Bernard Hopkins among boxing greats in new documentary from filmmakers behind Knockout Scousers

The filmmakers behind Knockout Scousers are premiering their latest boxing documentary at FACT tomorrow night.

Knockout Scousers, which was shown on Channel 4 back in 2013, told the story of Tom Stalker, Natasha Jonas and Jazza Dickens in the run-up to the London Olympics. And now Steve Read, Robert Douglas, who comes from Speke, and Rob Alexander have produced a new sports documentary called In the Company of Kings.

The new production follows a fight fan’s unforgettable journey into the dark heart of American boxing to talk to eight former world champions and those closest to his hero Muhammad Ali about race, struggle and picking yourself up off the canvas.

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A stellar cast includes Larry Holmes, Bernard Hopkins, Tim Witherspoon, Earnie Shavers, the Spinks brothers and Bob Arum, who all share their stories of hope and glory. The opening sequence, narrated by Douglas, also starts with his personal recollections about how much watching boxing meant to him, especially as a youngster who grew up in the roughest parts of Liverpool.

“It’s a boxing film about struggle and hope, loaded with social commentary that addresses issues of race, mental health and the long-term damage of the fight game,” director Read said.

“With exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the history of boxing: Larry Holmes, Bernard Hopkins, the Spinks brothers and Earnie Shavers, to name a few. It’s also pretty funny in places. It’s a different kind of sports documentary.”

In the Company of Kings is on digital platforms from April 30.