Gym.
Leon is with Becky and Squid in the gym. Squid is opening and reading some hate mail.
Squid (reads letter) 'What kind of a black man would run after a white man after he leave him behind like that? Answer, no kind!'
Becky Don't read him any more.
Squid Oh, yer gonna love this one.
Becky Mr Davidson?
Squid 'How could you stand there like that, smiling, letting them call you monkey? You should have walked out of the ring in protest.'
Becky Leon, don't listen.
Squid No, Leon, listen. (Reads another.) 'You call yourself black? Even your manager had to walk away in shame.' (Reads another.) 'You been kissing the white man's arse for so long, you are starting to like it?' (Reads another.) 'The Leon Shuffle? Why don't you shuffle on back to the dole queue?' That's my favourite.
Becky They are jealous, ignore them.
Squid What business have you being wid a white woman?
Becky Have you finished?
Squid That's black people for you. Nuttin but crabs in a pot. When one gets to the top, all the others want to do is drag it back down.
Leon Ain't no one pulling me down.
Squid So it now you decide to turn man?
Becky Why can't you leave him alone?
Squid Is who you chat to, gal?
Becky He's upset, can't you see?
Leon I'm not upset.
Becky Your son, remember?
Leon Becks, I'm alright.
Squid You grind her yet?
Leon What?
Squid She, you grind her yet?
Becky Unbelievable.
Leon Dad, don't talk about her like that, please?
Becky Please?
Squid That mean no. My God!
Leon Don't.
Squid A dog do better dan you.
Leon Dad?
Becky Don't talk to him.
Leon What you mean, don't talk to him?
Squid You best step it up, bwoi, this is one gal who want fuck.
Leon I have actually.
Becky Leon!
Leon Nuff times. What, you don't believe me?
Squid Alright, alright, you the man.
Becky I am still right here, you know, if you don't mind. And if my dad heard what you were saying now –
Squid Him what? Go run and hide like he's doing right now is what. You nuh see his rass for days, child.
Leon Dad, she's worried, rein it in, will yer!
Squid It's me one here, not him. 'bout him run out, leave my son behind. You tink I want put down my own boy? I'm just keeping him real. A whole heap of other boys like him coming through, I don't want him standing like fool compared to dem.
Leon What other boys?
Squid Yer old friend, Troy, for one.
Leon Troy?
Squid You nuh hear? Him just gone from amateur to pro, in the shortest time ever in the States.
Leon Troy? Boxing?
Squid Him work out in the Kronk.
Leon The Kronk? The Kronk?
Squid Sparring with Hearns there.
Leon Hit man Hearns? No way.
Squid So I hear.
Leon Bullshit, Dad, that is bullshit.
Squid Don't shoot me, him mudda tell me. She also say one day he'll come back.
Leon Let him.
Squid Him say he go win everything. Be the first black British man to win the belt.
Leon He gave up being a Brit when he went to the States.
Squid You be a fool to bet against him. He is what I'd call a sure thing.
Leon Alright, what is it?
Squid Nuttin, son.
Leon What have I done wrong now?
Squid I said nuttin. Except, say, go mess up my vibe. Go beat Tommy, the British number-one challenger, I mean, what the hell was that?
Becky You bet on Tommy?
Leon You didn't bet on me?
Squid The boy has never lost a fight, you mad? Of course mi bet on him. And you had to go tump his arse fer him, innit?
Leon What round?
Squid What the hell difference it mek? It was only a bet. Nuttin personal.
Leon What round did you bet on, Dad?
Squid Oh cha rass, boy!
Leon What round were you expecting to see me lying on the ground, wid my head busted?
Squid The third. And it weren't like that. You go cry now?
Becky I think you had better go, Mr Davidson.
Squid Gal polite, you see. 'm not going anywhere, child.
Charlie comes in, drunk.
Charlie What have I missed?
Leon Here he is!
Becky Dad, where have you been?
Charlie Business.
Squid Yeah, man, I can smell the business!
Becky Oh, Dad, no. You promised.
Charlie Come on, Squid, you know the rules. No family members. Alright! So, get out.
Squid Excuse me?
Charlie If you wouldn't mind.
Squid Him my boy.
Charlie And this is my gym. No losers allowed.
Squid Hey, is who the hell you tink –
Leon Dad, just walk away. He didn't mean it . . .
Squid I ask him a question, why you so soff, boy?
Leon (offers him some notes) Here!
Squid What dis?
Leon Just take it and go.
Squid You want discuss our business in front of dem?
Leon Not now, alright.
Squid So, he get in my face and all you do is –
Leon Dad, will you please just go?
Squid (feeling hurt, he snatches the money) You want to grover to them, be my guest, I'm gone!
Squid storms out.
Charlie Oh dear!
Becky I've been frantic for days, I even called the police, and you've been out on the bloody piss!
Leon You alright, Chas?
Charlie You know, thirty years, Leon. Thirty years, I would have strung you up if you so much as even looked at her. Now you lot think you can do what you want.
Leon Stroll on, Chas.
Charlie Don't call me Chas. Don't say stroll on like yer one of the chaps.
Leon Why are you getting all narked for?
Charlie I said stop it. Last to know about this, was I?
Becky What difference would that make?
Charlie A backhander is what you need, girl.
Becky You haven't got the guts.
Leon Come on, Chas, you wouldn't.
Charlie No, I wouldn't do that.
Leon Course.
Charlie Wouldn't call the Old Bill when you and Troy broke into my office. Wouldn't have told his mum to piss right off when she came here begging to let you off. Wouldn't smash Tommy and his dad in the face for laughing at me, right in my face. You couldn't keep yer legs closed, you had to open them up wide for the likes of him.
Leon Hey, Chas, come on?
Charlie (shoves him off) Last fight I had in the ring, Leon, was in 1972, but in your case, I will come out of retirement so bleeding fast, I'll leave you behind. Don't you ever touch me.
Leon Alright, I'm not touching yer.
Charlie Just piss off, alright? Get out of my gym. What are you standing there for? You heard what I said. Get out.
Leon You don't mean that.
Charlie I mean it this time. I don't wanna see your face again.
Leon Oh, go with Bishop like Tommy then, shall I? Watch you and the gym go under without me? I've seen you with all them final demands.
Charlie This is still my gym!
Leon You need me.
Becky Leon?
Leon Come on, Chas, this ain't you, it's the JD talking.
Charlie I said out.
Leon You don't want me to go, and I ain't going. Yer like a dad to me.
Charlie (in a rage) BUT I'M NOT YER FUCKING DAD, AM I? I'M NOT YER DAD, LEON, I NEVER FUCKING WAS, I DIDN'T ASK TO BE. How can I be yer dad? Have you ever heard the like? Well, have yer? You think cos you've got crowds cheering you on now, I call you son, that makes you one of us? Believe it, Leon, believe it cos its true. We hate you.
Leon I don't believe yer.
Charlie So why am I saying it?
Leon Cos you wanna believe it.
Charlie Who cares?
Leon I do! You'll never get anyone as good as me again. You know that. I'll never have anyone as good as you. You want proof? Alright, be my manager as well as my trainer. We'll make it official, put it in writing.
Charlie Bunch of coffee-coloured kids running around, calling me grandad. I'm not having that.
Becky Shut up, Dad.
Charlie You're living in a dream world.
Leon Chas, did you hear me?
Becky Leon?
Leon I'm gonna get you your first world title, yer gonna throw it all away because of me and her?
Charlie I want it as bad as you.
Leon Well, come on then!
Becky Leon, he can't.
Leon Just wait. Chas?
Charlie Alright then, alright. I'll be your trainer-manager.
Leon Sorted!
Charlie Just leave my girl alone.
Leon What?
Charlie You wanna screw around with slags like yer old man, that's your business but not with her. Give her up, right now, alright?
Becky Dad, you bastard.
Charlie That's the deal. Take it or leave. Well?
Becky Come on, Leon let's go. Leon?
Leon You wanna wait outside for a bit, Becks?
Becky What?
Leon You wanna wait outside for a bit?
Becky No, I don't.
Leon Just for a bit.
Becky Are you coming with me, yes or no?
Leon Just wait outside for a bit, Becks, please?
Becky Stop saying that.
Leon Just for a bit.
Becky Don't do it.
Leon Just for a bit. How many more times –
Becky slaps his face.
Leon Just for a bit.
Becky slaps him again repeatedly.
Leon Becks? It's like what you said once, a little bit of fun.
Becky I know what I said.
Leon So, what then?
Becky You know what, read those letters Leon. Read every one. Believe every word, cos it's true.
Becky leaves.
Charlie Fiery, like her mum. That's the Irish in her.
Leon Are you for real?
Charlie You just gonna stand there or work out?
Leon She's gone, Chas.
Charlie She's my blood. She'll be back.
Charlie throws him a pair of gloves.
Charlie Get to work.
Lights on Leon.
Leon Charlie set up a fight for me against Paul Kieron from Leeds. Royal Albert Hall, thousands of seats, it was a seventy thirty split seeing as Kieron was a former world-title holder. I take Kieron out in five. Three months later, I'm there again, battering the hell out of Noah Hunter in the fourth. And all we got was a forty split. The nerve! Earls Court next, take on the UK champ, Shaun Callum, it was a fifty fifty split, but it took me nine rounds to get that belt off him, and then six in the rematch, which is where the real money is and I ain't lying, we cleaned up! Spring of '87, Wembley Arena, fighting Paul Edwards, and, yes, finally, this time we are the ones calling the shots, setting the pace, walking away with the biggest purse. Seventy thirty in our favour and, I swear, I can almost smell that dinero. I get the drop on Edwards in the third, all too easy. Oh yes, without a doubt, I'm in my prime now. Money is rolling in. My face on is on the front page of the Boxing News. Giving Chas his first European title belt after I gave that Kraut Werner a proper spanking. Oh yes! Now I have papers, magazines, telly interviewing me nearly every week now. Asking me if I'm ever going for the world title? Let me get this straight. Two title belts. Ten wins. Six knockouts does the Pope live in Rome? Of course I am going for the world title! I can't be touched, I won't be touched.
Leon is back in the gym with Becky.
Becky You have to stop this, Leon.
Leon Told you already, girl, I don't know what you're talking about.
Becky I know it's you.
Leon Becks, believe me.
Becky Calling me all the time, hanging up when you hear my voice, was annoying.
Leon Not me.
Becky Insulting my boyfriend when he answers the phone, was just plain childish.
Leon Not me!
Becky Now you're stalking me?
Leon No.
Becky This stops now. Are you listening?
Leon What makes you think it's me?
Becky One of my neighbours saw you lurking around earlier. 'Black kid, he looked just like Leon Davidson,' she says.
Leon Nice!
Becky She wanted to call the police. Now she wants an autograph. (Leon chuckles.) Why are you doing this?
Leon If it was me, did you ever think that maybe it was because I'm looking out for you? It's a rough area you are living in, Becks.
Becky I've got Simon looking after me.
Leon He sounds like a bender.
Becky Leon, what is going on in that head?
Leon Like I got time to be chasing after you.
Becky This stops, right now.
Leon Too busy larging it in the West End to chase after you.
Becky Do you understand me?
Leon I'm one of the faces, girl.
Becky No more.
Leon Voice down. Unless you want Charlie coming out.
Becky It's like I'm talking to a total stranger. I'm going.
Leon Meeting Simon?
Becky Yes, Leon, I am meeting Simon. We are having dinner.
Leon How posh.
Becky It's only a pizza.
Leon It's the way you say it. Is he white, Simon?
Becky Yes.
Leon So, you finally give up the taste of a black man?
Becky That's Troy talking.
Leon It's getting dark. I can drive you home in my spanking new car if you like?
Becky I thought it might be yours.
Leon Did you think it was Charlie's?
Becky smiles at the thought.
Leon There it is. You know, your smile just lights me up, whenever I see it. It always did, you know that? So, you like it then, the motor?
Becky It's nice.
Leon It's an Aston Martin. You know, like James Bond.
Becky Yes, I know. Expensive.
Leon I can afford it now.
Becky As long you're being careful.
Leon Of course. Charlie's investing my money. Looking after it.
Becky Charlie? Bit risky, isn't it?
Leon Why?
Becky This is my dad we're talking about.
Leon If I didn't know any better, I'd say, Rebecca, that you were caring about me.
Becky It's your money.
Leon Trying to ruin my fun.
Becky Forget it.
Leon I know what I'm doing.
Becky Sorry!
Leon Cos it was the best feeling in the world when I walked right into the dealer's shop. I slam the money down and I goes, ‘That one, I want that one.' You like? You wanna?
Becky I am really happy for you.
Leon So let me take you for a spin in it.
Becky I thought you were just going to drop me home?
Leon We'll take a nice drive over the bridge.
Becky Will you stop?
Leon Stop? Stop what?
Becky You broke my fucking heart.
Leon Calm down, girl.
Becky Strutting around like it was nothing. You're not even sorry for what you did, are you? I loved you.
Leon You loved the thrill.
Becky Then I loved you.
Leon You don't want a ride, cool. That is fine. I got smart shoes, pukka suits. New telly with a video. What I need you for?
Becky Exactly.
Leon Page Three girl with a fine pair of Bristols is what I need.
Becky (takes out a piece of paper from the bag) Could you sign this please?
Leon What is it?
Becky Autograph for my neighbour, remember?
Leon signs it.
Leon Coulda least wait for yer dad. He'll be out in a sec.
Becky How is he?
Leon Same.
Becky He's not drinking, is he?
Leon Maybe, maybe not.
Becky Please, Leon.
Leon Ask him yourself if you're that bothered.
Becky Tell me.
Leon No. Not that I know of.
Becky Thank you.
Leon (rattles his car keys) Last chance. The car, goes like a dream, Becky, it's so good you'll cream yourself.
Becky That's disgusting.
Leon Only joking, calm down.
Becky Leon?
Leon Oh, what now?
Becky This isn't you.
Becky tries to go as quickly as possible as Charlie enters, having shown Ray around the gym. Charlie shows him a picture of his younger self, fighting.
Charlie There's me again. 1968. Taken when I fought Curtis Cokes. Fast fucker. I landed a perfect left hook on for him in the first round then he – (Sees Becky.) Becky? Becky, love?
Becky Leave me, Dad, don't say a word.
Charlie Oh, babe, come on.
Becky No.
Charlie Darling, please . . .
Becky goes.
Charlie When were you planning on telling me she was here?
Leon She don't wanna know, Chas.
Charlie That's not what I asked. You should have told me.
Leon Well, I didn't, get over it.
Charlie You what?
Leon You deaf?
Charlie Listen –
Ray Are we happy here?
Charlie Of course. So sorry. Where was I?
Ray Do you think we could hurry this . . . ?
Charlie . . . Oh yes, Cokes. Now he was fast, made me bleed. No other fighter has ever done that to me, before or since. It was an honour. Did you know, he was never knocked out in his professional career?
Ray No, I didn't.
Charlie He was class. A gent. Unlike a lot of lads who fight nowadays - too much mouth. It's all about the dinero now, the money. Thank you, Maggie.
Ray Not for my Troy. It's the smell of the ring. The thrill of a fight, the feeling before the first-round bell, that drives him. Crazy nigga would fight for nothing if I tell him to.
Charlie How did you find him?
Ray Detroit. Working at some gas station. This white cop caught a couple of black kids stealing from the store, he was roughing them pretty bad.
Charlie Here it comes.
Ray Troy grabbed the cop, knocked his ass into the middle of next week. He got busted, so I bailed him.
Charlie Boy never learns.
Ray Oh he learns. Ever since that prick of a father ran out on him, he had no choice but to learn. The way he hit – whoa! I took his ass straight to the Kronk. Those hands were meant for something other than cleaning men's rooms.
Leon (chuckles) If he had asked, I would have lent him my mop.
Ray Say what?
Leon Just tell him, he'll know what I mean.
Ray Right, OK.
Leon I bet I know what he says about me.
Ray I bet you don't.
Leon Don't believe a word now. What does he say?
Ray As a matter of fact, he's never mentioned you.
Leon You lie.
Ray Not once, babe.
Leon You didn't know I knew him?
Ray Not until just now.
Leon He's been in America, you been training him how long, he's never mentioned me?
Ray Nope.
Leon He's been slagging me off in the papers since he got here, calling me Uncle Tom.
Ray That's nothing personal. Just business.
Leon I'm fine about it. But he never said?
Ray I'm sorry.
Leon You know, fuck him.
Leon goes at it on the speed bag.
Ray So, we ready to do this, Charles?
Charlie Oh, we are more than ready, Mr Reid.
Ray But I think you and your boy here need to go back to bed and wake up again.
Charlie Why is that? It was a perfectly good offer.
Ray Floyd and Stephens were the two best challengers to the title - Troy beat their asses.
Charlie Yeah, but I think -
Ray Well, I never think, I just do. Now, I'm hungry, so can we finish this please? Come on now.
Charlie What are you suggesting?
Ray For you to get real, Charles.
Charlie I believe I am.
Ray Good. You can start by bringing that number down.
Charlie Hang on.
Ray Capiche? Come on, I want eat.
Charlie I saw the Stephens fight.
Ray Uh – huh?
Charlie Well, forgive me for saying so, and no offence here –
Ray (getting impatient) Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Charlie Troy was lucky, by this much, to get it on points.
Ray And Floyd?
Charlie Yeah, he wasn't bad.
Ray Wasn't bad? What fight were you watching, Charles?
Charlie It's Charlie, please?
Ray How long you been a trainer?
Charlie Eleven years.
Ray My boy outflanked him with every move. Troy is the real deal. Now, here is the news. Why don't you go back to that nice little office of yours, try coming up with a figure you know you can live with? And I promise you, I will say yes to it.
Charlie Well, that's good, I'd appreciate that . . .
Ray Just as long as it isn't something that I don't want to say yes to.
Leon I don't see Troy wearing two belts.
Ray Pardon me?
Leon I don't even see him wearing one belt. It's me that's wearing them.
Ray That's it, that all you got?
Leon You need us, Ray.
Charlie Leon, let me deal with this.
Leon And you know it, so keep up.
Ray Young man, the only thing I need to keep up is my dick. What the hell is this, Charles?
Charlie My apologies, Mr Reid.
Leon Mister?
Charlie Bit excited, that is all. Why don't you step back into my office? We can discuss this
Ray Rollins will come to us in time, we don't need you.
Leon Fine, forget Troy, I'll have Rollins to myself.
Ray You think you can win? Then you take him. Better for us. Rollins, you, don't matter, Troy will whup all yer asses.
Leon You will have to negotiate with me.
Charlie With us!
Leon Knowing I'm world champion.
Ray Not if you lose the rematch.
Leon Never gonna happen.
Ray Maybe, but Troy will take it from you, and that will happen.
Charlie As I said, shall we . . . ?
Ray Sixty/forty in our favour.
Leon Sixty-five/thirty-five, to us.
Ray Get the fuck out of here.
Charlie Hang on, be fair, he is loved over here.
Ray He and his shuffle don't mean jack in the US of A.
Leon I'm the UK and European champion!
Ray Fuck it, I'm done here.
Ray goes to leave.
Charlie We'll take it, sixty/forty.
Leon What?
Charlie I said we'll take it.
Leon Chas? Are you mad?
Ray Well, that is music to my ears. Oh yes. Now, if you fine gentlemen will excuse me, cos I've got so many places to be. My people will talk to your people, and we will get this party started. It's going to be one hell of a night, thank you, Charles, Leon! Let's rumble!
Ray leaves.
Leon What are you doing?
Charlie What am I doing? Why did you do that?
Leon You were fucking it up.
Charlie Watch yer mouth, boy, you're in my house. Now, you have to tread carefully with the likes of Reid, he's top-notch.
Leon You were taking it up the arse.
Charlie And you were showing us up. Are you listening to me? There is more going on here than just you and Troy. If you don't win, this place goes under and that's a fact.
Leon What do you mean, 'go under'? I thought we were raking it in.
Charlie Don't you read the papers, boy?
Leon Yeah, I read the bloody papers.
Charlie Recession? Stock market?
Leon Oh no, you didn't.
Charlie It'll be alright.
Leon Every penny?
Charlie It will be alright, I said.
Leon Fucking hell, Chas!
Charlie Maggie will sort it.
Leon Never mind bloody Maggie. The money!
Charlie We'll get it back. Once you've beaten Troy, we'll have the title in our sights, we'll be set for life.
Leon We? Why should I help you now?
Charlie I've seen the way you spend money, Leon. That bloody car outside! You are in the shit as well. You don't honestly think 40% is enough to cover all of our debts, do yer?
Leon So, why agree?
Charlie It was better than nothing. He was half way out the door because of you. So leave me alone and let me do it.
Charlie And don't you ever keep Becky away from me again.
Leon Fuck Becky!
Charlie She's my girl.
Leon Unbelievable.
Charlie You don't decide for me. Are we clear?
Leon Fuck you, telling me what to do any more. Just know, I took you with me, when no one else would. I got you onto the coaching team at the Olympics, even though everyone was telling me not to. You know why? Cos no one rates you! I'm all you've got. I'm gonna save you, gonna save this gym, and you're gonna be on your knees thanking me for it.
Leon and Troy are on the phone talking to each other.
Troy Yeah, who dis? Hello? You there, somebody?
Leon It's me, Troy.
Troy And who might you be?
Leon Leon.
Troy Leon?
Leon Don't piss about.
Troy Leon Davidson! I'm honoured. So, what can I do for you, Leon Davidson?
Leon I just fancied a chat.
Troy I don't think you and I have anything to talk about.
Leon Troy, it's me. You can drop the act.
Troy This isn't an act.
Leon Calling me an Uncle Tom, what's that about?
Troy (grunts) That was business. Talk to Ray.
Leon Troy? Just hold up will yer, Troy? What's the bleeding hurry.
Troy What do you want, fool?
Leon Just for us to think for a minute.
Troy About what?
Leon The way it was.
Troy I don't have time for this.
Leon Troy, what's so wrong with kicking back a little, like we used to? Hang out and that? Look at us, can you believe this shit? I got a penthouse overlooking the Arndale Centre. Eight years ago you and me was rampaging through that place, stealing records from Our Price. (Chuckles.) You remember that?
Troy No.
Leon How can you not remember that, Troy? The security guards were chasing us all down Wandsworth High Street! We had to drop all the records and tapes.
Troy I just don't. So, are we done?
Leon Old times, mate, best time of times, it was like it was the only time for when shit made sense. Did you ever think then we would be where we are now?
Troy I don't think about the past.
Leon Is that why you didn't tell Ray anything about me? Like I never existed? I want the title, Troy.
Troy Don't beg.
Leon I ain't begging!
Troy You talking like a bitch.
Leon I thought I was talking to my mate.
Troy I'm not your mate. Now, are we done here?
Leon Oh, come on, Troy, don't be like that Troy hangs up on him.
Leon You're still my – (Realises he has been cut off.)
Leon is alone by himself in the gym. That phone conversation with Troy has clearly got to him. He takes out a roll of hand-wrap from his locker and begins wrapping his hands. Squid enters.
Squid How you doing, boy?
Leon Dad, you shouldn't be here.
Squid Yeah, I know.
Leon Charlie's rules.
Squid Hey, claart to Charlie's rules, yeah? What kind of a world are we living when I can't even come say hello to my boy before him have the biggest fight of his life? Wish him luck?
Leon Seriously?
Squid Look, I know I can be a bit much sometimes.
Leon Sometimes?
Squid You, my boy, I want make my peace wid you.
Leon You come here to tell
Squid You deaf? So, that alright wid you?
Leon It's alright.
Squid You want help?
Leon You know how?
Squid helps Leon with wrapping his hand.
Leon No, you gotta wrap it over the back of my wrist.
Squid OK.
Leon Then over the back of my hand with it.
Squid How many times?
Leon Four.
Squid One, two, three, four.
Leon Just before you do a fifth.
Squid I do this, up through the finger, then under the thumb.
Leon Smart-arse.
Squid How's that?
Leon Good. Thanks.
Squid So, how you feel?
Leon Ripe!
Squid So, what's your prediction for the fight?
Leon (Mr T. impression) Pain!
They chuckle.
I pity the fool.
Squid You know it.
Leon Appreciate you coming by.
Squid Course I come, yer my boy, my blood.
Leon I know, but cheers.
Squid Good.
Leon Look, I'll be done here in a bit. Fancy a night out?
Squid Doing what?
Leon Watch a game of footie? See a film?
Squid Yeah. Leon?
Leon Let's go see The Untouchables. It's at the Odeon.
Squid Leon, I can't.
Leon But you like Sean Connery. I hear it's blinding.
Squid I'm busy.
Leon sniffs him.
Squid Hey!
Leon That ain't Brut I'm smelling. Old Spice? She must be a right sort if you're getting out the Old Spice.
Squid You have no idea.
Leon Yer gonna wind up with big A, the way you carry on.
Squid I look like Rock Hudson to you?
Leon So, where is she?
Squid I have her panting in a bar, cross the road, wid a glass of Babycham. Today of all days I lose my wallet, can you believe?
Leon No, actually.
Squid No?
Leon You blew it on horses, just tell me the truth for once.
Squid What, you think I would make up a story like that? Come out wid me, come meet her if you think I'm lying, come. Why the hell else would I be here . . . ? I didn't mean that, yeah, yeah?
Leon Yes, you dd.
Squid What, so you can read minds now as well as fight? I said I didn't. What, you think I should feel bad?
Leon I'm not thinking anything.
Squid Ca I ask you?
Leon I don't believe this.
Squid Yer a big man now. You have the whole river to yourself and all I ask for is a lickle summin, not much, but enough to wet my beak. Bwoi, don't look pon me like you want fight me, yeah? You're not in the ring now, Mr High and Mighty
Leon throws some cash onto the floor.
Squid Oh, I see, is that yer game? Want see yer papa on his hands and knees?
Leon Just go.
Squid Is who you chat to so? Don't walk away from me, you think you bad, you think you know? I've been here longer than you, child, I know, I know! You know what? Tek yer money. Go shove it up yer white arse!
Leon Yeah, Dad, good one.
Squid You know how many people want see Troy bust yer arse tomorrow?
Leon Let me guess, black people?
Squid You and yer blasted shuffle.
Leon Well, fuck 'em and fuck you. It's like you always say, Dad, black people, nothing like crabs in a pot. If they can't see what I'm doing for them -
Squid What the hell do you think you are doing for them?
Leon Giving them a world champion.
Squid Yeah, Troy Augustus.
Leon And I bet you placed money on him.
Squid Actually, it wass you I betted on. For once. But this is the one time I hope I am wrong. Ca I hope he beats yer living rass. Knock all this white man shit out of you.
Leon This coming from a ponce who spends half his time flying in and out of white minge.
Squid You can't win.
Leon I'll take him out in under five, watch me.
Squid You don't understand, you can't win, neither of you. Why you think all them white people are gonna be there watching you tomorrow night? Ca they love you?
Leon They do.
Squid Yer fart. Ca they love nuttin better than see two black men beat up on each other. They too afraid to do it themselves, so they get you to do it. Love you? Deh the same people who wanted Tommy to kill you that time. He was their white hope, yer jackarse.
Leon Bored now.
Squid Listen, yeah, once you done playing the fool for them, once they done wid you, you'll realise same as me this is deh country. You'll be just another wurtless black man like me.
Leon shoves Squid.
Squid (slightly fearful of what his son could do to him next) Alright . . . alright.
He leaves the gym quickly.
The ring.
Troy and Leon step into the ring and face other.
Voice of Referee Right, you know the rules, watch the low blows, no sucker punches, if there is a knock-down, no messing about, go straight to your corner and don't come out till called for. Are we clear? Right, touch gloves, let's go.
Leon and Troy retreat to their corners. The bell rings. They fight.
At first, Troy seems just happy moving around slow, as Leon dances around him. The crowd are cheering. Leon clips Troy. Then again, and again, and again.
Charlie Don't get too close.
Troy appears not to be trying. He leads Leon in, then suddenly lands a punch. He lands another before Leon realises he was hit the first time. Leon is hurt, he stumbles. Crowd are in a frenzy.
Bell rings.
Second round.
Leon now seems to be taunting Troy. Baiting him to catch up with him as he shuffles around the ring. Troy loses it. He goes for Leon who punches back, delivering a sweet right cross. Troy stumbles, he hits the ropes.
Leon Thank you and goodnight!
Bell rings.
Leon and Troy are in their respective corners.
Charlie More like that, keep smoking him out, use your head.
Leon is hearing but not listening. He cannot keep his eyes off Troy, who is staring back at him, hard.
Bell rings.
It is the third round. They circle each other again. Without warning, Troy lands five jabs in quick succession. Leon tries hard to stay on his feet but he is dazed by the quickness of Troy's delivery. Crowd gasp when Leon falls to the floor.
Charlie Leon! Come on, boy, get up.
Leon uses what little strength he has left to lift himself up.
Leon Is that all you've got, Troy?
Troy lands a strong left hook, followed by a right one.
Leon That all you got?
Troy lands a few more hooks.
Leon What you call that?
Bell rings.
Leon is breathing heavily.
Charlie You can't take another round like that.
Leon I can beat him.
Charlie He's killing you.
Leon I can beat him!
Charlie Are you sure? Leon, look at me.
Bell rings.
Troy lands another blow. Leon is taking hit after hit.
Leon Again
Charlie Leon, your guard.
Leon Again!
Troy growls in frustration. None of his blows are knocking out Leon.
Leon finally throws a punch but it does not land. It misses Troy's face by miles. Troy lands more and more jabs on him.
Leon Again. Again. Hit me!
Charlie can barely look any more. He throws in the towel.
Bell rings.
Leon No, no, it was a mistake, he didn't mean it. Charlie, tell him it was as mistake. Pick up the fucking towel, man, tell them it was a mistake! Troy? Come on, Troy, 'e ain't done. Come on, whatever any of you got, I can take it. I can take more, where you going? Troy? Come on. Let's finish this shit right now.
Troy leaves the ring.
Leon Don't you walk away from me, Troy. Don't you walk away. (Eyes Charlie.) You had to do it. I had him. Where I wanted. Had to do it, Chas, you had to give up. Want people to laugh, call you a joke. Well, not me. Not me. Ain't no loser like you, Charlie, you hearing me, you bloody hearing me? I can take it. You're too much of a pussy to take anything. I can take anything, everything he had, I took. So bring his arse back here. I'm in my prime, I'm ripe! There is nothing I can't take from you, or anyone, nothing. I won, everyone can see it. Bring him back here if you don't believe, bring them all. Everything he had, I can take, take it all, I beat his arse, I can't lose, I won't lose, I just can't. I can't, I can't, I won't be like you!
Charlie leaves the ring.
Leon Yeah, run away again, Chas, go on! Run as fast! (Calls.) I won't be like you! I can take more. I can take more. I can take more.
Leon paces around the ring. He exhausts himself. He holds his head in his hands as he drops to his knees in the middle of the ring.
Leon is back in the gym. Still on his knees. Bailiff's men are coming in and out. Taking away the equipment. Troy enters.
Troy Loser cleans the bogs.
Leon What? What did you say?
Troy I said, loser cleans the bogs. Winner mops the floor.
Leon You remember?
Troy Yeah, I remember. Toilets still bad here?
Leon Like you wouldn't believe.
Bailiff's men come in, removing the equipment.
Troy They still missing the bowl?
Leon Even when they have a crap.
Troy (disgusted) Oh man!
Leon You know it.
Troy I don't want to hear that.
Leon That's white boys for you.
Troy/Leon Nasty.
Troy So, what's happening?
Leon The gym's closed, Troy. Charlie's had it. He only went and put every penny we had in the stock market.
Troy Shit, that's gotta hurt. But you're still here?
Leon What else am I gonna do?
Troy Good. Cos there is a toilet bowl in there with your name on it. Come on, Leon, admit it to yourself, I whupped yer ass.
Leon Is that why you came here?
Troy Tell me.
Leon What did you expect me to do, Troy?
Troy Just tell me.
Leon Back then, years ago, what did you expect me to do?
Troy What are you talking -
Leon Stop lying to me. Just stop it. What did you want me to do?
Troy (snaps) You ran! Like the white boy you are, you ran.
Leon What was I supposed to do?
Troy Throw a brick? Fight them off?
Leon There was loads of them.
Troy Stand there and piss your pants for all I care, but don't leave me!
Leon I was scared.
Troy I was scared without you.
Leon You've lost your accent, Troy.
Troy (puts on London accent) Yeah, you know what I mean?
He does his take of the Leon Shuffle.
Troy What you think?
Leon Not bad.
Troy Faster than you?
Leon Almost as fast.
Troy Oh yes?
The boys jump like they are on springs. They begin playfully sparring around the gym. They are clearly enjoying each other's company.
Leon Come on, brown sugar, scared I'll catch yer?
Troy You couldn't catch a cold, you Black Mariah.
They laugh. This banter reminds them both of happier times.
Ray enters.
Ray Troy? What do you think you're doing?
Troy It's alright, man.
Ray No, it's not alright. What the hell?
Troy We're just fooling, be cool.
Ray Fuck cool.
Troy Yo, Ray, come on.
Ray Those hands of yours are insured for a hundred grand, each.
Troy Hold up.
Ray You don't even have gloves on, what the fuck?
Troy Like I'm trying to explain to you, if you let me, it's not for real.
Ray Get outta there. Get yer ass over here now! Nigga, you deaf?
Troy does as he is told and steps out of the ring.
Ray What the fuck is wrong with you?
Troy I'm sorry.
Ray Sorry is for losers. Don't ever do that shit again. Cab's waiting. Come on. Let's go, babe! We got a plane.
Troy Hold up.
Ray For what?
Troy Have a heart, Ray?
Ray A heart? For who? Oh Jeez. (To Leon.) Take yer asswhupping like a man, fool! You're British, should be used to that.
Troy Ray, you're not helping.
Ray Let's go, babe. World-title fight is ours for the taking now! You know how much money we are talking here?
Troy Ray?
Ray Time for fresh meat, and his name is Rollins. And we want him sweating like a pig who knows he's dinner. Move on, boy. Get yer punk ass in the car.
Troy You know, you don't talk to me that way.
Ray I will talk anyway I goddam please! You don't talk to me this way, you don't talk anyway, until I say the hell say so.
Troy I don't belong to you.
Ray You want to walk?
Troy Don't push me.
Ray I found you. I made you. Now I am cold as a motherfucker and I am as hungry as a bear, and the sooner I get out of this miserable country, the better it is for my health. Don't you ever, in yer life, give me shit about you want to walk. I own your ticket in case you forget. You and I are in bed, so you speak when I tell you. You fight who I tell you. You are mine. Now for the last goddam time, get in the fucking car, bitch. Right now, let's go.
Troy One minute.
Ray You got five seconds, starting now. Time for fresh meat.
He leaves.
(Off.) Troy?
Leon Do as the Yank man says, is it, Troy?
Troy I'm sorry, Leon.
Troy leaves.
Leon spars by himself.
Charlie staggers out of his office, nursing a hangover. Leon sees him.
Charlie Why are you still here? Eh? I thought you couldn't stand the sight of me any more.
Leon Correct.
Charlie Come on, get out, it's time to go. I said get out. Leon? The bailiffs are outside, they want the keys.
Leon So, give it to them . . .
Charlie Well, if you wouldn't mind?
Leon (sneers) Piss-artist.
Charlie Oi! You know you can't stay here.
Leon Watch me.
Charlie I'm not in the mood for this. Leon, I mean it.
Leon I'm not going.
Charlie Get the fuck out.
Leon No.
Charlie You can't stay here.
Leon Where am I supposed to go, Chas, tell me?
Charlie That's not my problem any more.
Leon Where do I go, what do I do?
Charlie I need to leave.
Leon Bloody go then.
Charlie Before this place kills me altogether. Don't you understand that?
Leon Just leave me here.
Charlie watches as Leon resumes sparring by himself.
Charlie I can't do that. Leon? Will you please let me leave? It's over, boy! It's all over. We lost. Are you receiving? Do you think I want this to happen? This was my gym, this was my home.
Leon (mimics) Good old Maggie.
Charlie Don't you make fun of me. Now come out of there. Look, don't make me call the police on yer, cos I bloody will this time, boy.
Leon Is that all I am, Chas? Your boy?
Charlie Well, what else? You tell me.
Leon Nothing.
Charlie Nothing?
Leon Don't you get it?
Charlie What are you talking about? You'll be alright, you're young. Another gym, new trainer, you'll be fighting again in no time. No scrap heap for you.
Leon Chas, I am done with it.
Charlie Don't say that.
Leon I am.
Charlie That's silly talk.
Leon extends his hands.
Charlie No. No, Leon, you can't.
Leon Please, Chas.
Charlie You're a fighter!
He accepts the inevitable. He helps Leon takes off his gloves and the hand wrap.
Charlie So, what do you think you are going to do now?
Leon I dunno.
Charlie You scared?
Leon Yeah, I am.
Charlie You should be. I'll be outside
He jumps out of the ring and leaves. Before leaving, he places the gloves on the side of the ring. One last attempt to change Leon's mind.
Charlie You'll be back.
He leaves the gym. Leon goes to his locker and puts on a pair of jogging pants and a new shirt. He grabs his bag, walks past the ring and picks up the gloves Charlie left. He throws them straight into the bin. Leon then walks slowly out of the gym for the very last time, turning off the lights as he goes.
Blackout.