A standout Robinvale sportsman and movie star is Michael Karpaney. He went on to a career in boxing, and also starred in the 1973 movie called “Come out Fighting,” about a boxer shooting for the welterweight title. It’s a short movie, about 50 minutes, but a great watch with real boxing footage! Michael is still with us and we wish him well!
The following are snapshots from the movie, but it’s best to watch the film here Come out Fighting movie
More about the film
With bold colour, harsh sound & heavy blows, Buesst’s film is a raw & fascinating insight into the ethics and aesthetics of low budget ‘70s Melbourne filmmaking. A young Aboriginal fighter, played by trained boxer Michael Karpaney, is torn between his career, his mates & the demands of a group of students campaigning for Aboriginal rights.
Featuring some fine performances, the film’s greatest asset is its unflinching & unsentimental gaze on the difficulties a blackfella must face in Australian society.
Director: Nigel Buesst
Camera: Byron Kennedy
Sound: Lloyd Carrick
Editing: Tony Paterson
Writer: Harry Martin
Cast: Micheal Karpaney, Joey Collins, Bethany Lee, Cliff Neate, Peter Adams, Peter Green, John Duigan
I am also seeking a link to show his part in the 2006 Shane Jacobsen movie “Kenny.”
If anyone has info to share, and especially family for permission to follow this story – please contact me at webmaster@robinvalecentenary.com.au.
Friend comments:
Raymond Kennedy
I played cricket with Michael for manatunga.was all aboriginal team coached by Tom pearce.
Mick was open bowler and fast.
Has he passed away I had not heard
No, happily, Michael still with us according to private sources!
Michael Karpaney is alive and has returned to Boxing coaching at the Maribyrnong Community Youth Club Inc “Boxing Club” based in Maribyrnong. Tomorrow the 1/1/2025 Michael and I will visit our old coach Ron “Jake” Jacobson. Michael is retired and acknowledged as a Aboriginal Elder. David Nugara Coach and Secretary of the Maribyrnong Boxing Club 31/12/2024
That is good news David, thanks for letting us know. So glad to hear that Michael is doing well, he is fondly remembered in Robinvale – we wish him all the best!
Hi David. Could you please contact me on the email in lower post. Michelle would love to get in with contact Michael. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Carl
Hi David,
I’m Michelle, Michael’s daughter and would love to be able to make contact with him again. I know this sounds random but I’m hoping you can contact me either by email or phone regarding Michael. My contact details are sandow@live.com.au or 0439096832. I would really appreciate any help in trying to reconnect with him. Thanks Michelle
Hi all.
Great news. We have found Michael and will have father and daughter reunited within the next week. Thank you to all.
I remember when Michael got a flash bicycle. Dad was taking me to either school or work early one morning, when Michael came flying out of the bushes on the railway line side of the road, just as we were slowing down entering the outskirts of town. He glanced up and pedalled even harder getting across our lane by the skin of his teeth. Gave dad and me quite a start.
I have the honour of being married to Michael’s daughter Michelle and would love for him or any family members to reach out. Michelle feels a part of her is missing and would love to know her heritage. He has 5 grandkids and 4 great grandkids. Michelle doesn’t require anything but to get to know her father and or his family. Please feel free to reach out. Our email address is sandow@live.com.au.
Thank you
Thanks for your response Carl, I hope that all works out well for Michelle and her dad. Family is so precious, but can also be very sensitive. You might be able to contact Michael via David Nugara who has also commented on this post, and worked with Michael in coaching at the Maribyrnong Boxing Club . My very best wishes to you all!
Hi my name is Carolyn Lawson I’m Michael Karpany sister. Michael is the eldest of 11 I’m 62 and I live in Robinvale would love to hear from you
I have the honour of being Michael granddaughter and the daughter of Michelle and I would to meet and talk with him, I always felt apart of me was missing and always wanted to know more about my heritage and I always wanted to be a boxer and I always loved boxing and would love to talk with him
Michaelee
Hi everyone
I first meet Mick at the famous Braybrook football club in 1981.
In 1983 Mick was playing coached of the the 3rd open age side.
It was a great year and I have lots of memories Braybrook went on to Win on to Win the Grand Final which was played at Skinners Reserve Sunshine (Sunshine VFA club’s home ground) although I did not play in the grand final (played 14 home & away games)lol not quite good enough to make the side But felt very much a part of it.
Mick was a gun player so respected and admired at Braybrook a fearless and a guy who went in as hard as a footballer who led by example.
In 1986 in the 3rds we were struggling with injuries, Mick was talked into playing the odd game, Ever the competor he played 8 Great games for the whole year we finished in the bottom half of the ladder…
Mick won the clubs best polling 24 Votes from 8games perfect record..
lol i was runner up in the best and fairest to Mick polling 21 from playing 18 games , rapt to say i ran 2nd the champ yaay
I am so fortunate to have meet &shared so many good times over the decades on and off field with (Canvas) nickname at Braybrook lol
Although I probably haven’t spoke or seen him for a couple of years, I’m definitely going to catch up with him this year…
I hope that family can all get together some time soon I’m sure their is so much to talk about and share.
Cheers Colin O’donnell Lexton Victoria Australia