411. Lennox - The Untold Story; movie review

 

LENNOX - THE UNTOLD STORY

Cert 15

123 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language

When you think of great boxing heavyweight heroes, thoughts turn back to the 70s and Muhammad Ali and the likes of Foreman and Frazier.

We might have considered Mike Tyson an all-time great if he weren't a convicted rapist and bitten off half of Evander Holyfield's ear.

In terms of Brits, minds wander to our 'Enry Cooper who splashed it all over and dear old Frank Bruno who actually won the title for a short time.

And then it's on to the success of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Oh, and there is Lennox Lewis who, in some people's eyes was better than all of the above but was never entirely embraced by British fight fans.

Nevertheless, Lewis, backed by a flamboyant but diminutive manager, Frank Maloney, is arguably the best heavyweight this country has ever known.

Seth Koch and Rick Lazes' documentary is very much a tribute to Lewis rather than a warts-and-all expose.

Narrated by Dr Dre, It chronicles his life from the early days in London where he grew up without a father and was then left with a neighbour while his mum emigrated to Canada for better work.

It also tells how, after many years he was called across The Atlantic and, after a turbulent beginning, took up sports, including boxing.

Unsurprisingly, given his difficult upbringing, Lewis was in trouble with authorities but he was fortunate to be in Canada where he was given the chance to channel his aggression towards sport.

Coaches from his time there, speak of how he became dedicated to boxing and sped towards the country's Olympic squad.

Lennox - The Untold Story spends most of its time unpicking the famous Lewis bouts and his rivalries with the likes of Tyson and Riddick Bowe.

He admits to mistakes which cost him a couple of unexpected defeats but the film seldom deviates into any criticism of its subject

Consequently, Lewis is portrayed as a deep-thinking family man with very few flaws.

Too good to be true? Maybe. Or perhaps, he is a really nice guy who also happened to be one of the greatest boxers of my lifetime.

Reasons to watch: A rare examination of a great sporting hero

Reasons to avoid: If you don't like boxing

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? Lennox Lewis played in the World Series of Poker in both 2006 and 2007 and was knocked out without winning any money.  He appeared on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice in 2008 and came in fourth place out of 14.

The final word. Rick Lazes: “Lennox Lewis was one of the era’s greatest boxing champions, so I am honoured to bring his story to an international audience

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