The Champ's a Chump: A total mess, but kinda fun?

If you have any respect for logic or decent pacing, stay far away from The Champ's a Chump. It’s for the folks who get a kick out of old-school, low-budget slapstick and don’t mind when the plot holes are big enough to drive a truck through.

Basically, Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams is just doing his thing. He plays this guy who thinks enrolling in college is a smart business move to get a boxer to sign a contract. Yeah, it makes no sense. Don’t try to think about the registration process or how he gets into the dorms. It just happens.

The whole thing feels like it was filmed in a frantic weekend. There’s a scene where Big Boy is trying to act like a college athlete, and the way he’s dressed? It’s pure gold. He looks like he’s trying to blend in with teenagers while wearing a suit that’s clearly seen better days.

It reminded me a little of the chaotic energy in Three of a Kind, though maybe a bit less refined—if you can call anything about this movie refined. There are moments where characters just walk into rooms and start talking about boxing like it’s the only thing that exists in this universe.

One of the extras in the background of the gym scene keeps looking directly at the camera. I don't know if he was bored or just waiting for his lunch break, but it’s the highlight of the second act. The director didn't even bother to reshoot it.

Is it a classic? Absolutely not. Is it better than watching The Young Rajah if you just want to turn your brain off and giggle at some ridiculous dialogue? Maybe.

There's a scene near the end involving a boxing match that lasts for about six minutes too long. You can actually see the sweat on the actors' faces turning into genuine exhaustion. It’s weirdly humanizing.

Don't expect greatness. Just expect a lot of shouting and some really, really bad disguises. Sometimes that's enough. 🥊