Boxer (2024) doesn’t just land punches - it goes the full twelve rounds, leaving you actually glad you sat through a sports movie.
Imagine a gritty underdog story where every jab and every uppercut feels like a personal victory - and then imagine Erik ten Hag taking notes. Yes, he might’ve done better this season if he’d caught Boxer and learned a bit about strategic comebacks and resilience that actually pay off.
The story follows a down-and-out fighter who’s one bruise away from calling it quits, yet somehow, he scrapes together the courage (and muscle) for a shot at redemption. Classic stuff, but the cast makes it fresh. The lead actor’s performance is as raw as an early-round punch, bringing enough grit and heart that even a Manchester United fan could get inspired. The supporting characters add laughs and heart, from the cranky coach who would probably be great at managing a certain football club, to the best friend who’s all-in for the underdog—qualities that could’ve been helpful to our pal Ten Hag.
Where Boxer really lands is in its pacing. The film knows when to crank up the heat and when to let you breathe, almost like it’s managing its own injury time perfectly (something a certain football club could learn from). Each fight is paced with enough suspense to keep you guessing—this isn’t just a predictable slugfest. It’s brutal, choreographed so well you’ll feel the bruises, and it still lets you peek into the mental war going on between rounds. Our lead might be taking on physical blows, but the emotional ones hurt just as much. The kind of hurt that builds character... or breaks a coach.
And don’t even get me started on the training montages. Boxer nails the training scenes, injecting just the right mix of sweat, tears, and questionable workout methods that should probably come with a disclaimer. But it's these scenes that remind us why we root for underdogs in the first place—no fluff, no shortcuts, just pure grit. It’s a quality Ten Hag’s team could’ve used this season, really. Ultimately, Boxer may not reinvent the sports genre, but it sure shows how to play the game - something we all know some managers could use a refresher on.
