Williamstown’s Barry Michael reached the pinnacle of his boxing career aged 30 when he beat Lester Ellis for the 1985 International Boxing Federation super featherweight world title.
The two boxing legends will pair up this Friday to tell “The Real Story” at a film night in Sunshine’s Westend Market Hotel.
The pair first met when Lester was 12 and Michael was 22.
The latter says he instantly recognised a future champion in another boy from Melbourne’s commission flats.
“We sparred thousands of rounds together and he tried to kill me every time,” Michael says.
But Michael says the Ellis camp was ‘‘filthy’’ on him after he won the world title bout at Melbourne’s Festival Hall on July 12, 1985.
“It’s now history that after 15 brutal rounds – which was one of the last 15-rounders because they brought it back to 12 rounds after that – it caused a lot of bad blood.’’
Michael says the pair patched things up when Ellis arranged a meeting after Michael lost his world title in England in 1987.
“It’s been pretty good ever since,” he says.
Friday’s event will include a screening of their big fight and other highlights of their careers.
Michael and Ellis will also take questions from the audience.
“It’s a bit of a unique night; this is only the second one we’ve done.” Michael says.
“Basically, there’s nothing hidden – anything anyone wants to ask.’’
The event is at 47 McIntyre Road from 7.30pm. Tickets cost $36. For bookings, phone 0410 506 435 or 0413 654 999.
