Original subtitles

We'll be right

back.

And now, for your entertainment pleasure, while we get ready for the

give it up!

We're going to get him.

You ain't got no muscles here.

Get down and give me this, bro.

I thought Lewis, the night that he beat Braddock, won the title.

1937.

Straight right into the jaw of Christ. They could have counted to 50.

He was the best heavyweight that ever fought under the modern rules. No

discussion. The best.

Then the fucking government chased him about tax.

Fuck the IRS.

Fucking bureaucrat assholes.

In the name of the Lord, amen.

And at 230 pounds, wearing the green trunks with the gold trim. He is

with eight wins and no losses.

Representing the state prison at Lodi.

The great fight.

Now in the east trunk.

He's also undefeated and defending champion.

With a record of 67 wins and no losses. Weighing in at 191 pounds.

Wearing the burgundy trunks with the black trim.

Sweet blood is all mine, bro.

Hunter!

All right, now, shit birds, y 'all

both know the rules.

I want a nice, clean fight.

Nothing below the belt. You understand me?

Let's bounce.

Now, remember, brother convicts, if you learn how to act, they wouldn't have to

fight inside of a cave. And be on your best behavior, too, because we don't

no incidents, all right? Now, let's see what the pride of Lodi has to offer

against the great Monroe.

Give Hitler's cousin his lunch, baby.

It's all you, baby. It's all you.

Yeah.

If there go the bell, here we go.

Monroe comes down to Clemson with a knife left hand.

And another left hand.

Monroe just feel about popping with a little left hand. He gonna shine that

head up for sure.

Excuse me, sir.

We just got some big news.

The word is the Iceman's day of arrival is tomorrow.

ETA 2 p .m.

Now, Bird fans there said he got those brand new tattoos just when it's the

case. Well, Bird told it like the party.

We'll cut to the end.

He's coming to sweep on the so -called undisputed heavyweight champion of the

world!

California's newly built Sweetwater Prison in the Mojave Desert.

How's all this going for you?

I'll be okay.

I got a bad break. I just got to play this thing out.

Your lawyers have filed all the expected appeals, but realistically, what do you

think of your chances of getting out before serving the full sentence of six

eight years?

I'm not supposed to talk about that legal stuff. My people don't want me

commenting on that.

Boxing experts tend to agree that even as little as two years in a prison

without proper training could mean the end for a boxer your age. Now, you're

regarded as one of the greatest offensive fighters in the history of the

An attacker like Dempsey, Joe Lewis, Rocky Marciano, Joe Frazier. Just

how damaging to your skills is this prison stint likely to be?

No damage. I'll stay in shape, work out.

Watch what I eat, I'll be fine.

But when an athlete is removed from competition... That's where you're

one big mistake right off.

I'm not an athlete.

I'm a gladiator.

How do you define that?

People play baseball.

Nobody plays boxing.

Iceman, last week after you were convicted, boxing's various so -called

governing bodies began stripping you of your title belts. Stripping you of...

Who do they think they're kidding?

Everybody knows I'm the champ.

And I'm going to be the champ until I quit.

This fight with Manfredi is meant to be just a tune -up towards the Iceman

Chambers. Hopefully lead to two kicks about with Montel Briscoe, undefeated

holder of the WBC crown.

The two biggest names in boxing on a collision course sometime next year.

Assuming the Iceman gets by the South American calendar.

It's round 11 and one to go and it's all Iceman.

He's talking Manfredi, chasing the big South American.

Iceman with the right. Another right.

Another right hand. Left to the body.

Oh, and a right hand uppercut. That's staggered, Manfredi.

Iceman's stalking him.

He knows he's got him hurt. Oh, body shot.

Right left to the body.

Left hook and he's down.

He's down. He's down.

That's why they call him the Iceman.

Carlos Manfredi gets a one -way ticket back to Brazil.

George Iceman Chambers remains undefeated heavyweight champion and the

on the block.

Are you fighting Montel next?

Just another sucker who's going to get his ass whipped. If the money's right,

bring on Montel. Nobody's running, nobody's stuck.

Nobody. I mean, nobody can stand up to what I get.

Does that include Montel?

Oh, yeah, that damn sure includes Montel.

Estimates are up to $300 million for the pay -per -view gate alone.

Any comment on that?

Let's make the deal first.

My first guess is you're a few million short.

And Iceman, it's nine months till summer. What's next for you? Well, first

all, I'm going to go to L .A., you know, see some friends.

Then I'm going to do a little party.

Hey, okay.

That's it.

I've done things in my life maybe I shouldn't have. I know that. But I did

want to, and I told him no.

He'll be moving into a new home.

Going to live with murderers and thieves in California's newly built Sweetwater

Prison in the Mojave Desert.

Without getting into legal strategy, let's discuss your trial. You continue

maintain your innocence.

I didn't rape nobody.

I mean, I've done a lot of wrong shit in my life, but I ain't no punk -ass

rapist. I mean, look at me. What I got to rape somebody for?

You see him through the window?

Big deal's got his own helicopter service instead of coming in here on the

He's the champ.

Don't think negative, man. I don't want to hear that shit. This is your house.

Who owned this place?

This is my house. I can get up and leave.

He's here.

Just getting out of the helicopter.

Maybe you'd like to meet him, Mr. Rich Dean.

I could bring him over. You two could talk box.

I'll tell you what I want to talk.

Why couldn't your high -priced team of lawyers convince a judge and a jury?

Because I put people in body bags on TV and get paid a lot of money for it.

Because I'm a big, bad, black motherfucker. That's why nobody believes

I have received over 170 requests for interviews with you, Mr. Chambers,

networks, local TV, cable, every newspaper organization in the country,

press, foreign TV, you name it. I have turned them all down.

Mr. Chambers, here is Sweetwater, maximum security level five state

institution with nearly 700 prisoners.

We house only murderers, armed robbers, rapists, and those with connections to

gangs and other forms of organized crime.

The state is trying to spare lesser criminals the contaminating influence of

these more hardened types.

Now, we don't want any incidents that might add to your already great

difficulties, Mr. Chambers.

This is Mr. Merker.

He's the senior prison officer. He's the head guard.

This is Ms. Early, our administrative officer. She can arrange for religious

counsel or instruction if you wish.

Whatever.

I need a CD player and some CDs.

I'll give you a list. My people on the outside will pay for it all.

Not possible for the first six months. It's privilege. It has to be earned. Any

and all privileges will depend upon your general conduct.

Mr. Chambers, you have been convicted and sent here for the crime of rape.

That's a very serious matter.

If you'd take advantage of this opportunity to apologize to this woman

sports fans and the American public for letting them down. Heck, even the former

president.

President, I'm apologizing not to you, not to her, not to nobody.

If you let me have this damn gate between you and me, I'd rip your new

your judgmental mother.

Got a name?

Mingo.

Mingo, move your shit, stay out of my way, get along just fine.

Listen, it's an honor to be cellmates with you.

I don't want no trouble, champ.

No trouble, you're just going to stay out of my way.

He just thinks he's the king because he's a heavyweight champ. He's the man.

But for some of us others, we have rights too, and I have the right to say

I didn't want to.

I want everybody to keep a distance.

I don't need to make no new friends or hear no sad stories on why they're here.

I got my own sad story for that.

I ain't loaning nobody no money, so you tell them don't even ask.

And I don't want nobody talking to me unless I talk to him first.

You get that?

Got it.

Leave the champ alone.

I know boxing.

I've seen a lot of fights.

You're a good champion.

Who the hell are you?

This is Mendy Ripstein.

He's a very important man in here.

Ripstein.

Yeah, my manager, Yank Lewis, he told me to say hello.

I don't remember him.

He said you two were friends in Miami about 25 years ago.

I didn't have any friends in Miami.

A lot of people, they say they knew me from the old days.

They're full of shit.

You're a good champion.

But we got a champion right here.

And he can kick your ass.

You're kidding me.

I watch all your plays. You're not as good as you are. You're just looking for

one big punch.

You're not throwing combinations.

You're not using as much head movement on the fence.

Yeah, right, old man. I'm just knocking motherfuckers out.

Who's the punk in here you got in mind?

Oh, did I hurt your feelings?

Fuck you.

Monroe. Name's Monroe Hutchin.

Mr. Richardson thinks he can whip up on you, man.

No offense.

Not trying to cause any trouble here.

It's real in here.

This is not just how it feels in here. When you try to be the top boss, put

gloves on in. This here be the sport of man.

Everybody who's shot at me. One word, you'll get knocked out.

Rocked out the box. Only men leave a place like this.

Parkour, I'm in your face like this. Tell your mama that you'll never come

Tell your mama that you'll never come home.

One of these suckers in here is Monroe Hudson.

He's over there in line.

Wearing a white cap.

Brought in some big guys in here.

He beat them all.

It ain't only about being big.

You gotta have skills, son.

I guess you know who I am.

Are you the champion in here?

Yeah.

Not the heavyweight champ.

Champion.

Heavyweight or any other kind they got.

I didn't even know they had boxing in a place like this.

Well, it's a special program.

We only get bouts every six months.

Mostly we fight guys from other prisons.

How long you been on top?

Ten years.

Ever since I got in here.

Damn. Brother, that's a real fine record you got. I gotta congratulate you.

I'm giving you another chance.

I am inclined to overlook what happened this afternoon and not make it a part of

your official record.

Look, let's get something straight, Mr. Warden.

I'm not just some convict doing five to ten.

I'm a real big deal.

Not only am I a heavyweight champ, but... I'm close to being the most

in the world. So if you think you're going to lean on me like these punks you

got in here, you better think again. Because if anything happens to me, oh,

going to be on the 6 o 'clock news worldwide.

There's going to be a whole lot of people asking a whole lot of questions.

you and your little crew here better know that.

Just my luck he got sent here.

Ice man, my ass. He's just another goddamn thug. Yeah, one who happens to

world champion in a potential public relations nightmare.

Mr. Hodgson, you know the little problem you had with the Iceman yesterday?

Got you in some trouble.

Heavyweight champ.

Man gave me a cheap shot.

Yeah, I know.

But according to higher powers, you contributed to a situation that

violence. One thing you ought to know by now, Monroe, life ain't fair.

Not fair at all.

Look, the warden understands what he's doing is unfortunate.

But unless Mr. Hutchins and the Iceman are separated, there will be enormous

pressure for another physical confrontation.

Nobody likes this, but Mr.

Hutchins' presence is an incitement to violence, and he will be kept in there

until such time as we can make arrangements for his travel to another

Hey, Monroe.

Take care of yourself in there, Monroe.

New duty roster just got posted.

You're working in the kitchen with me.

Look, since we're going to be stuck together, put you in here for it.

I don't mean to be telling you what to do or anything, but it's not considered

polite to ask when we're here.

It's a kind of violation of the ethics, you know, the code.

People kind of take it as disrespectful.

Yo, you keeping in shape, Mr. Iceman?

Who's this chump?

Call him Ratbag.

Runs with Monroe.

Thinks he's his manager.

Ratbag.

Ratbag.

J. Ratbag, what you in here for?

Me? Yeah, you.

Arson.

Nothing up close and personal.

You hit people much?

Punch people?

When you were a kid or since you've been in here?

Sometimes.

Not much. I never was a physical type.

You want to hit me?

What are you, kidding?

You can say you did it.

I punched the heavyweight champ. You can tell people all about it. It might even

make you feel good about your little punk -ass self.

I don't want to hit you, Iceman. Shit.

Sure you do.

You don't even like me. Come on, man. Go crazy. Let one go.

If I hit you just this once, will that end it? I won't have to hit you anymore?

All you got to do is hit me one time, and I'm telling you, man, it's going to

make you feel good, and it ain't going to hurt me none.

All right.

Just once.

Just to satisfy whatever weird trip you're on and show you that I'm a good

and I'm trying to do what you want.

Great. Thank you.

Welcome.

You're not mad, are you?

No,

I'm not mad at you.

Now, you go tell Monroe what I said. Ain't but one champ in here.

And ain't some nickel -and -dime convict beating up on fools in prison.

Get that bitch out of here.

Yo, a circle of criminals with subliminals brought to the forefront.

Everybody know I'm in here. Check me. You'll learn to respect me, homeboy.

Come correct me. I'll call you out. Step up next, man. I better stand up. I'll

check out some posse. Wanna be rocky niggas that ran up from the aisle.

I think I spent my time making potato salad.

You know where I come from, we didn't have any kind of salads.

Where's that?

Indian country.

Oklahoma.

I know I'm not supposed to ask, but what you been here for?

I stole some rich guy's Mercedes in L .A.

I got a Mercedes.

Real.

Mr.

Hutchins, it's Darlene Early, the GAO, General Administration Officer.

I need to do the interview and paperwork for your transfer to Folsom.

How are your spirits?

I want you to know I'm not in favor of solitary confinement. Not for you, not

for anybody else.

It's okay in here.

You can't be serious.

It's all prison.

I live inside my head.

So that's how you're doing your time? Are you really that much in control of

your emotions?

Been that way all my life.

Only time I ever lost it is what got me in here.

I'm familiar with your case history.

So, you prefer your own company?

Most of the time.

I'm supposed to recommend whether or not you seem to require a detailed

psychiatric evaluation.

Other than the incident in the mess hall, you... That wasn't me.

Then why don't you go talk to the hotshot champ?

Ask him about it.

So you deny any responsibility?

Yeah, I deny it. Now, how does that affect me moving on?

It has no bearing in your transfer to Folsom.

You know, this whole thing, this whole thing is about people being scared.

Aren't you afraid of him?

Afraid? Shit, no.

He's a fighter, I'm a fighter.

If I'm better on that day, I win. That's just the way it goes.

Someday, every fighter loses.

Sooner or later, somebody comes along and they got your ticket.

Too old, just wasn't your day, whatever the reason is.

In the end, everybody gets beaten.

Most you can hope for is that you stay on top a while.

Be the best.

I tried to say hello to that old gangster.

Ripstein, he said he don't remember you.

He remembers.

He just don't want to admit it.

Standard mob procedure.

Guys like him tonight ever had a mother.

How do you make it out?

Shit, but I can handle it.

Rumor going around you almost started a riot.

It was all bullshit, man.

I had to let the peeps in here know who's the boss.

Hey, just keep your goddamn nose clean, okay? You already got enough problems.

Since they stripped you of your title, they're having this elimination

tournament to figure out a new champ.

Everybody thinks Briscoe's a lock to win it.

Word is, Montel's fighting Jimmy Stubbs in July.

Jimmy Stubbs a bum.

The good news is, you get out of here, fight the new champ.

We're looking at the biggest payday in boxing history.

Mm -hmm. Yeah.

Only one thing I can tell you, you lost a lot of fan base with this conviction

thing. Fuck the fans.

I get out of here, I'll get them back.

Hey. The fans pay your bills, and don't you ever forget it.

Yeah.

Now, you got to keep the pressure on these lawyers, okay? Get you out of here

fight this big money fight with Briscoe.

Yeah. I mean, you can't be serving no full sentence.

You're 35 years old. Time is ticking.

Everything you ever worked for, it's going right out the window.

He remembers things from a long time ago, clear as a bell.

But every day, I gotta tell him who I am.

He's in another world.

Cuba, 40 years ago.

With some fight he saw in 1953.

Then all of a sudden, he's right there with you.

Like everything's normal.

And mean.

He could be mean as shit.

Look, we went to the M .A. We paid good money for his protection and his

personal needs.

They gave you the job.

I got him an oversized cell.

Ground level, so you don't have to use the stairs.

Food privileges.

Relaxed dress code.

Big easy chair.

I even got him his own little boxing library.

And he's safe.

I promise.

These guys I got, they don't let any harm come his way.

Hey, Chief.

How are you getting along with your new cellmate?

He's okay.

You know, rumor has it he took down one of the skinheads.

A lot of rumors in prison, you know.

Eh, probably deserted anyone.

Maybe.

We hear you don't want to associate with anybody around here.

Maybe you got way too much attitude, man.

There is an expert. He's the man on appeals.

But before we talk about your appeal, I need to tell you about Miss Tawny

Rollins.

She's filed a civil lawsuit in the amount of $75 million.

I'd recommend an outside attorney, another specialist.

However we can handle your tax litigation.

The government has filed an intent to audit.

We have someone in the firm that can deal with that.

Well, is any of this covered by the $2 million I already paid you?

We get the same deal as you get.

You get paid win or lose, right?

So do we.

There are a couple of procedural areas that are still in question.

Possible reversible error.

I'm not going to kid you.

I'd make us a long shot.

You're looking at a six - to eight -year sentence with possible time off for

good behavior.

Now, in California, that means you're eligible for parole in four years.

What you need to focus on is if you become a model prisoner, exhibit special

circumstances, you can be considered for work furlough as soon as 18 months to

two years.

So it don't matter whether I did it or not? It doesn't work that way.

Justice and the law are separate issues.

Let's get back to some of your other problems.

We've done an audit.

Your financial situation is a mess.

No, that's bullshit.

No bullshit.

Big financial settlements with your ex -wives, entourage, bad investments and

misrepresentations by your ex -business manager. Well, sue that motherfucker.

And what about this IRS shit? Where'd I stand on that?

By the firm's calculations, you could end up owing them $7 million in back

taxes. And that's just the feds. Then there's the state.

Bottom line...

We need to get your black ass out of here and back in the ring.

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, the Bay Area.

That's round seven of the California State Heavyweight Championship fight

from the Palmer Arena in downtown Oakland.

Challenger Monroe Hutchins undefeated taking on state champ Butch Davis in

so far has been a nearly even fight.

There's the bell.

Davis has a bad cut about the left eye and Monroe Hutchins looks like he wants

to do something about it.

It's on Monroe.

On Monroe.

Your attorneys have come to me and asked me to handle your response to the

plaintiff's filing As you know you are now facing a separate civil suit that

well go to trial over the criminal charges you've been convicted of.

Briefly, that on March 17th, you and four other men took six women via

jet from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.

Showgirls.

At approximately 11 .30 p .m., you checked into the penthouse suite of the

Beverly Manor Hotel.

Until that point of the evening, all parties concede. But for minor

discrepancies, the foregoing is true. What happened next is in question. No,

question. I ain't no punk -ass rapist.

She wanted it.

Look. None of this makes any difference at this point.

We're just trying to get an overview. No, she didn't say no. She ain't say

She didn't have a problem with any of it. Yes, well, Miss Rollins effectively

convinced the criminal trial jury that she believed that you could break her in

two with one arm.

Yeah, uh -huh.

Yeah, that's why she was making all them happy sounds, because I was killing

her, right?

Some women like it rough.

You know anything about that?

That wasn't part of your testimony.

A lawyer said don't sound like I'm calling her a hoe.

The prosecution pegged you as a bully.

And she could explain it away easily enough by saying that you mistook what

in fact her cries for help.

Or she was just in pain.

I heard pain before.

Believe me, she wasn't in no pain.

She's asking $75 million.

But I don't like negotiating this with your appeal pending.

No negotiating I ain't giving that bitch shit And then when he finished

he just put back on his pants and Went back out into the party and left

me alone

Chap, I'm looking to be your friend, chap.

I'm a gift.

Well, I don't need no gifts.

Who sent you?

Solid.

You want to be your friend?

He got to run things or else I seize assassins.

You can check it out.

You're kind of pretty for a bitch.

But I don't want to owe nobody.

You tell them I said that.

You get out of here.

You may be the champ, but you are only one guy.

Let me help you out.

El, if I see the assassins give you something, you take it.

You do not refuse.

I'm looking for Solid D.

Pleased to meet a man of your great accomplishments.

You run shit here?

Strength and unity, brother.

Here we need cooperation and understanding.

We were at times discriminated against even within these walls.

If you wish to come and join with us...

Brother, if you don't join with us, you'll be destroying the unity we

Gordon wants to see you.

That's quite a show you put on there.

Come on.

Let's go.

I'm disappointed.

Three incidents already.

One a near riot, one an assault, and now a physical confrontation that has sent

five men to the hospital for medical treatment.

You've only been here ten weeks. It is undeniable you are making a very poor

record. The whole thing is they got to respect you or you nothing.

I believe that you're missing the point. The warden is trying to explain the

idea of acceptable behavior.

I'm trying to explain to him how to survive.

I don't think there are too many inmates here who could challenge you

physically, Mr. Chambers.

You really don't understand.

When you're the champ, everybody wants a piece of you.

Everybody's testing you.

My whole life, I got a problem, I take care of it with these.

People love a guy who can fight.

Money, pussy, kiss your ass, put you on TV, put your picture in papers,

magazines, anything I want, because people love a guy who can fight and

take shit.

Murder.

Who

I'm

with is none of your business.

None of my business.

On the night of December the 1st, 1990, you beat a man to death with your bare

fists, which, because of your profession and your training, are considered to be

lethal weapons in the state of California.

You have been found guilty by a jury of your peers, and you are sentenced to

life imprisonment without the possibility of proof.

Good morning, Mr. Epstein.

How are you today?

Don't give me no shit.

How the hell is the fight coming?

What fight?

We got the heavyweight champion of the world and an unbeaten prospect right

in Sweetwater. Quit wasting time. Set the fucking thing up.

I know fights.

Long fries.

Monroe kicks his ass.

We can make a lot of money.

Mr. Ristine.

Excuse me, but you're talking about the real heavyweight champion of the world.

Are you going to fix the fight?

Shit, no.

Boxing. It's a matter of style. They all can be beaten. Right time, right place,

right circumstance.

They all can be beaten.

Mr. Ripstein wants to see the Iceman fight a prisoner we got in here.

His name is Monroe Hutchin.

And a real goddamn fight, too.

So, uh, what do you want us to do?

I talked to the head guard.

He's okay.

But the warden's a problem.

Mr. Ripstein said you can take care of him.

You know the drill.

You help him or you hurt him.

Now, about Monroe Hutchins.

The warden thinks it's time to give him a chance to rehabilitate himself by

socializing with the other prisoners.

In six weeks, I'll be going on vacation on the 50th. I'll be gone for two weeks,

first week in New Orleans, second week visiting friends in Tucson, Arizona.

If while I am gone, if Mr. Hutchin happens to get into a sparring match

Chambers, I don't want to hear about it.

And when I get back, I want this whole goddamn enterprise finished.

Yes. Leaving no evidence, no videotape.

And never to be spoken of in my presence.

Anything else, sir? Hit the yard.

Thank you.

Had to open somebody in the governor's office.

As soon as he got the call, Mr. Backbone started arranging his vacation.

Well, you know what that means, don't you?

This whole load of shit's going to come down on you and me. Oh, no. There is no

you and me. I'm taking my vacation right along with the work.

Oh, well, thank you for your support. Oh, come on.

You run the fight program here. You want it to happen.

Here we go, Monroe.

Free at last, free at last.

I'm not going to Folsom.

What can I tell you? Looks like your friend the warden wouldn't change his

You get to stay home with us.

Yeah, operator, a collect call to Yank Lewis.

No, Yank Lewis.

Yeah, from George Chambers, the Iceman.

Yang.

Yeah, man, it's me. Who the hell you think it is?

Now, get your ass up here and share the beauty.

Maybe I got to tip it back on the gravy train.

What? What are you talking about? Remember your old buddy from Miami?

Mindy Ripstein?

Yeah.

This boy came up to me and said that if I fight some punk in here, he can maybe

get me out quick.

Mendy Ripstein says it, then it's the real deal.

But, oh, you can't hear this from some other guy.

You got to hear this from Mendy himself.

Then it's dope for sure.

If it's on the real, I'll whip on this punk's ass and be out of here.

Who's the punk?

Don't tell me Monroe Hutchins.

He fought out of Oakland. He was undefeated.

He was a real prospect, man. He's a full load.

Well, even if he was something once, he'd been here for ten years.

I'm just saying it might not be a walk in the park is all.

I don't believe this shit.

What? You're worried about me being out of shape. I've been in here for four

months. That chump been in here for ten years. You too much, man.

What? That's a concern.

Now get the fuck out of here.

Yes, I want you to fight him.

In the cage, no gloves, bare -fisted, and a finish.

I make a couple of calls. I put down some money. There's some people on the

outside that know you.

Everybody knows him. We'll get maybe 20, 30 to 1 odds.

It's easy to spread around, maybe 200 ,000.

You win, that's 4 million bucks, maybe more.

And I think you can win.

Who's in it for me?

Mr. Rifstein uses his influence.

He stay out of solitary.

Get the privileges you've been missing.

Privileges.

Offer me half the profit.

Oh, I don't think so. I'm putting up all the dough on a real long shot.

I'm taking all the risk.

What are you worried about money for? What are you going to buy in here?

You in here, too.

Probably going to die in here.

But the money matter to you.

You're going to get 10%. I know that fighters usually get 50 % minimum on the

outside.

Yeah, but we're not outside.

I want more.

I got a sister. She got three kids. No job, no skills, no husband.

Government gives her a check once a month.

I can send her the money.

You're going to get 30 % of everything we win.

It's a deal.

Forty percent.

That's it.

You

wanted

to see the Iceman?

Mr. Ripstein thanks you for bringing him to this neutral location.

The Iceman doesn't want any disappointments.

He expects to negotiate.

Well, you have to understand that Mr. Ripstein is a great boxing enthusiast, a

great student of the art, a great historian of the prize ring.

Mr. Ripstein believes the truest, purest expression of the sport was the bare

-knuckle fights of the 19th century, the Queensberry Rules. No, no, no, the

London Prize Ring Rules.

Queensberry changed the rules to the ones that we got now.

Look, let's cut through all this bullshit.

I want out, otherwise no fight. Now how you gonna pull it off?

We handled that through the Department of Corrections.

We got a guy on the committee.

You got your word on this?

You better get ready to fight.

Train all day. You know I gotta feel the pain all day. Work hard even if it rain

on me.

Nothing less than five miles in the morning. I'm jogging and yawning. Stick

move. One,

two. Cut off the ring now. What you gonna do?

Show you when I get close.

Take money on the books. You seen the fight. Take scene. Watch your gear. I

position. The jab keep you at the perfect distance and it can be done.

Fight is six weeks from tomorrow night.

Y 'all got that amount of time to get your fighters in shape.

These are the rules.

Mr. Epstein has gone through a lot of trouble putting them together.

What about a foul? Who's going to ref this thing?

There isn't any referee.

That's one of the rules.

What kind of shit is this, huh?

Mr. Merker can judge fouls from outside the cage.

Kicking, butting, low blows. If you win or lose on a foul, all deals are off.

It's a bunch of crap, okay? My guy's got a lot more to lose than this other

chump.

No way to train properly.

Plus there's no gloves and these dumbass rules.

The truth is we don't know shit about fighting this way.

And that makes you even.

I don't want to cause no trouble. I wanted to talk to you about the rules,

know?

Actually, about the gloves.

There aren't any gloves. It says so on page three of the rules.

Yeah, I know, but it'll make for a dull fight, you know?

I mean, bare knuckles, nobody throws a lot.

If you watch those old films, Jack Johnson, Jeffries, Corbett, I mean,

guys trained in bare knuckle style, you know?

It was like a newsflash when somebody threw a punch.

I just want to make it clear that I agree. But my boy, he don't give a shit.

Gloves, no gloves, it don't matter. Bring them on. We ain't backing up for

nobody. Jam, baby, that's right, jam.

be a lot more hitting with gloves.

I gave you a copy of the London price by rules that Mr. Epstein typed out and it

says no gloves.

No.

Wait a minute.

He's right.

It's a better fight with six ounce gloves.

Get him.

Monroe! How you doing, brother?

First there's a smile, then comes a cheap shot, huh?

I guess nobody's dumb enough to ball for that twice, huh?

Well, you got that right.

Mr. Iceman, you can call me champ.

Now, see, you've been told.

In here, I'm the champ.

Oh, you believe that? You must believe in me too, Farron.

Nobody's backing up.

When you hold on, brother, we're going to get you a chance.

Good evening, I'm Maureen O 'Boyle. Tonight on CNOX's The Inside Story,

talking with Tawny Rollins in an exclusive interview that will be her

public statement since the sensational trial and conviction of George Iceman

Chambers, former heavyweight champion of the world. Thanks for being with us,

Tawny.

I was scared.

I didn't want to be there anymore.

I didn't want to do nothing with him, but he wouldn't stop.

This whole thing is just such a mess.

I've been out of work since this whole thing happened, and I had to have lots

doctors and lawyers, and I got stacks of mail from people saying that they hate

me because I took away their heavyweight champ and that I'm a gold digger and

all that, but I say walk a mile in my shoes.

I did not want to cause him any harm, but he wouldn't listen to me, and he

wouldn't stop.

He's just been watching me over prison.

Get on the horn and get me a situator right in here.

Central Security, this is the missile.

You're in a situation of red.

A situation of red.

Batman.

Batman.

Before you came here, we all figured you were some kind of dude.

Then you show up.

acting like you're the god and we're the sign.

Well, hey, man, every dog in here wants to see you get your ass kicked.

You're going down, man.

Who the fuck does this fucking warden fucker think he is?

Doesn't anybody know how to do business in this fucking state?

My fucking wife and her fucking asthma and allergies.

We ought to move to the fucking desert.

Goddamn fucking chickens and donkeys. I should have known better than listen to

those shitheels.

Fucking Palm Springs.

Lay there in the fucking sun and do nothing. Then this fucking state grabs

ass for time. Why the fuck I didn't stay in fucking Florida where people know

how to do fucking business?

Fucking wife and her fucking asthma.

Shit.

Something needs to get fucking done.

I got to do it myself.

Call the fucking warden.

I want to meet him.

Yes, sir, Mr. Estienne.

I don't make it a habit of meeting with prisoners. I'm doing this out of

deference to Mr. Merker here, who thought it would be a good idea.

However, any attempt to have me reinstate the fight between Mr. Chambers

Monroe Hutchins will be futile.

It has been irrevocably canceled.

Can I tell you a story?

One of my favorites. It's about how things get done.

This is a story that takes place in Havana. It must have been the middle

I was second in charge of certain operations.

Second to a Mr.

Meyer Lansky.

There was this casino.

A new one that had been built in a neighboring town.

But... The mayor, he wanted to close that casino because

he did not like gambling.

He thought it brought the wrong kind of people.

So he ordered the casino closed.

I had to report this to Mr. Lansky.

So Mr. Lansky, he told me, he says, you tell that mayor.

That the casino stays open, no question, but that the mayor had a choice.

He could choose to be killed, or he could choose to have a great

deal of money deposited in his bank account. It was his choice.

In either case, the casino stays open.

What happened to the mayor?

He died.

He hit his ignition and his car had exploded like a fireball.

You're just going to stand there and let this little one threaten me?

Well, sir, I don't much want my car to blow up.

We could talk about the money when you come back from your vacation.

I understand you're leaving tomorrow.

All of us, we hope you and your family have a very pleasant time.

We're gonna limo over a few guys from Vegas.

Act as witnesses.

Chewie, we've been talking.

We need you to go to the Iceman.

Get a number.

We're getting a hell of a price on Monroe.

We need the Iceman to go for it.

Ask him to lie down for some guy?

I don't see it.

Offer him a million.

He made 25 million the last time he fought somebody.

We gotta fight for that one. Talk to him.

You got it wrong.

You hired me to look after Mendy.

I'm looking after him right now.

Mendy wants a straight fight. It's not the money.

Bullshit. In New York, in Cuba, in Florida. His whole life, it's always

the money.

He's got it stashed all over the place. Fucking millions.

He's got every fucking nickel he ever made.

With Mendy, it's always about the money.

You guys are way off Mendy's radar on this deal. And I don't want to mess it

for him.

Mendy wants a straight fight to the finish, and that's it.

You want the Iceman to dump? You go talk to him.

Don't get your hopes up.

Now that this thing is back on, here's the deal.

We got a guy in the dispensary who's gonna steal five or ten volumes.

Crush him up.

And I got another guy in the commissary.

Last meal Iceman needs before he fights. Mix it in.

Just enough to slow him down.

Fuck him up.

He'll still fight.

But it won't be the same.

That'll be just enough to give you the edge.

Got it?

You do that, I'm going to break you up into pieces.

I can take this guy, and I don't need no help.

You understand that?

Hey, we're just trying to give you a little something extra, man.

We got a lot of money on this table.

I may not be a real good guy.

But I ain't no chicken shit either.

Remember that.

Take a bow.

We've got ourselves 90 minutes.

We just concentrate.

We focus.

We mentally imagine ourselves winning.

Just close your eyes.

We concentrate.

We see ourselves winning.

We see Iceman, oh, shit.

We see ourselves winning.

20 minutes, we've got to loosen up. Okay? Break a sweat.

We don't want the shithead to catch you cold.

Hey, sloppy, that's where mistakes happen.

All right, cell blocks A, B, C, and D, if all y 'all are ready over there,

start moving them in on 15 -minute intervals.

Shit, Iceman, shit, shit.

That's, that's, that's what we go for.

Your rhythm. Your heartbeat.

Listen. He is a guest. This is your house. He is an unwelcome guest.

before around here. London Prize rules. No traditional rounds to speak of. No

regulation -sized gloves.

Just those bitty six -ounce suckers. Don't tear up. A fighter steps from the

mark ready to fight. He go down, then he got 60 seconds to come back. That's it.

Fight to the finish. No ref. Only got us a timekeeper for the mark. Our very own

Mr. Murka, the walking mark.

And for the great Monroe Huston, feel the best judgment. And don't do nothing

stupid. Now to forfeit all the money that you got, bet it those big odds.

And welcome to our amigos from Las Vegas. Here to witness this contest and

report it to various cities all around our great country. Whole lot of

bookmakers out there want to know what's coming down.

Well, it's us against the world, my brother. And just like you, I too am for

great Monroe Huston. He brought honor to our house of pain. But I will call a

neutral fight.

Come on, bitch. Come on.

This is a fight for what's right. This is a brawl for...

with the Iceman.

He's never had to face anything like this.

man is one cocky son of a bitch.

He's already knocked him down twice. I don't know how much longer this is going

to go.

You got to fight your fight. You got to fight his fight. You control the rhythm.

You got to turn this fight around.

You can do it, Monroe.

Come on now. This is your round.

Look, it's supremely confident.

He's got it all going his way. Round three.

They come out, and it seems like the Iceman is just trying to find that one.

big shot, that'll put Monroe on his ass and give him a one way ticket to

bootyville.

That's right.

Dice, man, is clearly in control of this fight. But Monroe is still there, baby.

Our favorite son is still standing.

Say what you want to say about it.

Two guys fighting to the finish, but just one guy wins because he's the

man. And that's what the goddamn sport is about.

Mendy Ripstein died three weeks after the big fight.

He kept his word.

Monroe got his money and the Iceman got out on special parole.

I can personally thank Mr. Epstein for another thing.

His lawyers contacted my family.

He left me two million dollars free and clear.

So I guess I'm not going to have any excuses when I get out of here.

I read in the sports page that Iceman and his manager both denied the fight

Monroe ever happened.

And the story about him losing was only a big rumor.

A fairy tale.

Once upon a time in prison.

of experts have the fight even at two rounds apiece.

Both fighters fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world,

greatest title in all of sports.

One thing I can tell you for sure, life in prison hasn't changed the Iceman's

fighting style.

Both fighters feeling each other out.

And I'm Holly Grove Park.

The hood made me thrill. The hottest hot boy, baby, time revealed.

And I'm mama's oldest boy. Papa's thirsty, but papa's not real. He don't

what I believe. I'm 19 strong, a kid with a kid. And ain't too many people

there what I did. I rock bricks down. I rock and pound. I pump the best throw,

pound for pound. Now stay round. The boy's tough, not bluff.

Cheesy, wheezy, young money squad up.

Whoever don't like it, mount up and down you go. I've been a champ like a dual

Monroe. Not in 10 years, they still wouldn't have planned it. But everyone

fall and I'm still be standing.

We've been through too much pain, too much struggle, and too much strain. This

is CMR. So to make us try to lock us in, we got to lock on the block to the pit.

We again lose.

We've been through too much pain, too much struggle, and too much strain. This

is CMR.

So the niggas try to lock us in. We got it locked from the block to the shed.

I'm the Iceman, whoa, it's nothing to ask you. I'll put the G on the head and

got to say it out the mouth. With the beanie, with the blue jean jacket, metal

pack. Walking up that walk and I'm about that jacking.

I do this for the penitentiary. Holla, I'm stunned for y 'all while I'm

these dollars.

I lock cells like four corner blocks. I'm the bird man. I never chipped off

top. I'm switch hand. When I'm swinging, I'm landing. I thug on the street and I

thug red bandit. Wipe off the land. It's a concrete jungle. A till full of

gangsters, OZs, and bundles.

The till drops for the clowns I put under. You know I've been living like

for ten summers. I'm the boss of the ghetto. Black pro of the game. Third

survivor and a damn dang chain.

Blues, we've been through too much pain, too much struggle, and too much strain.

This is CMR, so the men is trying to lock us in. We got it locked from the

to the pen. We are damned. Blues, we've been through too much pain, too much

struggle, and too much strain. This is CMR, so the men is trying to lock us in.

We got it locked from the block to the pen.

Undisputed. Say, whoa, look.

Check this out. They about to cut the lights off, right?

Simmons and Melton and a joke.

Why you at it?

Sitting there whipped down your wick. Boy, I done sing for you, so it's best

come. I'm Max Saladin, the dog of the prison.

I'm the next best thing to the warden. Plus, I'm charging two bits on the

carton. I thin work for old blister with no filter. The BGF, they'll show and

get you. I walk with my pants sagging. I'm a HBG for life. Now, what's

happening? Please, what you talking? I'm the dead man walking. If we was on the

streets, then a 4 -4 would be born. Keep the shank on the left side of the tits

right here.

I'm the greasy Attaboozy that's running a tip with the black gorillas.

Petty Hustlers, Nessie, Fridonis on a Sam, Aryan Nation, and OJ. Now how you

gonna stop them, throw away the key, and lock them? Tell the D .A. it's them

against me. We can't lose.

We've been through too much pain, too much struggle, and too much strain. This

is CMR. So the niggas try to lock us in. We got it locked from the block to the

pit. We untame. We lose.

We've been through too much pain, too much struggle, and too much strain. This

is CMR. So the niggas try to lock us in. We got it locked from the block to the

pit. Undisputed.