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!
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.