Deadline is reporting that Sylvester Stallone is launching a new production company Balboa Productions, with its first project set to be a biopic of Jack Johnson, the first ever African American heavyweight boxing champion of the world.
Stallone has been instrumental in helping to obtain a Presidential Pardon for Johnson, who was convicted of violating the Mann Act in 1910 after transporting a white woman – his partner Lucille Cameron – across state lines for “immortal purposes”. After fleeing the country, Johnson would eventually return and serve 10 months in prison.
Johnson – nicknamed the Galveston Giant – became heavyweight champion of the world in 1908 and two years later he took part in the “Fight of the Century” against former undefeated champion James J. Jeffries, defeating his opponent with a 15th round TKO. He would retire in 1938 with a record of 73 wins, 13 losses and 10 draws.
The as-yet-untitled film is being produced by MGM, the studio behind Stallone’s next movie Creed 2, which is currently in production.
