FOUR KINGS REVIEW

Apparently the timelines are messed up in this wonderful documentary mini-series to create a more compelling story, but I don’t think that’s the point of Four Kings. This is about Britain’s coming to terms with actually liking black sportspeople which while depressing as it is, that people had to do that is entirely the point. 

No, not those Four Kings, which I think is an oversight on the part of the filmmakers by way of a title. These four kings are Frank Bruno, Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn then latterly Lennox Lewis.

Four Kings is available on Amazon Prime and the often annoying Guardian had “boxing should be banned” in their headline. Wankers. Now, Southpaw Jab obviously doesn’t think boxing should be banned, because fuck that boxing is awesome, boxers are amazing and (largely) they’re not idiots who don’t know what they’re participating in.

It is dangerous, though. Fighters are singularly warriors in the ring though idiosyncratic personas and all too human outside of it.

Frank Bruno was such a personality when I was growing up that even before I was into boxing I was into Frank Bruno. It’s almost impossible not to love him, unless you’re a racist, which sadly was a huge problem in the eighties. And nineties. And, erm, now. The abhorrent casual racism was mainstream back then and Four Kings makes it clear how shocking that was.

That, though, is what Four Kings is all about- how those four boxers in particular broke through into the public’s hearts in their endearing idiosyncratic ways. Johnny Nelson, a man who I find quite irritating usually, provides much of the commentary through the series and I have to say he’s excellent and insightful. So fair play.

The astonishing and exhilarating fights, feats of bravery and overcoming adversity are married with a compassionate portrait of these polar opposite people who went through hell to provide fans pleasure. Four Kings is an unstoppable docuseries. You'll be gripped.

Four Kings is essential viewing for fight fans, if you’re not captivated by the rivalries, excitement and insight there’s something wrong with you. Don’t be a history dick, this is a not miss documentary.