, of course, those sent to fight in the front line.

How many obscure Welsh boxers shared the fate of Caerau’s Dai Roberts?

The little-known welterweight was a prominent sportsman in his day who had fought Wilde and Basham, sparred with Freddie Welsh, and helped in Willie Ritchie’s corner on the night that Welsh took the American’s world lightweight belt. Roberts was killed by a shell in France in July 1917.

Unlike Roberts, both Davies and Jones made it home from the western front. But the injuries they suffered there affected them badly and, in Jones’ case, ended his service, career and, ultimately, his life.

The post Welsh boxers in World War I appeared first on Welsh boxers.

When Lee Selby slipped to a four-round points defeat against Samir Mouneimne at Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Stoke-on-Trent, few would have predicted he would rise to the heights he has now scaled.

Lee Selby celebrates after winning the IBF world featherweight belt (Photo: Lee Selby, Twitter)

The May 2009 loss came in his fifth professional fight, and the smart money would surely have been on a career of obscurity for the featherweight.

It did, indeed, prove a long road back for the Barry man, but in claiming the IBF featherweight title from Evgeny Gradovich the self-styled ‘Welsh Mayweather’ has become his country’s 12th world champion.

He has followed a path rarely trodden by many modern prospects, who are often given the opportunity to build long unbeaten records against easy opposition to smooth their route to a world title.

Selby slowly, quietly rebuilt after the Mouneimne defeat, winning Welsh Area and Celtic titles to earn his shot at Stephen Smith’s British and Commonwealth belts – which he claimed with a stunning upset win on the champion’s own turf.

Such a route to the top is far from unusual in the history of the game, though, nor in the history of great Welsh champions.

The likes of Tommy Farr, Frank Moody, Tommy West and Johnny Basham had awful early records, while the results of fighters like Robbie Regan, Eddie Morgan and Steve Robinson were at best mixed at the start of their careers as they learnt the professional game.

Percy Jones drew his first fight before embarking on a long unbeaten run that would see him become Wales’ first world champion.

Enzo Maccarinelli lost his fourth professional fight before himself building an impressive winning run that would make him Swansea’s first world champion.

‘Big Macc’ would become just the third Welshman to win British, Commonwealth, European and world crowns, following Freddie Welsh and Nathan Cleverly.

Selby has now become the fourth and now looks ready to start setting his own milestones…

The post Selby takes forgotten path to top appeared first on Welsh boxers.

As Nathan Cleverly tries to recover from another defeat, the former world champion will be fighting to make Welsh boxing history.

Sergey Kovalev celebrates victory over Nathan Cleverly

Cleverly lost his WBO light-heavyweight crown at the brutal hands of Sergey Kovalev in September 2013.

The Cefn Fforest man moved up to cruiserweight, but after two low-key victories he dropped a decision against arch-rival Tony Bellew, a man he had beaten at light-heavyweight.

Recognising his limitations in the heavier division, Cleverly has vowed to drop back down a weight.

After a warm-up fight in Leeds on 11 April, he hopes to challenge WBA light-heavyweight champion Juergen Braehmer in September.

But no Welsh world champion has ever won another world title after losing their belt, and no Welshman has ever won world crowns in two different weight classes.

So how did Cleverly’s predecessors fare in their comeback fights after losing world crowns?

Freddie Welsh

Freddie Welsh retired after losing his world lightweight crown to Benny Leonard in the last of their classic trilogy of fights in 1917. After three years, though, financial problems meant that the Pontypridd man made a comeback. He had kept himself in the gym and in shape, but when he stepped back between the professional ropes the ring wizard of old was no more. Welsh stood and brawled in front of his comeback opponent, Willie Green, a tactic that won him a four-round stoppage. But after five more fights that ended with a draw and a defeat the great Welsh realised that the game was up.

Steve Robinson

Steve Robinson took a year out after his crushing defeat to Naseem Hamed, before returning with a low-key eight-round points win over Kelton McKenzie in Tylorstown. ‘The Cinderella Man’ lost his next fight – a European title challenge against Billy Hardy – but his oft-overlooked later career was impressive, as he competed at the highest level for another four years and claimed a European title.

Enzo Maccarinelli

Enzo Maccarinelli struggled to reach his former heights after his shattering 2008 loss to David Haye in their cruiserweight unification battle. He took nine months out before returning with a two-round stoppage of Matthew Ellis, but in his next two bouts ‘Big Macc’ suffered horrible knock-out defeats against Ola Afolabi and Denis Lebedev. Many felt that would be the end for the Swansea man, but he would go on to win British and European cruiserweight titles. A drop to light-heavyweight saw Maccarinelli add a Commonwealth crown to his collection, then secure a shot at Braehmer’s WBA title. A horrible eye injury in the first round ended his chances, but he hopes to secure another title shot at Braehmer… and a future derby showdown with Cleverly should not be ruled out.

Gavin Rees

Gavin Rees took 15 months out after losing his world title to Andriy Kotelnik, dropping a division to lightweight for his return, a four-round stoppage of Johnny Greaves. ‘The Rock’ won the Prizefighter tournament next time out, part of an impressive string of domestic victories that took him to British and European titles plus another shot at a world crown.

Wales’ other world champions

Wales’ first world champion, Percy Jones, never lost his title in the ring, but his inability to make the flyweight limit cost him his crown before injuries sustained by the Porth man in World War I ended his career.

Joe Calzaghe and Nathan Cleverly (Photo: Nathan Cleverly, Twitter)

Jimmy Wilde never fought again after losing his world title in a brutal showdown against Pancho Villa, nor did Howard Winstone after his defeat against Jose Legra in the Merthyr man’s first title defence.

Medical problems meant that neither Robbie Regan or Barry Jones ever had the chance to defend their hard-earned world titles. Regan never fought again, but Jones was able to return to the ring after 18 months with a six-round points win over Chris Williams. That fight pitched Jones into a world-title shot at Acelino Freitas. The Cardiff man’s brave eight-round defeat was his last fight, and the only defeat of his career.

Joe Calzaghe, of course, never tasted defeat. After giving up his long-held super-middleweight crown he moved up to light-heavyweight for the last two fights of his career. He was recognised by Ring magazine as the world’s leading light-heavyweight, but he never competed for a world title in that division.

The post Nathan Cleverly’s comeback: Battling history appeared first on Welsh boxers.