BoxRec

the crooks and promoters are usually well cast in boxing movies, especially Walken in HOMEBOY. i think the best parts and the best actors are usually not the fighters, but the crooks that exploit the fighters

One of my sons picked up the film for me the other day for £2.99. Well worth a viewing and, as mrrocco and Autobarn say, good casting. The film was actually made before Rourke took a break from acting to pursue a pro career. He did, however, have some amateur experience in the early 70s.

I loved watching GLADIATOR, if only for sleazy explotitive, bastards Brian Dennehy and Robert Loggia.

Two great character actors - you can always rely on them.

absolutely. dennehy has a good early supporting role in another "sport" film - 1979 michael mann debut, JERICHO MILE. sort of LONELINESS OF THE LONG DISTANCE runner with flick knives, karate kicks and brass knucks if i remember it right!