We’ve seen some of the finest athletes immortalized in film throughout cinematic history. From some of football’s standout stars, baseball’s pioneers, and basketball’s legends, we’ve seenstories recounted in theatersglobally. And other than a select few, we’ve yet to see some of the greatest boxers in history have their stories told in dramatic adaptations.
The most famous boxing film follows a fictional boxer, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). There are lesser-known films that tell the story of Manny Pacquiao, but they trend more toward the documentary genre. There’s the recent development of a Hulu series covering Mike Tyson’s career,despite the heavy criticismit has received from “Iron” Mike himself. Here we look at six different boxers who should have their struggles and triumphs, both in and out of the ring, told to audiences in agripping dramatic retelling.
6Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor may not have a sterling record in the boxing ring, nor a long one. But he did have the most hyped and well-paid boxing debut in the history of the sport. Conor’s impact on the sport is still felt today, with the litany of celebrity boxing matches that followed suit leading to the rejuvenation in popularity that the sport sorely needed.
This film could take a deep look into the background of how Conor grew cocky, having become a double champion in the UFC and deciding to challenge arguably the most dominant boxing star of the modern day in Floyd “Money” Mayweather; more on him later. The months of trash talk alone could cover the film’s first act, including all the negotiations to secure the fight and how both fighters were guaranteed at least 100 million dollars. The final act would cover the fight itself, which went into the 10th round, where Floyd would defeat Conor by TKO, seemingly ending the Irishman’s boxing career at the starting line. His acting career, on the other hand,is another story.
5Vitali Klitschko
Vitali’s story is one told of pure dominance and determination. Vitali has almost 50 fights to his record, having only lost two overall. Vitali held the WBO, Ring, and WBC (x2) heavyweight titles over his extensive career, and alongside his brother Wladimir, the duo had competed in around 40 heavyweight title fights, a record.
The film covering Vitali could get everyday looks at how harrowing his life was, preparing to defend his title while also running campaigns in his native Ukraine, where he is presently the mayor of the capital city, Kyiv. The final act would show a tragic look at Vitali’s heroism, refusing to abandon his country as Russia’s siege would begin.
Related:Every Rocky & Creed Movie, Ranked
4Jake Paul
Another boxer with an equally famous brother, Jake Paul, has only just started his boxing career, and the young fighter has been fighting an uphill battle to prove himself as a legitimate contender. This film has an easy path to being made, as Jake’s life is already heavily scrutinized and filmed for the world to see. With dramatic retellings, it would be intriguing to show audiences the story of what made Jake want to get into the ring as a boxer.
One could quickly go through a montage of Paul’s earlier fights, seeing him knock out a YouTuber, an NBA star, and a mixed-martial artist in the early rounds. Paul would then defeat former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley twice, first by Split Decision and then by a 6th-round knockout. With Paulseeking out true competitionon his way to a title, a film detailing his rise in the sport would be the latest instrument to bring Jake Paul’s name to the headlines.
3Manny Pacquiao
Manny has had documentaries that covered his legendary boxing career, with his most recentManny (2006)briefly touching on his political career, which had just begun. A modern dramatization of Manny’s career could follow a seasoned veteran, showcasing how he won over 60 of his career fights that spanned eight weight classes and seven world titles.
Manny is a man of many talents, with his political career having taken off, including an extended run as senator of The Philippines and currently running for the presidency of The Philippines. The movie’s soundtrack could be provided by Manny himself, as he became a billboard-charting musician, recording his own entrance music.
2Tyson Fury
Tyson Fury’s story sounds like an acclaimed screenplay writer wrote it. Telling stories of how he had gone mad, speeding down the road, practically wishing for death, Tyson claims to have heard the voice of God talking sense into him. Claiming to be told by this higher power that there are great things destined for him and that to kill himself would mean throwing it all away, Tyson went and got the help he needed and came back to the sport he had left behind, better than ever.
Tyson’s career is one of high publicity, with his contests proving to be hard-hitting, including a one-time appearance with the WWE. Tyson would sell out arenas worldwide, including what, so far, appears to be his final fight against Dillain Whyte. With such a storied career and a magnificent story of faith and battling with mental health, Tyson’s tale could prove to be the inspirational cinematic masterpiece that audiences would flock to.
Related:TIFF 2022: Every Sports & Thriller Movie Breakdown
1Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd “Money” Mayweather. The man who was named after his ultimate goal when he stepped into the ring. Floyd Mayweather would have some of the fastest hands in boxing, with over half of his 50 victories coming by knockout. Mayweather would retire undefeated but was never afraid of competition, having talked trash and traded hands with the best the competition could muster, such as Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo Alvarez, & Manny Pacquiao.
Featuring appearances in the WWE andDancing with the Stars, as well as an exhibition bout against Logan Paul, Floyd’s career broke into the mainstream when boxing wasn’t receiving high media attention. Living the high lifestyle, Floyd’s film could see him going on therags-to-riches journey, having to grow up with his father being arrested, being forced to live with his grandmother, and dropping out of high school, so he could focus all of his time and efforts on boxing.
