“Ringside” looks at the dangerous, volatile world of Chicago’s South Side from the perspective of two remarkably gifted young boxers and the fathers who train them. As one tries to make the Olympic Team, the other begins an eight-year-prison sentence for criminal trespass and burglary.
This documentary follows the career of two extraordinary young boxers from the south side of Chicago. As their fathers guide them to becoming successful athletes, they also struggle to shelter them from the lure of the dangerous streets of petty crimes and drug dealing. Kenny Sims Jr. and Destyne Butler Jr. both began boxing at a very young age, with their families sacrificing everything hoping they will ultimately make it to a professional level.
Unfortunately, neither of the boys live the fairy tale life as their daily struggle just to survive takes a toll. Kenny’s family remains positive and hopeful even while living in a one-bedroom apartment with no privacy between them. Unable to escape the harsh realities of the world, one after another, Kenny attends funerals of young men in the community who have been shot and killed at the hands of police officers, meanwhile, Destyne is arrested on burglary charges and faces more than 6 years in jail.
As Kenny begins to excel in the sport and continue to win fights, he finally signs his first contract as a professional and is able to afford a new home for his family. Disappointed in his son, Destyne Butler Sr. remains supportive and doesn’t give up on him as he serves time in jail rethinking how to remain on a positive path and return to boxing. This documentary is honest, inspiring and one of the best I’ve seen on young inner-city boxers who have everything against them yet they still rise.
Now playing in select theaters
