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!

Come out Fighting movie

 

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

Just a footnote about the 2 aboriginal men who woke Michael up to have drink with them in the movie: the older man was the famous Harry Williams from the country and Western music band Harry Williams and the country outcasts.  The younger man Bert Williams was Harry’s son.
Bert was one of the 4 men who went to Canberra and established the aboriginal embassy at the old federal parliament house lawns.

Lyall Smith

Great mate from schooldays. Michael came back to 40 year form one school reunion I organised in 2007. He also had a boxing scene in the movie Kenny, as Shane Jacobson’s sparring partner. As a welterweight he fought on TV ringside in the early 70’s. He was also a very talented footballer winning the Sunraysia under 16 medal for the B&F, playing for Robinvale.

Gaye Adcock

Ha! My Monday night home work went out the window when Michael or Eddie were on tv ringside !
6 thought on “Michael Karpaney – boxer and movie star”
  1. I played cricket with Michael for manatunga.was all aboriginal team coached by Tom pearce.
    Mick was open bowler and fast.

    1. 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

      1. 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!

  2. 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.

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