Joe Palooka, Champ (1946)

Synopsis
In this first entry in the pugilistic comedy series based on Ham Fishers long-running comic strip, Joe Palooka is seen before his boxing career took off. The story begins as he is discovered by Knobby Walsh, a keen-eyed manager. As Knobby trains Joe, gangsters intervene and attempt to insure that the young fighter takes a dive. When a wealthy socialite sees the handsome boxer she ignores the vast class differences and falls in love with him. The film features cameo appearances by real life boxing greats Joe Louis, Manuel Ortiz, Ceferino Garcia and Henry Armstrong. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide