Original subtitles

Ray, you wanna lose your mouthpiece again? Come on!

Box the damn guy! Get out of that corner!

That's it! That's my little brother! Busy hands, busy hands!

Jab! Jab! Come on, Uncle Ray.

That's it, come on!

He's getting to you, Ray. That's it!

Left hook!

- Once is not enough. Again! - Jab! Jab!

That's it! You see what happens when you listen to me?

Way to go!

Hey!

You do not belong up here, all right? I'm not gonna tell you again.

Make yourself invisible.

Your daughter just wants to help out.

She's a midget with a head full of stupid! Who's she gonna help?

- Crisco, can I get a hand? - Yeah.

On the way, Mr K.

Come on!

Catch you later, man.

Hey, do you know who you are?

- Out of all the girls in the whole world? - I'm your favourite?

And what's my favourite girl gonna do when she grows up?

- Kick butt and break hearts! - That's right.

The world's an oyster and you're a pearl. Pearls are pretty and tough.

And "pretty tough" can do anything.

Remember that.

OK, Uncle Ray.

OK.

Hey, Mr Abel.

Hey, how are you?

- Good morning, Mr Abel. - Yeah. Beautiful.

Coffee!

Where's my coffee?

Coffee! It was not a question.

You told me last week, "Absolutely, positively no coffee!"

I absolutely, positively believed you. Tear sheets for tomorrow night.

The Telegram bled our ad, but we'll get credit for the next fight.

Memo from finance. The budget is now officially overdue...

- Did you take care of my bookie? - I stalled him. And your ex-wife.

I also printed out your email and restocked your bar.

Numbers, top drawer, left side. Just sign off on them.

That's why I'm the boss, Kallen. Because I let you handle things for me.

If I were you and worked for me, I'd send myself a dozen roses.

Roses die and you might be allergic, but thanks for thinking of you.

LaRocca's event-briefing, you want it here?

I want him in the conference room. And don't stick the cut-out in the corner.

Put it some place Sammy can see, right?

I hate it.

I hate it a lot.

- Are they gonna fight or foxtrot? - They look like two Homo sapiens!

They are Homo sapiens.

Kallen speaks! And from a mile away. Am I contagious?

It's not a hygienic thing, Sammy. She just gets shy around you.

I'm sorry, but we only went with the shot because your guys approved it.

If I say the shit's shit, it's shit.

They told me that you signed off on it. I don't know what the hell happened.

- Jackie, what happened? - 1 don't care what happened.

You've got 48 hours before the fight. I want the two faggots fixed.

Who the hell does Sam LaRocca think he is?

A made man.

He is the Antichrist with a bank account.

He...

He is this!

An $80 shoe?

He is the gum on the bottom of my shoe! That's what Abel and LaRocca are!

They're the gum...you're the shoe?

How come they walk all over you?

Get a little older, work a little longer,

you won't be so judgemental then.

You think I like working for idiots who take advantage of me?

This is not the best job you ever had.

At least I get to see boxing for free. Boxing makes all the other shit bearable.

If I didn't love it,

I'd be first in line to bend over so LaRocca and Abel could kiss my ass.

Don't get upset with me because you know that I know how smart you are.

You think smart is all there is to it? Your brain can plot life's course?

The world is not an oyster.

It is a smelly tank full of dirty water and sharks.

It is not that easy to swim.

Jackie, you need to get real about where you are. Which is stuck.

You can't even see the glass ceiling from here.

Find an elevator, press some buttons.

At least the only way out is up.

We need more clean towels.

- Bad break. - Bad break? I won that fight.

Everybody saw it.

You'd have won, if you hadn't run out of gas.

You train serious, you could have a career.

I would've given you a draw. You deserved a draw.

He looks like day-old shit, if shit shook like an AK-47.

Shut up! You can't say dick that wouldn't piss me off!

It's all good, man. It's all adrenaline. Shakes don't mean nothin'.

- Ask my last twelve wins. Hey, Jackie. - Hey, Devon.

I'm only interested in the thirteenth.

Lose tonight, and it's bye-bye to your career, fans and the hoochie mamas.

What are you selling?

Sorry to interrupt, but it's show time.

Let's get the hell out of here.

Come on, you can do this.

Get your hands up!

He's got no left hand. What's going on here?

Get off the ropes!

OK, that's it.

Forget this guy, Greene.

No more! No more!

He's kaput.

He just didn't bother tonight.

He's dead. And Sammy already wrote the obituary.

See you, Gavin.

Excuse me.

Jacqueline!

I'd offer you a seat, but I don't think anyone would get up.

- Thirsty? - Let me buy you a drink.

Bowie?

Could I get a wine cooler and whatever Gavin's drinking, on me?

I like that dress.

The cleaner shrunk it.

I'll send a thank-you note.

Er, did you...?

Did you get that fax on Needles' demos? Put him on your show.

- Do we have to do this now? - Do what?

You're negotiating. Stop it!

If I was a man, you wouldn't say that.

Oh, please!

Don't throw sex in my face... unless you mean it.

See? I can't have a regular conversation with you.

You're afraid to have a regular conversation with me.

Oh, right. You're Mr Irresistible.

I wish.

Kallen, come here!

Come here!

I got to go.

Here it is.

For the pride of Puerto Rico.

Promise me you'll wear this for the championship bout.

Oh, yeah!

J.Lo's coming to the Coliseum next month.

I want me and Pedro front and centre.

- Consider it done. - Done and done.

- Shouldn't you have that on ice? - What are you? A doctor?

The doctor's busy stitching up Greene!

Unprofessional pussy didn't even give the fans a decent fight!

Screw him!

- He's a Polaroid. He's out of the picture. - That's right.

Pedro, I'm a man who hates defeat.

But I'm not too proud to be candid.

You won because you worked and Greene didn't.

He's a lazy-ass fighter, and lazy-ass always loses.

That's a fact!

Right, Half-pint?

Well, I'm...

- I'm not sure why Devon lost. - Huh?

Maybe he just felt insecure about his corner.

Boxing is a team sport, and if a boxer doesn't feel support in his corner,

sometimes it comes out in the ring.

Listen to the Barbie doll with the glass balls!

What do you know about support? What do you know about boxing?

Executive assistant.

You wipe Irv Abel's ass for a living.

I cover Irv Abel's ass for a living.

And I know as much about boxing as either of you.

- What's that mean? - Nothing. Forget it.

You talk like you think you can do what I do.

Why think that? I don't have a boxer.

- Do you think you can do what I do? - Possibly, if given the chance.

- That's all you need? - Probably.

Greene's contract...it's yours.

Yeah...sure it is.

- Hey! You don't want it? - I can't afford it.

I'll make it easy for you. It's yours for a dollar.

I don't have a dollar.

I'll lend you a dollar, Jackie.

I'll forget what you said, since you don't know what you're talking about.

Because if you did,

you'd know it don't pay to shoot your mouth off at me.

Well, I just bought a boxer for a buck.

I think it pays pretty well, Sam.

Hey, I'm not keeping Greene.

It was a thing that became a thing. LaRocca insulted me.

Sammy insults everybody. You call him, make up and kiss his ass.

Anybody asks about the Greene thing, it was a joke, a parlour trick.

You lost your temper and said some ridiculous things.

Set it right. It'll blow over.

Sammy won't think you're trying to grow a brain on me.

It wasn't ridiculous what I said.

And you shouldn't be drinking that coffee.

Welcome back to the live weekend edition of The Reese Report.

Fight fan or feminist, you'll love this story.

After watching Devon Greene crawl off the canvas,

fight promoter Sam LaRocca lost his boxer and his ego

in a round of verbal sparring with Coliseum employee Jackie Kallen.

LaRocca thought he had Kallen in the corner,

but she outmanoeuvred him and walked away with Greene's contract,

The price tag? A dollar!

That's platinum stuff.

You couldn't write a cheque big enough for the look on LaRocca's face.

And I enjoyed it for free!

Renee? It's me. Quick, turn on Channel 28.

-I'mon TV! - Sam, know what a coup d'état is?

I'm Gavin Reese for The Reese Report. We'll see you next week.

Girl, what the hell happened to all his money?

I didn't have a chance to ask. His phone's disconnected.

I got here, I was fine, then I wasn't fine.

So you called me for "black-up"?

Like I need Gangster Incorporated in my life.

Like LaRocca will let you waltz off with one of his boxers.

Last night, after I vomited up dinner, I realised I'm more scared not to do this.

Devon is a ranked boxer.

God practically dropped him in my lap.

How can I walk away? I can't spit in the face of destiny.

Now he's your destiny?

Devon, are you in there? It's Jackie Kallen.

- We tried, we failed, let's go. - Wait. I heard something.

He's unlocking the door. He's home.

Hey, Devon, your phone's not working...

- You know Stormy. - This ain't no double date. Get the shit.

- We don't have any shit. - Why did you page me, then? Why?

It's Jackie from the arena. We just...

We came by to say hey. You're busy, so we'll come back.

You bitches ain't going nowhere till we get our rock! Give him your bag!

There's just enough tokens in there for my laundry, that's all.

What am I? A punk? A chump?

- You can smoke my shit like it's a gift? - I've told you...

- Man, come here! - Damn money...

Man, you messed up my heart.

Come on, Jackie, let's go. Let's go!

- I'm sorry. - I don't forgive you!

"Where's my rock, bitches?"

That guy waxed the floor with both their asses. That was off the hook!

Honey, no! He was a thug who out-thugged another thug;

thug and a half if you count your boy Devon, who is pathetic!

- His contract only cost a dollar. - You still overpaid!

- Call me later. - I'm sorry!

You better be.

I was going to see my cousin.

Why you're messing with me, with all these criminals out here...

Hey, Luther Shaw, Jackie Kallen. I bailed you out.

- I know you? - No, not exactly.

Do you have a minute for a coffee? A beer? A milkshake?

- A milkshake? - Yeah.

Whatever you drink.

Listen, I know this is unusual.

I don't make a habit of bailing complete strangers out of jail.

I'm not nutty.

I'm just taking a chance. You might be interested in who I am.

If you're not, I understand. You don't owe me a thing.

If you are, my car's parked around the corner.

I'm harmless. Really. The worst I could give you is a ride.

It was brutal, it was beautiful the way you fought.

I can tell you fought before. You boxed.

- You won some amateur bouts... - You always talk like this?

- Like what? - Too much.

- People have said I do... - That's a yes. Pull over right here.

- OK, Luther. - This shit you're talking is crazy.

I think you're crazy, hanging with crackhead Devon.

I wasn't hanging with him.

I didn't know he was doing crack.

Another black man bites the dust. Thanks for the bail, bitch.

- Jackie! - All right, what's up?

My name is Jackie!

Crazy broad!

Luther, we ain't saying you ain't bad,

but don't be saying you wiped the floor with Devon Greene!

I'm telling you, I gave that fool an old-fashioned project ass-whuppin'.

His partner tried to sneak up on me. I dusted his ass off, too!

No way, man.

- You still here? - Yeah.

- Go home! -l can't.

You didn't let me finish.

I know it must seem a little out there.

Way out there, but that is where all the good stuff is, like talent.

You're talented.

So this chance you're taking, why are you taking it on me?

I've been around boxing my whole life, I know it like the back of my hand.

I know potential and I see it in you. I do, Luther.

- I got potential? Watch out, world! - Don't laugh at me, I'm serious.

If you took me serious, we could both be driving Jags.

You're a woman. And you're white.

- Say it like I'm a disease. - In the fight game you are.

I'm not saying it would be easy, but I'm used to hard.

I am, OK?

Do you want to work together?

You want to make a deal?

Make a deal? You ain't never managed nobody!

How are you going to front me? You're nine-to-fiving it in a damn Honda!

I have some savings. I'm good with budgets.

And I'm really good with people. I can read 'em.

I can read you, Luther, and I know you want to do this.

Maybe I'm interested.

Maybe I'll call you. Maybe I won't.

You're going to have to wait and see.

When you pay your tickets,

you can register your vehicle.

Basically, it's what you call

an "all there is to it" situation.

Mister, when you pay your tickets, you can register...

Hey, Felix!

Jackie Kallen. We spoke on the phone.

I remembered you, you didn't remember me. Remember?

Hey, Cynthia. I'm breaking.

You say this boy's good? Good is a dime a dozen.

No, he's better than good. He's the bomb. And you're the best.

- You can turn chumps into champs. - I got out of the game for a reason.

I know you had a stroke in '96. I was sorry to hear that.

The stroke cleared my head.

I ain't got time to waste training no cash registers.

In it for the money.

That's a wonderful sentiment, and I totally agree.

Although boxing is a business.

It's a sport, first.

You got to learn your craft, pay your dues. Money'll come.

And it'll go. That's why they call it cash flow.

Felix, this kid reminds me of Marvin Hagler.

It's just non-stop punches. He's the real deal.

I wouldn't have troubled you otherwise.

Ray-Ray Kallen's niece!

All right. I'll take a meet.

Er, Felix...

...Luther may just...

He may be just a tiny bit raw.

Well, raw's workable.

Rotten isn't.

Felix, I don't know what to tell you. It's traffic...rush hour...

Yeah. This time every day.

Hey, Luther!

Here he is.

Felix Reynolds.

This tired-ass old man's my trainer?

I thought you said you had a plan.

Let me see your stance.

He ain't worth it.

- Oh, well. Next. - Next?

- You stop being a brat and apologise! - A brat? What's that mean?

It means whatever it takes to get him back, because he is it. Felix!

Luther has something to say to you.

- Luther. - Hey, old man, hold up.

No disrespect intended, but what have you done?

Let's hear some actual ring experience.

You first.

- Was I right about him? - Yeah, he packs a punch.

Combinations need tightening.

He's strong, with a great feint, and a southpaw like Hagler.

He can make some noise in the middleweight division.

All right, time, boys!

He can learn to be a switch-hitter,

fight from the right-hand stance as well as the left.

Left, right, whatever. Was I all right?

Better than all right.

But you got to get in shape, in boxing shape. Right, Felix?

Your body's strong. Your mind will need a whole lot of discipline.

Ain't nothing wrong with my mind.

The ring, get there at five o'clock.

I don't get off work till six.

In the morning.

Is it cheaper?

No. It's available.

Five o'clock in the morning? Forget that!

You got to leave some room in this programme for sleep.

Haven't you slept enough, son?

Three years, I pay you... Luther!

Listen. Three years, 250 a week. Then I recoup that from your winnings.

After we start making a profit,

you take the lion's share, I get thirty-three and a third.

- What do you think, Felix? - She's assuming all the risks.

She's making an investment in you.

She ain't got to worry.

You bring it all on. I'll squash whatever you send my way.

- That's the best I can do. - A grand for all that gold?

- It's worth three times more. - Worth ain't the way it works.

What about fair? Does fair work?

No?

OK.

OK, what about this?

You give me 1250, I throw that in for free.

Please don't screw me beyond that point.

I have kids.

Ho! Hey!

How you doing? How you been?

Hey, Luther.

This here is Kevin Keyes, the best cut-man in the business.

How you doing?

This is Cedric Mouketendi, your sparring partner.

- Muka-what? - Mouketendi. It's Ugandan.

Call me Rick. It's easier.

I'm gonna take you out, Africa!

A monkey's ass always talks shit!

Off the ropes! Come on, spin out here!

Time! Time!

See what I'm telling you about your jab?

Stop street-fighting.

When he misses, counterpunch.

- His rhythm's great. - It's not his rhythm I'm worried about.

That's why I put him in with a bigger man.

So he can learn how to move.

Hey! Hey!

Hey, come on!

Come on!

If you want to fight like a damn hoodlum,

I'll toss your black ass back out on the street!

You think I'm playing with you? I ain't playing with you, boy!

Hey, Luther.

Look at me.

You can't win if you fight dirty, understand?

- You all right, son? - Yeah.

- He's here to help you. - I'm sorry. It won't happen again.

- Will it? - It won't happen again.

- Say it like we can hear it! - It won't happen again!

Hey! Hey!

Threatening or yelling is not helping him.

I'm trying to teach the boy how not to use his fists.

What do you suggest? Handcuffs?

Whatever happened to this dude, your Uncle Ray-Ray?

He died about a year after that was taken.

I'll start a scrapbook for you as soon as we get our first fight.

So did your dad start you in boxing?

No. A counsellor at Juvenile Hall.

On your lap.

Your dad?

May he rest in peace.

- And your mom? - Who the hell knows?

Do you have any brothers and sisters?

I got a brother named Michael in Philly, he's a year older.

Stupid-ass social services separated us, s0 we grew up apart.

I see him when I see him, it's no big deal.

- I thought we were going to be straight. - I'm being straight with you!

Who were you beating up today in the gym? Not Mouketendi.

- I lost my temper. - You found your temper but lost the rest.

Look, I go off sometimes, all right?

- It's just how I am. It's not a problem. - Yeah?

Your problem's already got in the way, and you haven't had a pro fight yet.

Don't you want to win, Luther? I do.

You got all these expectations.

What are you going to do if this don't work out?

It'll work out, Luther. You have to let yourself trust me.

I am not the enemy.

Whoa, whoa!

Hold up, old man. I ain't into S&M stuff.

You think you're Marvellous Marvin Hagler or Sugar Ray Robinson?

You're just another young wannabe fighter trying to look pretty.

Start with the basics. I'll tie down your right arm so you learn the left jab.

You got to learn to be balanced on both sides.

You fight somebody who can handle a southpaw,

you must show him something different.

Now snap out that jab. Let me see it.

- Five o'clock’s the best I can do. - Baby, come get it.

There's a powder for that.

6.30 is open. I want a 6.30.

Yeah, and I want a blow-job every hour on the hour.

Is that why you're acting like such a dick?

Dig it in, that's right. Now jab!

Another jab to the body.

To the body with combinations.

All right, push him off. Push out!

Jump right back on him.

Kallen and this amateur, you said they were nothing to worry about.

They weren't when [ told you. He's been training with Reynolds.

That bitch does not find a fight in this town.

Ever! Make it understood.

Anybody puts Kallen's boy on a card, he's out of business.

Luther Shaw. S-H-A-W.

Just 'cause you never heard of him, that means he can't be phenomenal?

This is his manager. Yeah, I'm a woman.

No, I haven't thought about strapping one on. Have you?

I think you have a really nice voice, too.

I do.

But I can't cash those compliments at a bank.

And I don't need a date. What I really need is a fight for my boxer.

Jackie Kallen for Crisco Cohen.

He does know who I am. Did you hear me?

I've known him since we were kids. Are you listening?

Put your hands together and give a warm welcome

to a trio of precious gems.

Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire!

Hey, babe!

You're mine!

All that plastic.

It's a wonder she doesn't melt in that spotlight.

Crisco, it's me, Jackie Kallen.

- What are you doing here? - 1 got a boxer.

You drove 200 miles to tell me that? Why not just phone?

I did. Four times!

I'm a businessman, and yours ain't my only number to call.

How's Judy?

I have never cheated on her. I just come to these joints for relaxation.

I remember that, Crisco. How do you think I found you?

It took me a while, but I found you.

Please.

- What...? - Well.

You got a boxer. Good luck! Hundreds of managers have.

- I never even heard of your guy. - Luther Shaw. See what he can do.

Hey, we'll never get a fight in the Midwest

as long as Sam LaRocca lives.

Too bad.

I can't believe you have the nerve to shirk me off.

My father taught you everything you know.

Pete Kallen is the only reason you are where you are today.

Pete would be spinning in his grave if he could see you now.

Stick to what you know. You're a secretary, for Christ's sake!

And you're a married man addicted to strip joints and God knows what else.

I am sure I could find out.

- Are you threatening me? - No.

I'm thanking you in advance,

because I know that you're gonna help me

the same way my dad helped you.

- Yeah, UUF. - UUF? What's that?

- Ulterior uterine fibrosis. - Oh, UUF...it's a venereal disease.

No. It's a female disease, there's nothing venereal about it.

- It's difficult to discuss. - Privates are tough to talk about.

Most women would've made something up.

I'll only need a few days' leave.

The procedure is only minor surgery.

That's good.

Where is the operation?

Probably in my doctor's office downtown.

That's a little out of the way.

Unless you mean downtown Buffalo.

How long am I in this business? Long enough!

Nothing goes behind my back! You thought it wouldn't get back to me?

How can I think? I don't have a brain.

You also don't have a job, unless you stop this extracurricular bullshit!

You will stop or I'll fire your ass! No pension, no benefits.

Everything I let you work for.

Kallen, you don't want this kind of kaput.

I'd rather have that kind of kaput than your kind of stupid.

And remember: use your jab.

- Nervous? - Why would I be nervous?

That's good, you're nervous. Use the energy.

This guy stands in the way of the next guy.

Knock him down and knock him out.

Oh, I got to get a picture.

OK, fighters only!

Get the three of us in it.

OK, just this one time.

Jab! Jab him! Jab!

Stay on him! Don't let him tire you!

Get rough with him! Yeah!

Hands up!

Move to the corner, Shaw! One, two...

...four, five...

...ten...it's over!

Oh, that was beautiful. Beautiful!

Nice work on the jab.

Did you see that right hook, Felix? That was great!

He did all right.

Hold on one second.

Listen, whoever it is, nobody act surprised that we won.

OK?

Come on in!

Hey!

Guys, this is Crisco Cohen.

The homeboy who put us on the card. Jackie said you weren't coming.

I'm a promoter. Promoters show up.

We don't read punches in the paper, right?

Nice fight tonight. Congratulations.

- How you doing? Felix Reynolds. - Sorry, Felix.

- Back in business? Nice job tonight. - Thank you.

He did just like I said. Better than good.

Listen, Luther, your next fight. Hereitis...

Hey, wait a minute.

What are you doing? You talk to me!

He boxes, I book.

Yeah...

We need local exposure, you need an A-plus story.

I'm handing you one exclusively!

It's not algebra, Gavin.

Jackie, you against LaRocca makes a great anecdote.

But don't make a mission out of it.

So you're saying that it's a man's world?

I don't have to say it, you know it. You love the sport...

...but I should worship from afar and not use anything from the neck up!

He's gonna have to win more fights before I start hotdogging him.

- One more fight! - Why rush?

I got fired or maybe I quit. As if you didn't know!

I can't wait for you to decide if Luther is newsworthy. He is.

Luther Shaw weighs in at...

...one hundred and fifty-nine pounds on the dot.

There you go.

They get on the scale thirsty, they get off even thirstier.

- He's heavier since Buffalo, yeah? - Stronger. Your guy looks good, too.

Thank you so much.

Don't drink that. Don't even smell it.

I'll get you another one.

Hey, there, Mathias.

Hi.

I saw your last fight and wow!

That was one beautiful left hook...

Oh, sorry.

Thanks.

May the best man win.

No hard feelings, no matter what happens tonight.

He don't like it down there.

- Nice jab! - Luther, go back to the body!

Jump on him, that's right!

Beautiful jab!

Stay clean!

You OK?

- He will fight no more. - Turn around and box.

Can you continue? Do you want to box?

- All right! - It's over.

That's the way to go at the body. That's the way we work downtown.

- What happened? Easy, easy. - Get 'em off!

Oh, kid...

Thanks.

Well, that's my job,

to see shit coming.

Go to a corner!

Five more miles. Come on, grab my hand.

Come on, keep turning.

- Sounds like things are going great. - Better than great. Terrific.

It's over!

No.

No? Why?

No elevator, but the rooms are huge.

Electrics included. The fireplace burns real wood.

You open this thing in the tap here before you light a fire...

- What do you think? - The place is tight.

I like it.

- I hope I can afford it. - It's about balancing your cheque-book.

- Did you fill out the bank applications? - I don't know.

I don't remember.

This is the lease agreement for you to look over. Just the usual.

I got you an extension on your tax returns, but get it in.

So how come you don't have any kids?

It just never came up, the opportunity.

It could still later, I guess.

I think that you would be dope.

- As a mom. - Thanks.

Luther, I think you'll want to get runner's insurance.

Yeah.

Insurance... Listen, Jackie.

Man, this is embarrassing to admit,

but guys like me don't know nothing

about tax forms and lease agreements and insurance.

Hell, man, I never even voted!

In my former line of business, I dealt with cash.

Either cash or on the barrel. I'd hit you with the barrel.

Balancing a cheque-book... forget about it.

Hey, Luther, look.

You don't need to be embarrassed about anything.

There are all kinds of people who don't know all kinds of shit.

We can fill those forms out together...

What was that for?

For everything.

We're new and expect to be picked on.

But we don't run from anybody. I can't say the same for some people.

Do you mean the new middleweight world champion, Pedro Hernandez?

He claims he's hungry for a worthy opponent.

Everybody knows Luther's that guy. What, Luther's invisible?

But it's hard to see someone when you're running away.

Especially if you're running away scared.

Hernandez won the middleweight crown in devastating fashion

against a great ex-champ.

With only fourteen fights, can you beat him?

I can, I could and I most definitely would.

I'd probably knock him out if he didn't faint first.

There's only one way to see how this will end.

Stay tuned to Channel 28. Don't miss what you can see with me.

Exclusively. You're our local guy.

As for Hernandez if you're watching,

this is Gavin Reese, desperately hoping it wasn't something I said.

You think I can't smell bullshit? Kallen's baiting us.

I don't care. It ain't your rep.

She's got people believing I'm a bitch.

You're whining like one.

I'm not sitting on my hands no more. I'm fighting Shaw. You set it up.

Pedro, Pedro, come here.

Every piece of garbage I float to the top thinks he can tell me what to do.

That's a mistake.

You fight who I say, when I say.

Now go away before I get upset.

Hey, Jackie! What's up?

Brunch.

I didn't know you had...Renee, but there's just enough for two.

I already ate.

Well, you guys take this and save it for later.

- You sure? - Yeah. I got a lot of stuff to do.

What?

Let's go.

Let's go, let's go.

- How're you doing? - Thank you very much.

Luther, listen.

This is our shot. Stay calm, act natural.

- Let me handle it... - Jackie, I'm down with you.

It's my day off, I could've been kicking it!

Kicking it with who? Renee?

Look, Renee is my friend, I love her,

but she has school to finish, you've everything ahead of you.

The last thing either of you want is to get in each other's way.

If I want what's best for her, and she wants what's best for me,

how can we get in each other's way?

You look great in that suit.

Know what I'm saying, Half-pint? Let bygones go by.

Life's too short, right, Lou?

The name's Luther.

- We want a shot at Pedro. - I know that.

Look, why don't you close your mouth,

drink a drink and relax?

I gotta tell you, I like the way Luther here listens.

A win in Tampa could put him on the undercard next time Pedro fights.

After that, down the line,

maybe a shot at the title.

That would mean you'd start to do some pro-Pedro press.

Like, "What an honour to fight him..." Shit like that.

And the expiration date on "shit like that" is fight night.

- Course. - Sure.

Sounds like we got a deal. Excuse me, I gotta go.

I'll be back.

I'd watch Half-pint if I was you.

Believe me, I know how she walks.

Well, she'll walk all over you.

Why do you think it's her name on everybody's lips, not yours?

That don't bother me, man.

She'll be famous and you'll be...

Fine. You understand that?

I'll be just fine.

It's the tenth round, understand? Don't leave it up to the judge. Go ahead.

Like Henry Armstrong, non-stop punching, understand?

It's the last round. Touch gloves.

Step back!

All right!

Break, step back!

Turn and tear him up!

All right! Let go, step back.

Come on, step back.

All right!

Stay at him, Luther!

Let go, step back now!

Let go!

Al right.

Yes!

Yes!

Yeah!

Yes!

Four, five...

...SiX...

All right!

Abe Jacobs, Boxing Monthly.

Hi, Abe.

Now you've won this important fight, what's it mean for your career?

There's nowhere to go but up.

That was for Jackie.

We've wanted to fight in our own backyard. Now we can.

You're one of the few successful women in this business. What's it take?

- Hard work and thick skin. - Great boxing don't hurt either.

USA Today.

Any truth to the rumour you're posing for Playboy?

- 1 don't know. Think I should? - Oh, yes. Absolutely!

Marsha Gary, Detroit Times. This is for Luther.

You've had a meteoric rise.

But we all know sometimes meteors crash and burn.

- Any chance of that happening to you? - No way!

- Look, it happens to everybody. - Eventually!

I'm teaching Luther the dictionary. We haven't got to the "E"s yet.

The show's over. Come on.

You calling me stupid? Why not teach me the whole alphabet?

Come on, it was a joke. That's why they laughed.

Ready? Picture. Press. Professional.

Why didn't you return my call about Luther?

I've been busy. No more crises, my schedule is already full.

- No talk-show answers! - It's not a talk-show answer.

I haven't had time to breathe since Tampa.

Tampa? Yeah, I heard about Tampa.

We won. What else did you hear?

- You don't know? - No.

The press conference. You don't realise how you came off.

- I came off fine. - Acting like Luther's schoolteacher?

To humiliate him in front of everybody?

You say what you say at press conferences.

- Is Luther still bitching about that? - No, I am!

So you speak for him now? Please! You hardly know him.

- I know him well enough. - Biblically.

Don't confuse that with intimately. It's entirely different.

Thank you.

You enjoy your lunch, Jackie.

There you go, girls. Thanks for coming by.

- Hi, what's your name? - Janey.

- Hi. What's your sport? - Track and field.

- Will you sign my sneakers? - Sure.

Listen up, Janey.

Here's some advice from Jackie Kallen.

Run with the big dogs, don't sit on the porch and bark, OK?

- Don't forget your free socks. - Thank you.

Ah, here we are. Come with us.

Here's my gym. There's Luther.

It's two o'clock, aren't you supposed to be sparring?

- Friday's Africa's day off. - Oh, that's right.

Wrong!

Africa's gone.

I've had a new man for almost a week.

Megan Moore. Self Magazine. I'm writing a story on Jackie.

Paul, staff photographer...

Hey, hey? What's the matter?

I don't know where you've been.

The most important fight of my career, and you're doing a talk show!

- When were you last in the gym? - I've been doing publicity.

Publicity for me is exposure for you...

Foot Locker? Handing out socks ain't got shit to do with me!

- OK, I won't do it. - And no nosey reporters in the gym.

All right. I'll send them away.

Look, Luther, I just want what's best for you.

I'm nervous about this fight.

Sands ain't nothing to play with.

I need you to pay better attention to me.

After this, I am absolutely all yours until after the fight.

OK? It's a deal.

I promise, Luther. OK?

Kallen's Gym.

Yeah, hold on.

Hey, Jackie. Doug somebody from HBO.

- Hello? - You know who [ am?

Doug Doherty. Of course I know who you are.

Who forgets the unforgettable?

Listen, HBO wants pre and post with Shaw at Sands. Doable?

There's a reason it's not in the contract.

We promised our first dance to a native son.

Native? As in local? You're kidding me!

Luther's comfortable with the reporter.

Jackie, come on. This is HBO, the major-domo of boxing.

Not some commercial-crammed network.

Doug, we agreed to a post.

That's the best I can do. This local guy has been terrific to me.

Can he guarantee a double-digit rating?

Make you queen for a day? Longer, if Luther wins.

I'm holding the keys to the kingdom.

All you got to do is reach out and grab them.

If you're man enough. Are you man enough, Jackie?

That's sexist and wouldn't you like to know.

I certainly would. Know what you need?

It just came to me.

A personal profile.

We'll get some great tape on fight night, mix it up post and pre.

Think about it, Jackie.

You on HBO.

Mano a mano...

...with me.

It's a cliché, but I'm living proof that dreams do come true.

This is the best day, the best time and really exciting.

Just one step away from champion of the world!

- Yeah. What about a whoop? - A whoop?

"Real exciting", then whoop like a cheer. Walk toward us.

This is the best day, the best time and really exciting.

Just one step away... Whoo! ...from champion of the world.

- Hey, pal. Mind stepping out of my shot? - This is your shot?

- Hi. - Low. Very low, Jackie.

- Can we take five? - Who is this?

I just need five minutes. Meet you at the dressing room.

Thank you.

- I can explain. - Really? Go ahead!

Explain to me

how my deal and exclusive rights to your story wind up with that idiot?

He's a smart idiot. And it's a long story...

Here's the abridged version: once upon a time, there was HBO...

Know what?

For all your hustling and bullshit,

the one thing that you always were was honourable in a real way.

If you said something, you meant it. If you didn't say it, you meant that too.

That's quite an attribute. Not a lot of people have that.

And now neither do you.

- Wait. What's the problem? - A little pre was the deal.

No, pre with me, post with Luther. That was the deal.

If it was, it's not now.

Look, without Luther pre-fight, my audience won't bite.

You've become the latest waste of tape.

OK.

That's nice, man.

Hey, guys! Doug Doherty, HBO, as if you didn't know.

This is his crew, here to observe, not to interact or interfere.

Act natural.

Just back up a little.

- Just... - Hands off me! Get them out of here!

HBO!

- Please. - Shit! I'll throw them out!

No need to be alarmed or take notes.

He's venting, it's tactical.

- We do need the room. - Everybody out, come on.

They weren't going to stay. They wanted ten minutes of your time.

- I don't have that kind of time! - You could've made it.

Jesus, I work my ass off to get you everything.

No. Everything you want!

You still think you own me? That I owe you?

You do owe me.

Where did this world you're living in come from? It came from me!

Putting my life on the line, having faith in you,

- giving you faith in yourself. - Bitch!

I gave your ass a damn chance! What you did for me, I did for you.

That's how you got the world you're living in!

HBO's in the ring after the fight. We are doing that interview.

No, you do it! Our shit is permanently disconnected!

Stay away from me and my corner!

Do you understand that English?

The only English I understand is in our contract.

You fight for me or you don't fight at all.

Break! Break! Step back!

We're in the middle of the eighth round. Sands is taking a lot of punishment.

Hard shots to the body.

Shaw's conditioning is just superb. He really came to fight.

Moving well, crisp combinations, he's showing me a lot tonight.

That's it! That's it!

Sands has got it and he's not getting up!

- Fight's over! - See? That's gonna tough him up!

- 1 got you. - It's all right.

Excuse me...!

Yeah! You all see that?

You ain't got shit! You ain't got shit!

You talking to me, sucker?

He did it, he did it beautifully.

- Great fight. - Great fight.

Chump!

Come on!

Luther...

- Good fight. - Thanks, man.

I'll get him. Luther!

I'll get him.

Congratulations, Luther. Great fight.

OK, we'll give him a minute to celebrate with his friends...

Anyway, a stunning left-cross/right-hook combination

that put Sands on the floor.

Jackie, you've got to be very happy with his performance tonight.

Did you read this?

You're glued to Kallen for the next 24 months.

I ain't fighting for her and that's it!

You don't have a choice.

- Buy me out like you did Hernandez. - Hernandez was a bargain.

You're a gamble who won't come cheap.

Why do you think I'm here? I want to fight for you.

You're here because you're mad. You made a bad deal.

So you throw tantrums instead of victory parties.

I don't minus points for that, I like my boxers mad.

I don't think you can keep your shit together

sitting it out for the next two years.

The guy with the two left feet looks good.

I like the one with the two left eyes.

I try to make a champ but wind up with a monster.

- Screw Luther. I'll get somebody else. - I wouldn't count on that.

Champ material's just like any other special thing: rare!

What are you doing for dinner tonight? My HBO thing's on. Watch it with me?

Yeah. I'll watch it with you.

It's a cliché, but I'm living proof that dreams do come true. Whoo!

Just one step away from champion of the world.

Jackie Kallen.

Even if you don't follow boxing, you'll still recognise the name.

She didn't just claw her way inside the arena, she captured centre ring.

Kallen is a snake in the grass. I gave her a start and took heat for it!

She thought she was something special. I didn't. Still don't.

No comment. So get the camera out of my face!

How have you done so well in such a "boys' club”,

where women are notoriously non grata?

Well, I didn't ingratiate myself, Doug. I went toe to toe with the guys.

I made them deal with me.

They never saw ferocious in high heels before.

In dealing with you, some of the guys seem to have got...prickly.

Oh. "PricK"-ly.

Interesting choice of words, Doug.

I'm really good at what I do.

I'm not going to disappear 'cause I make some people uncomfortable.

Just ask her and she'll remind you

that Luther Shaw, her middleweight wannabe of the world,

wouldn't be where he is if she weren't all over the place,

talking about herself.

Her impact on boxing is irrefutable, but it's still a man's world,

an egocentric, self-centred boys' club.

And Jackie Kallen is its newest member.

Funny thing is...she'll probably think that was a compliment.

I'm Doug Doherty for HBO Sports. Thanks for watching.

I'm not like that. You think I'm like that, Felix?

No.

Not to me.

See you tomorrow.

- Just give me a minute. - Sure.

OK, Joanne.

I would've called but I was afraid you wouldn't see me.

Well, you're right. I wouldn't have.

But you're here now, so what do you want, Jackie?

Listen, I'm sorry.

I knew a million people, but I only had a couple of friends.

I grabbed a chance for myself and took a great opportunity away from you.

You did. I was counting on it.

And I was counting on you.

For the first time in my life, people heard what I had to say.

They had to listen because I was too important to ignore.

That is not an excuse, but it is an explanation.

I thought I could handle it,

but with guys like Sam LaRocca, I'm way overmatched.

Well, you changed the face of boxing, Jackie.

You cracked some pretty hard cement. You can be proud of that.

I can't be proud of what I did to Luther. We're finished, I accept that.

Listen, Gavin, I don't expect you to forgive me,

but I just don't want you to hate me.

Jackie Kallen for Sam LaRocca.

Sir, Jackie Kallen's here to see you.

He wants to know what it's about.

Just tell him I have something he wants.

You're here to make this deal?

Luther deserves a shot at the title. It's the right thing to do.

I'm here to negotiate myself, so I know you won't screw him.

I'm happy to amuse you, but this is how it's gonna be.

He gets a shot at Hernandez within a year.

He wins, he gives you two years.

He loses, you give him three additional fights.

If he wins those fights, you guarantee a rematch for the title.

I don't want him that bad.

Well, Luther's the next middleweight champ. You know it, I know it.

This is a one-time deal.

I go down the street, I get a manicure...

... come back, the papers are drawn up, the terms are clear.

Once this deal is done,

you're done with Shaw.

You disappear.

No wiping his ass between rounds, you understand?

I don't want to see you.

Well...

...at last.

The feeling is mutual.

Too smart by half.

I thought the agency was kidding when they faxed over your resumé.

Insurance is about as far away from boxing as a girl can get.

- I'm counting on it. - Dee-Dee's desk is very organised.

Mr Sloan doesn't expect much. Just answer his phones, get his coffee.

Mr Sloan never bonds with the temps.

OK. What about these?

Those are client files.

Think you can put them in alphabetical order?

Sure. Anything else I should know?

Dee-Dee would appreciate it if you'd water her plant.

Hello?

Hey, Felix.

What's the problem?

You're downstairs? OK.

Felix, hey!

What's wrong?

LaRocca's putting Luther in the ring with Hernandez in three weeks.

That's too soon, that's crazy.

The guy Pedro was scheduled to fight, they're saying he cracked a rib.

- He's subbing Luther instead. - They're saying?

There's nothing wrong with the guy's rib. That's why I hate this game.

- We wanted an honest shot at the title. - Why should he give us a shot?

So he can watch the fighter you found win the belt?

He knows there ain't no way I can get that boy ready in time.

What am I supposed to do, huh?

I can't take this to Luther, Jackie, I can't do it.

I want to see LaRocca, did you hear me?

Did you hear me? Mr LaRocca's in a meeting.

Look, he can't screw my fighter like this.

He is setting him up to lose, goddamnit!

If he is in a meeting, you go in there and tell him to get out right now.

He said to tell you he's in a meeting for the rest of your life.

Ain't no way I can train for Hernandez in three weeks, Felix.

Ain't no way. What's the point?

The point is you still got a shot.

It ain't the fairest shot, but you still got to take it.

I ain't ready.

You think you're the first boxer to have a bad time?

A raw deal?

Luther, you got to take the shot.

Put your hands up! Put your hands in the air!

Luther Shaw!

Luther Shaw! Luther Shaw!

Tonight, Luther Shaw's dream has become bona fide real life.

He's about to face Hernandez for the middleweight world championship.

He comes as a big underdog. How will it go?

Underdog is the word.

Shaw's got lots of heart, but he's really green.

He's had only 16 professional matches, and that's the deciding factor for me.

And Hernandez has made it clear he has no love lost for Shaw.

Here comes Shaw now.

Luther was not the original opponent tonight.

That was meant to be Cecil Young, who's had an injury in training.

Pedro! Pedro!

Pedro! Pedro!

Ladies and gentlemen, Pedro Hernandez,

the middleweight champion of the world, is entering the ring.

What a hand he's getting from that crowd.

This is the one you wanted. You smoke this sucker! Let's go.

He has got a mission to accomplish. Hernandez is a fast starter.

Shaw will have to use his legs...

Look at me, man!

We'll see what kind of fight Hernandez brings.

Hernandez has tremendous power, he's undefeated in 30 bouts,

and he really brings a complete package into the ring.

Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for.

Twelve rounds of boxing for the middleweight championship of the world.

And now, for the thousands in attendance

and the millions watching around the world,

let's get ready to rumble!

- It's sold out! - Sorry, lady.

Sold out!

Here is the pride of Cleveland, Ohio.

The undefeated challenger,

Lethal Luther Shaw!

Luther! Luther!

And fighting out of the red corner...

Listen to me.

You stay relaxed. Keep your hands up and circle him.

Keep him turning. Every now and then, touch him with a jab.

Don't worry about his head, hit his chest or shoulders.

That's all I want from you this first round.

...Pedro "EJ Tigre" Hernandez!

...the referee in charge of the action will give instructions at ring centre.

You've both had the rules explained.

I want to see a good clean fight. Good luck to the both of you.

Touch gloves and let's do it.

You mustn't be scared. It's nothing but another fight.

Seconds out!

Remember, stay relaxed and keep your hands up.

Come on, Luther!

...Pedro Hernandez has the look of fury in his eyes.

Oh, a big right hand lands for Hernandez.

Come on, Luther. Punch out!

Come on, turn it! Turn off the ropes!

Shaw is taking punch after punch.

Hernandez wants to finish this fight in the first round.

He must be double-parked or something!

Oh, look at that!

An intentional foul. That was very low.

Luther can take five minutes.

If Shaw retaliates in kind, this could be a very dirty fight.

Hernandez is the one letting his emotions get the better of him.

Push out and move! That's it!

That's it, keep that jab in there!

All night long! All night long!

Shaw's starting to dance.

Hernandez leads in with a huge shot.

A great shot to the jaw.

Luther's hurt.

Come on, baby, come on!

There's the bell for round one. What a fury!

How much can he get away with? I'll turn my boy loose next!

Gavin!

I'd pay to see the look on Kallen's face now.

Oh, really?

- Name your price. - What?

Shit!

Listen to me.

The only chance you have of winning is to do what I tell you.

He's wide open, and you're doing nothing.

He's hitting me low.

There comes a point in every match when a fight's got to start.

He hits you low, hit him back. Get rough.

Come on, deep breath.

Use your skill and beat this boy. Give yourself some punching room.

Stand up and box the damn man! Box him!

Use your skill. Now get up!

The bell for round two and Hernandez continues to apply pressure.

It's a Puerto Rican whup-ass out here!

Hernandez is just mauling him out there.

Come on, break up! Break!

You know something?

If he continues this, he'll lose his title under disqualification.

This could get ugly real fast.

OK, box!

Hernandez is very heavy-handed, with knockout power in both fists.

Keep 'em up!

That's the way! That's it!

Baby, get up!

- Pedro, go to a corner! - Come on, get up!

.two...

...three...

...four, five...

...SiX...

- You OK, Luther? Where are you? - Cleveland Coliseum.

- What round? - Second round.

I don't think Shaw'll make it through the round.

Hernandez is a great finisher, Shaw's on blubber legs...

Break, break! Listen to me!

- What is that? - Shaw lands a combination!

Luther Shaw's showing tremendous heart!

That was a head-bultt! A head-butt, Doug!

- OK, Luther? - Yeah.

Let's go!

Want some of this?

Send him back to the ghetto!

There's round two. Unbelievable.

Four fouls from Hernandez and no point deduction.

I don't believe this. Jackie Kallen just entered the ring!

- Don't let him back you up... - Felix, let me talk to him.

Luther, I got one minute.

I'm sorry. I screwed up.

I screwed up big time.

But you have got to get up!

You can handle it, you are in shape.

You can go twelve rounds, you are a champion, damn it!

He's fighting dirty because he knows that's the only way to beat you!

Listen to me. You have a chance to make boxing history tonight.

You have potential for that kind of greatness.

You don't need me.

You already have it. Always did.

Seconds!

I want you to get in there and knock this guy's ass off the map!

Come on, back him up. Back him up!

Switch up on him. Go right-handed and nail his ass when he's charging in.

Come on! Middleweight championship of the world! Come on!

- Hernandez boxes out of the corner. - He's on fire again.

Shaw is moving better.

Whatever Kallen said to him has woken him up.

Jab!

What's he waiting for?

Come on! Come on, fight me! Fight me!

What's he waiting for?

Shaw is not fighting and Hernandez is visibly enraged.

A big right-hand by Shaw...

They're throwing nuclear weapons in there!

That last body shot got Hernandez.

Hernandez trying to jab his way in...

Break, break!

Have the tables turned? Shaw's the bully now.

Switch, Luther! Take it to him now!

Shaw switches from southpaw and lands a big right hand!

You got him! You got him!

He's cut! He's cut!

Stand and fight! Break clean!

- Let me see, Pedro. Let me look. - I'm all right.

- That is a bad cut, Pedro. - No, no!

Hernandez still wants to fight.

- ..two... - Get up!

Yes!

Oh, my God!

I told you! I told you!

Luther! Luther!

Luther! Luther! Luther!

Jackie?

Jackie! Jackie!

Where's she at? Where's Jackie?

Jackie! Jackie!

Jackie?

Hey, Felix. Always good to see you, my friend.

And a guest.

Hey, Felix!

You deserve it!

Oh, put your goddamn hands up!