Boxing is one of the first few sports that were incorporated into the Olympics. So considering its long history, it has had good enough time to become a staple for the sports loving society throughout the world. Look at the Mayweather v McGregor enhanced odds bookies are offering these days and the number of people who’re willing to bet and you’ll know what we’re talking about! The upcoming fight on the 26th of August between boxing champ Mayweather, and UFC superstar McGregor, has got everyone talking. Whilst both behemoths in their own field, who will emerge victorious is a bone of contention which is resulting in some seriously interesting betting predictions!
Boxing involves more blood, sweat and tears than any other sport out there; it makes the boxer push himself even when he’s on the verge of giving up. In a nutshell, it’s all about agonising defeats and glorious victories! These are also the reasons why movies based on boxing have always done very well. Let’s go over some of the amazing boxing movies you can’t afford to miss if you’re a fan of the sport!
Rocky (1976)
Thousands of ad agencies may have picked up the Rocky theme no matter how lazy their commercials may have been! However, there is a reason why this movie has touched the hearts of three generations. Considering the irony-drenched times we live in nowadays, stories of genuine spirit are looked at rather suspiciously – but when the stories are told with so much sincerity, they become irresistible to say the least. Rocky is easily one of the most inspirational movies ever made! Interestingly, both the most uplifting and the darkest (Raging Bull) Hollywood movies were about boxers!
Raging Bull (1980)
A Martin Scorsese masterpiece, this one’s another film that is counted amongst the best ones produced in its category. There are very few movies that managed to effectively tell why people can make big sacrifices to excel in sports, and what those sacrifices can potentially do to them. It’s also one of the few very good films that focus on the subject of masculinity.
The movie is based on the life of the self-destructive middleweight boxer known as Jake LaMotta, played phenomenally and with great intensity by the talented Robert De Niro. Although the movie takes you through his career, you are also shown how the violent energy, which often made him victorious, was also the reason behind the end of his relationship with his family. Scorsese doesn’t hold back when it comes to exposing the ugliness of irrepressible male rage.
Ali (2001)
Undeniably the most popular boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali is brought to life by Will Smith in a remarkable way in this memorable and super-hit biopic. The movie highlights the struggles of Ali who once used to be known as Cassius Clay, and how he had to fight his way to claim his rightful place in both the boxing as well as the general world.
Ali eventually wins the title of heavyweight boxing champion. The film also very well captures Muhammad Ali’s life at the pinnacle of his boxing career, much before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
