Top 7 Famous Boxing Actors Who Lit Up The Silver Screen

Posted: February 15, 2024

Updated: February 15, 2024

From Dempsey's silent film stardom to Stallone's Rocky franchise, some boxers have traded the ring for the silver screen. Their fighting spirit translates into a captivating performances. While some, like Mike Tyson in "Hangover," embrace their tough-guy image, others, like Antonio Tarver in "Rocky Balboa," showcase surprising dramatic depth.

From the relentless intensity of the boxing ring to the captivating allure of the silver screen, numerous boxers have ventured into the realm of acting, adding a new chapter to their careers. For those of you interested in boxing and betting, we have discovered a number of actors who came from the ring. So, step away for a minute from searching sportsbooks like Bet365 Sportsbook for the best odds, and let's have a look at some of the most famous boxing actors to grace the silver screen.

Roy Jones Jr

One such luminary among boxing actors is Roy Jones Jr, celebrated for his lightning-fast reflexes, mesmerizing footwork, and unparalleled athleticism within the boxing world. Across multiple weight divisions—middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and even heavyweight—Jones Jr's dominance earned him numerous world championship titles, solidifying his status as one of the sport's legends. Remarkably, he holds the distinction of being one of the only boxing actors to commence his career as a middleweight. However, Jones Jr's talents transcend the confines of the ring, as evidenced by his foray into acting. Making his debut on the silver screen in the 1995 sketch comedy series "Mad TV," portraying himself, he subsequently graced various 90s productions, including "Married... with Children" (1996), "The Devil's Advocate" (1997), and "The Sentinel" (1998), showcasing his versatility. According to online gambling news in the US, Jones Jr's breakthrough in acting came with his role in the 2003 film "The Matrix Reloaded," wherein he portrayed the character "Captain Ballard." Sharing the screen with luminaries such as Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne, the boxer-turned-actor garnered acclaim for his performance.

Beyond "The Matrix Reloaded," Jones Jr has continued to explore his acting prowess, featuring in numerous other films, including: [list of additional movies where Roy Jones acted].

Little Fockers (2010)
Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012)
Grudge Match (2013)
Southpaw (2015)
Creed II (2018)

Boxing Actors - Michael Bentt

Michael Bentt, born on September 4, 1964, in London, England, embarked on his boxing journey with dreams of attaining world championship glory. His amateur career boasted several titles, cementing his status as one of the most decorated amateur boxers in U.S. history. Transitioning to the professional arena, Bentt faced Tommy Morrison for the vacant WBO heavyweight title in 1993, emerging as the underdog victor with a first-round knockout. This triumph, however, was followed by a devastating knockout loss to Herbie Hide in his first title defence in March 1994, marked by severe brain injuries that altered his trajectory. In 2001, Bentt found significant success in the acclaimed biographical sports drama "Ali," where he portrayed Sonny Liston alongside acclaimed actors such as Will Smith. His portrayal garnered critical acclaim, establishing him as one of the most notable boxing actors in the realm of boxing-inspired cinema. Additional films featuring Michael Bentt include:

Dark Blue (2002)
Hollywood Homicide (2003)
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Redemption (2007)
Blue (2009)

Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson, hailed as one of boxing's most formidable figures, dominated the sport from 1985 to 2005, earning monikers like "Iron Mike" and "the Baddest Man in the World." Tyson's aggressive prowess and lightning-fast combinations secured him the title of the youngest heavyweight champion at 20, along with the distinction of being the first to hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles simultaneously in the heavyweight division. However, his career was marred by legal troubles, including a three-year imprisonment from which he emerged in 1995. Like his fellow pugilistic peers, Tyson transitioned into being one of the best-known boxing actors, leveraging his talents beyond the ring. His most notable role came in the 2009 film "The Hangover," though he has also made cameo appearances in various other movies, including:

Play it To The Bone (1999)
Kickboxer: Retaliation
Hangover 2 & 2
Ip Man 3
Liger (2022)

Boxing Actors - Antonio Tarver

Antonio Tarver, renowned in the boxing world as "the Magic Man," enjoyed a prolific professional career spanning from 1997 to 2015. His amateur accolades, including titles such as the United States Amateur Light Heavyweight champion and the 1994 National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight champion, foreshadowed his future success. Tarver's professional debut in 1997 marked the beginning of a remarkable streak, with sixteen consecutive victories, fourteen of which ended in knockout triumphs. His ascent culminated in 2003 when he claimed an international title by decisively defeating former WBC holder Montel Griffin. However, Tarver's defining moment arrived in 2004, when he stunned the boxing world by knocking out Roy Jones Jr., ascending to the status of WBC, WBA, and IBF light heavyweight champion.

While Antonio Tarver's acting career may not have been as extensive as some of his peers who are boxing actors, he left an indelible mark with a notable role in the 2006 Sylvester Stallone film "Rocky Balboa," portraying the character Mason Dixon.

Jack Dempsey

Jack Dempsey, born on June 24, 1895, in Manassa, Colorado, emerged as a dominant force in the boxing ring during the 1920s, earning the moniker "Manassa Mauler." Dempsey's aggressive fighting style, coupled with his devastating punching power and charismatic persona, captivated audiences worldwide. Reigning as the World Heavyweight Champion from 1919 to 1926, he defended his title with vigour, solidifying his status as one of the era's most celebrated pugilists. Today, The Ring magazine ranks Dempsey as the tenth greatest heavyweight of all time, while placing him seventh on its list of the Top 100 Greatest Punchers. Despite his unquestionable commitment to boxing, Dempsey seamlessly transitioned into acting, becoming a prominent figure on the silver screen. His cinematic journey began in 1920 with "The Adventures of Daredevil Jack," where he portrayed the character Jack Derry. Notably, Dempsey's involvement in the show "The Big Fight" led to a fateful encounter with Estelle Taylor, one of his four wives. His acting career ran from 1920 to 1958. As one of the most prolific boxing actors, Dempsey graced around 20 films, leaving an enduring legacy in both the boxing ring and the world of cinema. Some of his notable movie and TV appearances include:

The Prizefighter and the Lady (1933)
Manhattan Madness (1925)
Mr. Broadway (1933)
Big City (1937)
Sweet Surrender (1935)

Boxing Actors - Tony Danza

Born Anthony Salvatore Ladanza on April 21, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Danza initially found himself drawn to the world of boxing at a young age. Despite achieving moderate success as a professional middleweight boxer, winning nine out of his twelve fights, Danza's true calling awaited him beyond the ring. His journey as one of the most well-known boxing actors began unexpectedly when a producer discovered him during training in a gym. This fortuitous encounter led to his breakout role on the popular sitcom "Taxi" in the late 1970s, where he portrayed a lovable cab driver. Danza's ascent continued with the beloved sitcom "Who's the Boss?" (1984-1992), where he charmed audiences as Tony Micelli, a former baseball player turned housekeeper. The show garnered him nominations for four Golden Globes and an Emmy, solidifying his place in the hearts of viewers. Transitioning seamlessly between television and film, Danza also made his mark on the silver screen with appearances in movies such as "Don Jon," "Dear God," "Darby and the Dead," and "Cloud 9." Additionally, he hosted his own TV talk show, "The Tony Danza Show," further showcasing his versatility and charm.

Randall Cobb

Randall "Tex" Cobb, renowned for his indomitable spirit and legendary durability, carved a formidable legacy in both martial arts and professional heavyweight boxing from 1977 to 1993. Making his mark early on, Cobb's aggressive fighting style and punching power propelled him to victory in his first thirteen consecutive fights by knockout by 1979.

While never claiming a world championship, Cobb's resilience and ability to withstand heavy blows earned him widespread recognition. He bested esteemed heavyweights including Leon Spinks, Bernardo Mercado, and Earnie Shavers, earning a spot in The Ring Magazine's global top 10 heavyweight rankings in 1981 and 1982. Cobb's journey, much like other boxing actors on this list, transcended the confines of the ring as he ventured into the world of acting. With numerous film and television credits to his name, Cobb's acting career has arguably surpassed his achievements in boxing. Notable roles include:

The Golden Child (1986)
Police Academy 4: Citizens of Patrol (1987)
Coen Brothers (1987)
Raising Arizona (1987)
Code of Vengeance (1985)
The X-Files (2000)

Boxing Actors - Summing Up

The realm of boxing and its associated betting markets like those found on the best online sportsbooks in the US like Bet365 Sportsbook have borne witness to the rise of remarkable figures who have not only conquered the ring but also made indelible marks on the boxing actors. From Roy Jones Jr, Michael Bentt, and Mike Tyson to Tony Danza and Joe Frazier, among numerous others, the stories of these boxers-turned-actors underscore the multifaceted talent residing within athletes and their capacity for reinvention beyond the limits of their sporting activities.