Four-time National amateur boxing champion, Eric Kelly, is swapping jabs for scripts as he makes his movie debut in “Day of the Fight,” which premiered across the country just last Friday.
At 43, Kelly steps into the role of an assistant coach, and in a fun twist, he’ll be going by his real name in the movie. The film, which boasts the likes of Oscar-winner Joe Pesci, Michael Pitt, and Ron Perlman, weaves the tale of a once-famous boxer (played by Pitt) seeking redemption on the very day he has his first fight post-prison.
A clearly ecstatic Kelly remarked, “Being on the small screen was something, but this? It’s surreal. My part’s solid, words and all, not just a pop-in. Sharing the set with legends like Joe Pesci? Priceless. Though I didn’t have scenes with him. Michael Pitt and I, we go way back. He’s not just an actor I admire, but also someone I’ve trained in real life. When he mentioned a boxing film, how could I resist?”
Perlman, who many recall from ‘Sons of Anarchy’, fills the shoes of Pitt’s chief coach. Kelly’s character assists Perlman’s, adding a touch of humor, Kelly quipped, “Had to show him the ropes, quite literally. I taught him mitt work. The man’s like a sponge; picked it all up in no time.”
Drawing parallels with another film star, Kelly mentioned, “Forrest Whitaker, remember him from ‘Big George’? Played an assistant trainer. I see myself in that role, plus, we both got these unique left eyes.”
Tracing back to his boxing days, Kelly’s resume is nothing short of impressive. Sporting a staggering 104-14 record, Kelly’s boxing prowess saw him almost reach the 2000 Olympics in Sydney as an alternate.
Eric’s journey began in Titusville, Florida, but it was in Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy, encouraged by his dad, where boxing truly began for him. Training started at New Bed-Stuy Boxing Center, later transitioning to the iconic Gleason’s Gym. By 16, he was already a national champ.
Despite being the top middleweight in 2001, an unexpected loss to Andre Ward at the USA Boxing Championships became a turning point. Ward would later clinch gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics, with Kelly being the alternate.
An unforeseen twist changed Kelly’s trajectory. While training at the USOEC, in a bar brawl, Kelly’s left eyelid took a hit from a pool cue, causing nerve damage and prematurely ending his boxing aspirations.
Yet, Kelly feels his boxing history set the stage for his acting. “Boxing taught me so much – discipline, seizing opportunities, teamwork, maturity, and confidence. It was like prepping for this role all along,” he reflected.
Chris Cugliari, Director of the USA Boxing Alumni Association, sang praises for Kelly. “Eric’s been a beacon for USA Boxing. From nurturing young talent in boxing to chasing dreams outside the ring, he’s truly an inspiration. Who knows, maybe he’ll run for President next? We’re eager to see where life takes him next and are ever-grateful for his contribution to boxing.”
With his move to the silver screen, don’t be shocked if Eric Kelly’s next stop is at the 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles next year.