A Father's Fight (2021) Movie Script

And.

Go.

♪ Blacktop is shining

♪ Blow my back fighting

♪ I gotta get to

where I'm going ♪

♪ Lord knows I'm trying

♪ Dirt road flying

♪ I caught to sky crying

♪ If home is where I'm going

♪ Lord knows I'm trying

♪ Ooh

♪ Ooh ooh ooh ooh

♪ Ooh

♪ Ooh ooh ooh

♪ I'll be the last

one standing ♪

♪ Knock me down, I'm landing

♪ Life can't take

this fight from me ♪

♪ Lord knows it's trying

♪ You think you know,

you don't know me ♪

♪ It's not the end of my story

♪ Life won't take

the fight from me ♪

♪ Lord knows it's trying

♪ Life won't take

the fight from me ♪

♪ Lord knows it's trying

Let's go, baby girl.

Strike one.

Let's go, Shannon.

Strike two.

It's all right.

Let's go, baby doll.

Let's go, baby.

Strike three.

That's horrible.

Come on, man.

That's my baby girl out there.

You just sat her down

because of that call.

You know what?

Are you even watching

the same game?

Play ball.

Okay.

How about you learn how to ump?

How 'bout that?

And then maybe we'll

play some ball.

It's not that big of a deal.

It's just a game.

Just go there and

sit with your wife.

Go on over and sit down.

Don't walk away from me

when I'm talking to you, man.

You know I'm right.

Everybody here knows I'm right.

Say what?

You got something to say?

Come over here and say because

we can settle this right now.

Bo, we're done here.

Hey.

Hey, hey.

Don't do this, Bo.

Don't do this.

Come on, man.

No.

I just wanted to

watch my girl play.

I'm gonna have

to take you in, Bo.

I know.

But right now you're

embarrassing Shannon.

Don't do this.

And I just want to

watch my girl play.

You're

embarrassing Kacie as well

and pretty much embarrassment

to this whole town.

I have to take you in.

Come on, man.

Give me your hands.

Come on.

I wasn't gonna

do anything, man.

It just pisses me off

that he can't make a good-

- Bo, stop, stop.

Just stop.

Look, whether you would have

done anything or not just stop.

It wouldn't have been a

fair fight for you anyways.

Not with you.

You'd have attacked that ump,

knocked him flat on his

back with one swing.

♪ I always looked for God

♪ But I found the devil

♪ In every place I was

♪ And all the time I spent

♪ I always looked for God

♪ But I found a bottle

♪ To make my great escape

♪ And turn and walk away

♪ Ooh

♪ Lift your head

♪ Live instead

♪ Ooh

♪ Rest your feet

♪ Lay on he

♪ My father looked for God

♪ But he found the bottle

♪ I watched the castle fall

♪ I tried to catch it all

♪ My father looked for God

♪ But he found the devil

♪ He made his great escape

♪ He turned and walked away

What?

These are overdue.

We missed this one last week.

They're gonna shut

off our water.

What do you want me to do here?

I mean, do we have

money to move?

What do you want me to do?

You know what?

I just got home, Kacie.

What do you want from me?

Tell you what, you figure

it out 'cause I don't know.

You figure it out.

Are you kidding?

Get out of here.

Go.

Mom.

It's okay, it's

okay, it's okay.

You okay?

Yeah.

Hey buddy, come here.

Come here.

Are you okay?

You okay?

Yeah.

It's okay.

You all right?

It was a little

scary, wasn't it?

Yeah.

It's okay.

We don't like Daddy

very much, do we?

Oh, buddy.

We do.

We love Daddy.

He just is kind of

having a bad day.

A little bit of a rough time.

Okay?

But we still love him.

Okay, all right.

I'm sorry.

Hey Bo, the man.

What's up, buddy?

How's it going, man?

Good to see you, buddy.

How you doing?

I've been better, man.

That's what I've heard.

And I've heard you've had a

rough few weeks here lately.

Yeah, you could say that.

Just picking up a little

something for the road.

That'll do the trick.

Looks like

this is gonna do it for ya.

Well, let's hoping it does.

What's going on?

Kacie's been all over my

back ever since I got out so.

Oh man.

I'm sorry.

Yeah.

Well, you're

welcome here anytime.

You come see us, all right?

Yeah, won't you come on over

and we'll grab some drinks

tomorrow when I get off.

Yeah, that sounds good, man.

What's the damage here?

32.95, buddy.

Let's see here.

I'm a little short.

Uh oh.

You spot me?

Yeah, I got you.

Are you sure?

Yeah, don't worry 'bout it.

- All right.

- All right, boys.

I appreciate it.

All right,

well, good to see you.

Good seeing you guys again.

You come back anytime.

Gonna relieve some stress.

All right.

All right,

catch you guys later.

Lawson has him in the corner.

He has 15 seconds to

glory here, folks.

Lawson's really punishing him.

Lewis is barely standing.

He's on the ropes.

Two jabs from Lawson as we're

coming down to the finish.

Hard right hook to

Lewis and there it is.

That's the final bell.

He has done it.

Folks, this is your champion.

Bo Lawson is your champion.

You all right, Bo?

Yeah.

Listen.

Small towns, they talk a lot.

I heard you just got

back this morning.

I'm just coming to check on you.

Hey, you can't have

this stuff in here.

Certainly not in my gym.

Yeah, that's my bad, Sal.

Yeah, you're bad.

You don't need that junk anyhow.

Not now.

Not after just getting

home again, Bo.

We good?

Can I get back to this?

Yeah, but you might

wanna work on that swing.

Looking a bit sloppy.

Yeah well, guess we

can't all be perfect

like your boy Dylan.

It's not about

being perfect, Bo.

It's about figuring out

what matters most to you.

What's really worth

all this to you.

Come on.

Listen, I'll tell you what.

Why don't you come

back tomorrow?

Let's have a chat.

And leave that with me.

Let's take another caller.

You're on Sports Talk 900 AM.

What do you got for us?

Yeah, thank you.

Now we got these two hometown

kids Lawson and Wright.

One of them is gonna make it.

I can just feel it, but who

do you think it's gonna be?

Oh, that's a great question.

It seems to be on

everyone's mind.

Everybody's asking

that question.

After the last golden

gloves championship,

Lawson's current

skillset seems to point

to the highest ceiling,

but the kid comes

from a pretty rough background.

My bet's on Wright.

Daddy.

Hey, champ.

Where's Mommy?

I don't know.

Come on, Kacie.

It is way too early

to be doing all this.

What are you doing

with all your stuff?

Kacie.

Why are you packing?

Bo, don't.

Really?

I mean, how many times

are you gonna do this?

Huh?

You just gonna threaten to leave

every time we get an argument.

I mean, we both know

you're not going anywhere.

Right?

'Cause you need me so

quit playing these games

'cause we're gonna

get through this

just like we always do.

You got to give me

some time to think.

Okay?

I mean, you know I'm

gonna figure all this out.

I always do.

I mean, at least can I have

one cup of coffee first

before I start dealing

with all your crap?

Hey.

That bill.

I'll tell you what.

I'll call work.

I bet they can get me in this

weekend for some extra hours.

And that should take care

of all this nonsense.

You're not listening to

anything I just said?

Yeah, I hear you.

It's the same thing with

you every single time.

You won't figure it out.

You can't.

Not this time.

You know what?

You're being ridiculous.

I mean, why are you

being so dramatic?

Dramatic.

Stop with the packing.

Let's put it back

in the drawers.

Come here, come here.

Don't.

I'm sorry.

Okay?

But come on, baby,

you know we can-

- Get through anything.

Wow.

Yeah.

That's real mature, Kacie.

That's real mature.

Bo, I'm leaving.

No, you're not going.

Yeah, I am.

You are out of your mind

if you think this family

can pick you up

every time you fall.

I love you, but I

can't keep doing this.

I can't.

Kacie.

You know, this is just

like that time in Kent.

You made all these big promises.

Said we'd finally

pay off the car.

And then what happened?

They repoed our car.

They took.

They took me and our children.

You weren't there, but

they pulled our children

out of our car.

Now where were you?

You were out at the bar.

Drunk as your daddy doing God

knows what with God knows who.

You know, there have been

so many times like that.

But do you remember when?

Do you remember when

Shannon found you

passed out on the porch?

Blood everywhere

from you bashing

that dumb brain of

yours in on the patio.

And she came running in

screaming Daddy's dead.

Daddy's dead.

Do you have any idea how my

heart stopped at that moment?

Do you have any idea

how my heart stopped?

Don't.

I thought, this is it.

He's finally overdone it.

He's gonna end up

hauled off in a hearse

like his daddy was

a few years ago.

Kacie, Kacie, Kacie, Kacie.

Look, I'm sorry.

Okay?

You're right.

Okay, is that what

you wanna hear?

You're right about all that.

Don't leave.

Don't do this please.

Listen.

Last night at the gym, I had

a really good talk with Sal.

He kind of put me in

my place a little bit,

but he also had some really

good things to say to me, too.

He really wants to help out.

Mentioned that maybe

I can come in there

and start training

with him again.

I don't know.

Maybe I can talk to him

about all this stuff

I got going on in

my head, Kacie.

Think it'll be good for me.

Yeah, I know I

can quit drinking.

Just.

Just please.

Just stay.

Please, Kacie.

Kacie.

You know what?

This is insane.

And there he is again.

You know what?

Your home it's with

me and the kids.

Lucky me.

This right here.

This is your home, Kacie.

You're not leaving.

Get out of my face.

You need to just

stay right here.

Okay?

We'll figure this out together.

You gotta stay.

Bo.

Look.

I hope Sal can help you.

I hope something can

help you because this.

This stuff.

It is killing me and

it is killing you

and I hope you find the

help you need, but I'm done.

No, Kace.

No, I'm done.

Kacie.

Lawson's looking tired.

Can he repeat?

Will lightening strike twice?

It's coming down to the wire.

You're looking awful

dapper today there, Bo.

Yeah, well I must

look a lot better

than what I feel right now.

Kacie left me last night.

I just.

I don't know what to do.

You know, I tried talking to her

and I told her why

she needed to stay,

but man she was not

hearing me at all.

She had her mind made up.

I mean, her bags were packed

by the time I even woke up.

So I mean, what am

I gonna say to her?

Definitely wasn't talking

any sense into that woman.

That's for sure.

I realize I made mistakes.

I mean God, guys.

I've made a lot of

mistakes in my life,

but man, she didn't have

to throw that up in my face

every single time we

get in an argument.

I mean, that gets old.

And then she goes off on me

and takes the kids

and she leaves.

What am I supposed to do?

You know what?

That's how she

feels, she can go.

I don't need her.

I was fine before I met Kacie

and I'll be fine long

after she leaves, too.

I guarantee you that.

Don't feel sorry for me.

No, this is a good thing

because I don't have to

follow her rules anymore.

You know, I can do what

I want when I want.

Right?

I don't have to get her

permission to do anything anymore.

I don't have to answer to her.

If I want to go

out with the guys,

I'll do that anytime I want to.

Come home anytime I want to

because God forbid I ever

came home late around her

or maybe had one too many.

Not now.

I don't have to

worry about it now

because I don't have to hear

that woman's smart mouth.

Yeah.

This is gonna be good.

Man, I'm gonna have a lot

more time to come in here

and hang out with you guys.

You know, I can

start training again.

Start looking

good, feeling good,

'cause I'm sure there's some

woman out that'll want me

because clearly Kacie

doesn't 'cause she just left.

So screw her.

Why'd she leave me, man?

God.

Does she not love me?

Come here.

God, Sal, why can't she

just give me another chance?

We're gonna get through this.

Listen.

What if you just give her some

time and then circle back?

No.

She's done, man.

What do you not

understand about this?

She's not.

She's not coming back.

She's done.

I've known that woman

for a long time.

For 15 years.

And there was

something different

about the way she

said it this time.

I mean, she's threatened

it a lot over the years,

but not like this.

She's not coming back, man.

I'll tell you what.

Why don't you have a seat?

Have a seat.

Come on.

When I asked you to come

into talk the other day,

believe it or not

it wasn't about

trying to fix your marriage.

Wanna talk to you about this.

Dylan Wright.

He's hosting a charity event.

Give back to the

community and all.

He just shot me an

email to drop a line.

Say hello after all these years

and you're not

gonna believe this.

He's wondering if you'd be

interested in fighting him.

If you're still into

that kind of thing.

You know.

I'm 34 years old, man.

Not 18.

There's no way I'm doing that.

Yeah.

He wants to fight his

old high school rival

and he's looking to give back

for all that this town's

given him over the years.

That's pretty big of him.

Look, Bo.

This fight, this whole thing,

it could be good for you.

It looks to me like you could

use a distraction or two now.

Right?

You know something

to work towards.

Something to get your

mind off all this mess.

Look here.

My dad, he ran this here

gym for a lot of years

and my granddad before him.

And when I took over,

you and Dylan were two

of the first boxes

I ever trained.

And to this day two of the

most promising fighters

that ever stepped foot in here.

Bo, I could train you.

It could be like old times.

We can get you there.

It's going to take some work,

but we can get you

where you need to be.

♪ Hold on to the fact

that we can't go back ♪

♪ Should've done it like this

♪ But we did it like that

♪ Thought I knew everything

didn't know myself ♪

♪ Thought that you could help

♪ Didn't know what to do

♪ Didn't do real well

♪ Trying to kill this space

♪ Trying to fill the empty

in the meanest place ♪

♪ You see it on my face

♪ I'm trying hard but there's

only so much we can take ♪

♪ I guess it took

breaking to know ♪

♪ Two broken halves

don't make a whole ♪

♪ I guess it took

breaking to know ♪

♪ Two broken halves

don't make a whole ♪

♪ Whole

I had to do it.

I didn't have a choice anymore.

I mean, what was I

supposed to do, right?

Kace, I don't think

anyone in this entire town

would blame you for leaving him.

I mean you just, you can't

beat yourself up over this.

Hey, buddy.

Here.

No, no, no, let

me help you, okay.

What's up?

Mommy, I'm hungry.

Do you have a snack?

Oh.

I don't know, bud, hang on.

No, I don't.

Here.

Have a granola on me, buddy.

Thank you.

So cute.

I mean, look at.

Look at him.

Every time I look at him,

it's actually it's

physically painful

because all I see is Bo,

but I had to do it, right.

Like I had to do it for him

and for Shannon and for me.

I even had to do it for Bo.

I feel like.

I feel like I'm failing

in every aspect.

I feel like I'm

failing as a mother.

I couldn't even remember

a snack for the kids.

I was failing my family.

And the worst part

is I'm sitting here

and I'm just I'm angry.

I'm mad because.

I'm mad because all I'm

thinking is, is he okay?

What is he doing?

Is he all right?

And I.

Why am I worrying

about him right now?

I don't know.

I'm sorry.

You don't need

to be sorry, Kacie.

You don't need to be sorry.

You're doing the right thing.

You just gotta dig

deep this time.

Girl, how many times

has he done this?

The I'm home and then I'm gone.

I'm arrested and then

I'm suddenly sober.

I mean, that's exhausting.

You don't deserve that.

I am tired.

I'm so tired.

You're doing the right thing.

Okay?

You hearing me?

I hear you.

You're doing the right thing

and you're gonna be okay.

Thanks.

♪ You got something

♪ Behind your eyes

♪ Way you're talking

♪ It's a cheap disguise

♪ We were made

♪ To chase a lie

♪ But you got saved

on a moonless night ♪

♪ Get free tonight

♪ I set it all on fire

♪ Oh

Oh yeah, she said that.

Mm hm.

All right, you guys go

pick out books to take home.

Okay?

Yeah, unbelievable.

Oh hey, I gotta go.

I'll call you back.

Bye.

Hey girl.

- Hey.

- You doing okay?

Mm, not really.

I almost called him last week.

Did you?

No.

But I wanted to.

Like really, really badly.

I just.

Oh, I don't know how to

do life without Bo in it.

He's all I know.

No, he's not all you know.

This crap that he keeps

putting you through

is all that you know.

Remember that.

You've gotta.

It's just part of

me keeps wondering

if that guy is still in there.

The one that we all

knew growing up.

Yeah.

People change I guess.

That Bo, he ain't here no more.

But that Bo, he was a fighter.

He knew what mattered and

how to keep his head up.

Kace.

You need a break.

Seriously, when's the last

time that you've slept?

You need to rest and

clear your mind, girl.

I don't know.

I'm just.

I'm just trying to make sure

the kids are taken care of.

Yeah.

I know.

I tell you what.

Why don't I take

Luke and Shannon?

Just for a couple of days.

You go to your mama's.

Take some time.

Get sleep.

You've earned it.

Yeah.

What's the matter, Bo?

Hit you back this time?

You know what?

Give me a towel and a water.

I don't want to hear

anything from you, Duke,

unless you can come over

and do what I'm doing.

You're here awful late.

Thought you had to get

up with the roosters.

No.

Well, yeah, I did.

I went into work the other day.

They ended up laying

off all the new guys so.

Well, you know,

that's good old Bo.

What am I doing with my life?

Kacie leaves and

she takes the kids.

Now I can't even keep a job.

Tell you what.

You know any good

country artists?

Feel free to give

them my life story

because be their next

big country song.

Well, if your truck don't

start when you go home,

you might be onto something.

I needed her, man.

I never really showed her

that I did, but I did.

Didn't even give her

really any choice

but to leave me right?

And if there is a God out

there or up there whatever,

I have a feeling that he's

having a pretty good laugh at me

fumbling around my

life right about now.

You're wrong right there.

I don't think God

laughs when we hurt, Bo.

You know.

The thing is, I thought I

could keep a job this time.

You know, pay the bills.

What's the use of even

trying anymore, man?

I can't ever win.

Just constantly

being knocked down.

It's not just about winning.

If you think it's

all about winning,

you got the wrong idea in life.

It's about taking the right

steps and doing the right thing.

And Bo Lawson, that's

what you're doing.

Life's always gonna have

this come at you hard stuff.

Come at you hard then dodge

and weave and come back at you.

It's not about that.

It's about not giving

up on the fight.

Not ever.

Now listen.

Your boy Dylan Wright

came in this morning.

Look man, I don't

wanna talk about this.

Now hear me out.

He wants to fight you and

he's up the ante this time.

5K for you to fight him.

$5,000.

All right.

That upfront or

do I have to win?

Upfront.

All you gotta do is show up

and remind this town

who Bo Lawson really is.

I don't know, man.

What do you mean you

don't know about it?

This is your opportunity

to get back on your feet.

Besides, 5K.

That's five months rent.

How can you turn that down?

All right.

Okay, I'll do it.

I mean, it's not like I got a

job to get back to you, right?

What else do I got to lose?

That's what I'm talking about.

You go home.

You rest up 'cause we got a

big day tomorrow.

Yes.

Cock a doodle do.

Come on, Bo, you're

burning daylight.

Come on, Bo.

You gotta take this serious, Bo.

Come on, let's go.

Let's go.

Come on, Bo.

Don't let Dylan outwork you now.

What are we doing?

Taking a break or what?

You know, Bo, we

are training here.

Part of your training is

learning about what matters most,

not just keeping off the

ropes and bobbing and weaving.

Now listen.

Your two kids are in there.

I want you to spend the

morning reading to your girl

and loving on that boy of yours.

They both admire

you so much, Bo.

So go on.

Give them something to admire.

Well you can read, right?

Yeah, a little bit.

A little bit.

Well good.

I'll tell you what.

Meet you back at

the gym at 11:15.

What, I gotta run all

the way back or what?

You didn't think

you're gonna get away

that easy now did you?

I'll tell you what.

Here you go.

Have a water on me.

I'll see you in a bit.

So?

It was good, man.

Actually, it was

real good to see 'em.

I needed that, Sal.

Thanks, man.

Appreciate it.

Spill the beans.

Tell us about it.

I mean the kids

were fine, man.

Honestly, they seem

perfectly normal.

Kids are tough.

A lot tougher than I am.

That's for sure.

Must take after their mom, huh?

You know, I've put them

through a lot here lately.

For whatever reason,

they just, I don't know.

They just keep a

smile on their face.

I don't know what

it is about my kids,

but they're just

they know what it is

that makes them happy I guess.

Ain't that the truth?

See, kids got a way

of keeping it simple.

They don't forget what they

love and why they love it.

They don't make no

fuss or mess of life.

Just is what it is to a kid.

Yeah.

I mean, we had a

good time, you know.

Read a couple books and

you know Shannon, man.

She was so excited to tell

me all about her game.

I mean, she ended up

hitting a home run.

In the park home run, but

we'll take it.

Darn right we'll take it.

I missed that game.

It hit me hard.

It hit me really hard, Sal.

I'm not gonna lie, man.

But then Luke, he comes over

and he just immediately

starts making me laugh.

That kid, man, he

is something else.

He's like a little

comedian, man.

He told me some really good

knock-knock jokes, by the way.

He's something else, man.

And he looks a lot like her.

A lot like Kacie.

You know, when I

was in Desert Storm.

You remember those years?

I remember.

I was away from this here

town for quite some time.

When I left, I worried

about a lot of things.

Some stuff that mattered

and some that didn't.

It all faded to the background

when I was out there.

Ready to go to war.

The sand.

The heat.

The guns firing.

Eardrums are ringing.

Heart just a racing.

It's like I got out there and

I suddenly couldn't remember

why I was even there

in the first place.

It all came to a head one

day when our squad task

was to assault an

oil well controlled

by the Republican guard.

So we were moving into position.

We took fire that night.

I watched a man

I learned to love

darn near bleed out in my arms.

It occurred to me

that next morning

as I was showering off the dirt

and the grime and the blood.

Ah, there was so much blood.

You see, I had to know

what I was fighting for.

There was no way I

was gonna win that war

if I didn't know what

I was fighting for.

You listening to me, Bo?

Yes, of course, Sal.

Yeah, I just.

Honestly, man, I don't

know how you did it.

What were you fighting for?

Look, fellas.

When life is going well,

things are all right yeah,

but when life gets real,

you got to have faith.

That's what got me through.

And I tried hard

those times overseas

to remember what it

was that my grandma

and grandpa used to say to me.

God is still God,

even when there's hurting.

And I reminded myself to pray.

Not to have any

bitterness of war or pain

of losing someone or

something get in the way

of what really

mattered most to me.

I had a wife and three kids

waiting at home for me.

Depending on me.

I had to dig deep.

Had to dig deep getting

through those years

to remember what I was

staying strong for.

And not only that, but God

he was bigger than all of it.

Then all of that.

So when you're in

the trenches of life,

whether it's out there

in that boxing ring

or in a battlefield

with a gun in your hands

and bombs bursting all

around you, you gotta know.

You gotta know what it is.

You gotta know who it

is you're fighting for.

That's the fight, Bo.

That there.

That's the fight.

♪ Mm

♪ Every time I take

one step forward ♪

♪ Seems like I fall

two steps back ♪

♪ Every time I get

my wheels moving ♪

♪ Feels like they're

coming off the tracks ♪

♪ There are times

where I'd be lying ♪

♪ If I said I did it all right

♪ No regrets

♪ Never say die

♪ Gonna give it

all in this fight ♪

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't quit

♪ I'll just be good

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't stop 'til

the battle's won ♪

♪ When this day

tries to break me ♪

♪ You'll see what I'm made of

♪ Sure as the sun will rise

♪ This is my time

♪ Right now my

heart is beating ♪

♪ To the sound of

a battle drum ♪

♪ My pain is my survival

♪ Won't back down

from what's to come ♪

♪ There are times

where I'd be lying ♪

♪ If I said I did it all right

♪ No regrets

♪ Never say die

♪ Gonna give it all

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't quit

♪ I'll just be good

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't stop 'til

the battle's won ♪

♪ When this day

tries to break me ♪

♪ You'll see what I'm made of

♪ Sure as the sun will rise

♪ This is my time

♪ This

♪ Is

♪ My

♪ This is my time

♪ This

♪ Is

♪ My

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't quit

♪ I'll just be good

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't stop 'til

the battle's won ♪

♪ When this day

tries to break me ♪

♪ You'll see what I'm made of

♪ Sure as the sun will rise

♪ This is my time

♪ Woo

♪ Sure as the sun will rise

♪ This is my time

Is that Bo Lawson

grocery shopping?

What are you doing

grocery shopping?

How's it going, Tammy Lynn?

Yeah, I know.

Kacie always did

this kind of thing,

but you know, I gotta do

things for myself now.

Well, I heard that

you are gonna be a part

of this really big fight.

I mean, this is a big deal, Bo.

I heard about

Dylan and you know,

you are were really

good in high school,

but he's taken this

to a whole new level.

Right?

Yeah.

I mean, he like looks huge.

Shredded, right?

And it looks like maybe,

maybe you're doing a

little bit of training.

- Yeah.

- Yeah?

- A little bit.

- Getting bulky.

That's awesome.

So, the whole town is

talking about this, Bo.

You know that, right?

I mean, this.

Yeah.

This is probably

the biggest thing

that's ever happened

around here.

I mean, you have

to be so excited.

You know, yeah,

I'm getting excited.

Maybe not as excited

as some people are,

but yeah, I'm getting there.

You know, honestly it's

not even the best part.

Okay.

I mean, being with

Sal and in the gym

and all that, that's been great.

I mean, I really have loved it.

Hold on just a second.

I'm not done shopping yet.

Oh.

Kind of taken over here.

But, and I know this is gonna

sound crazy coming from me.

Mm hm.

But the best part is

I'm finally learning

how to just kind

of deal with life

and seeing the kids

a little more often.

And I know you

know all the stuff

that I've been battling

over the years.

Oh yeah.

I'm finally learning

how to fight it,

but kind of fight

it the right way.

You know?

I just wish Kacie

would talk to me.

She just go drop off the

kids, go pick them up.

She won't even come outside.

She won't say anything to me.

Bo, she misses you.

She just, I mean, she's

still really hurt.

I know.

I'm sorry, Tammy.

I really am sorry.

You don't need

to say sorry to me.

I know.

You need to say sorry to her.

I know I'm sorry.

Hey Bo, how's it going, man?

Hey, what's up, Donny?

You hanging in there?

Yeah, man.

I'm doing all right.

How are you?

I'm good, I'm good.

It's good to see you.

Yeah, good seeing you, too.

Am I seeing you tonight?

Yeah, you bet, man.

Cool.

All right, take care.

You got some

big plans tonight?

You know what?

I might as well go

ahead and tell you

because as soon as

Janice finds out,

the whole town's

gonna know anyway.

That was my sponsor.

I've been doing AA.

AA?

You?

Yeah.

I mean, Bo all through

high school you talked about

how it never worked for your

daddy or your daddy's daddy.

It was just a bunch of losers.

You know, sat around

and complained.

Yeah, I know.

I know what I said, but

I mean that's my sponsor.

And you know, I'm

telling you the truth.

I'm doing things different.

I mean, here.

If you don't believe

me, check this out.

I worked really hard to get this

and you know I really wanna

show Kacie that I'm trying.

It's taken me a long

time to figure out

how much I've screwed up.

I hate that I've done

all this to Kacie.

It's just.

I've never even known

how to be sorry before,

much less admit it

and say it to her.

But now, I think I do.

You know, I've been put first.

Putting first things first.

You know, been

getting my head right,

getting my heart right.

I'll see you at

the fight, okay?

Hold on.

Hold on a minute.

Come here.

I know you're gonna see

Kacie later on tonight.

Yeah.

Can you please just put

a good word in for me?

Okay.

Please?

Hey, could you give her this?

Please?

Okay.

Thank you.

Hey, Duke.

Yes, sir.

I'm gonna head out early.

Can you lock up?

I got it, boss.

Be good.

See you tomorrow.

Why don't you

learn how to drive?

Get off my truck, buddy.

What's going on out here?

I said get your

hands off my truck.

Not in my parking lot.

We're not gonna have this.

Man, you better

teach him how to drive.

He just almost hit me.

Hey, I said I didn't see you.

Oh yeah, you didn't see me.

Take care of him.

Tell you something.

I hope he can box better

than he can drive.

Bum.

Bo, we're not gonna have-

- Get off me, Sal.

Really?

I'm sorry, man.

Sorry.

Oh God.

I haven't been to the

grocery, so I don't have any

of that sugary, hazelnut

creamer you like.

Oh, that's fine.

This will have to do.

All right, do you wanna be

Hawaii or space princess?

Hawaii, please.

Okay, you tell me

what's going on with you.

Well, I mean, since you

asked, I saw Bo at the store.

Okay and.

Well, he was adulting.

I mean, he was grocery shopping

and he just, he seemed better.

What am I supposed

to say to that?

I mean, really?

I don't know, Kace.

I'm sorry.

I think that he's changed

or maybe he's changing,

but there's just something

really different.

You don't honestly

think I'm gonna fall

for that crap, do you?

You know, you of all people know

how good he is at

turning on the charm

and tricking everyone into

thinking he's doing okay.

No.

No, I'm not saying you're

gonna fall for it, girl.

You know I know, but

just hear me out here.

I think that if you saw him

that you would see it, too.

He shared something with me.

He shared that he's

been going to AA

and that he's 30 days sober.

Yeah, there's no way.

He would always

laugh at those places

and you know what he would say.

I mean, there's no way.

I know.

We all heard him say

over and over again,

but I just want you to consider

the fact that he is changing

and I saw it and he wanted

me to give you something.

I kept it real safe right

here next to my heart.

In your bra, of course.

But this is serious.

All right, let me see.

This is a coin from

his first meeting.

It means everything.

One month.

Maybe to prove it to you.

Why don't you give him a call?

I've been looking

all over town for you.

This is the last

place I checked.

Really hoping I

wouldn't find you here.

I'm sorry, Sal.

You know, I didn't

mean any of that.

You know that, right?

It's just hard, man.

I been sitting here

and I've been thinking.

Well, that could

be a good thing

or that can be a bad thing,

but if you're mixing it

with that fella right there,

it's bound to be a bad thing.

What if I can't win?

What if I can't fight anymore?

I mean, what if this is the

only thing I'm good for?

Ma'am, can I get two waters?

Listen, Bo.

This is the easy way out.

This here.

Given up when life gets tough.

The path of least resistance,

but it's certainly not the path

to getting your Kacie

back or your two kids.

You just can't give up

when times get tough.

I know, Sal, and I hear you.

I do.

You know how hard

I've been trying.

I just.

I don't know anymore, man.

Look, bud, you're

gonna have to figure out

which Bo you're gonna be.

You gonna be this here Bo.

Angry, old, bitter drunk.

Drinking yourself to

death at this bar.

Or you gonna be a man that

realizes there's actually stuff

in life worth caring

about, worth fighting for

and only you can decide.

Yeah, I know.

And I will.

I just.

Darn straight you will.

I'm talking right now, Bo.

Make up your mind.

Look it.

You stay right here at this bar.

I'll leave you be.

You won't see or hear

from me ever again

if that's the way you want it.

Or you can man up and fight.

Really stand up for what

matters most to you.

As tough as it gets,

you gotta choose, Bo.

You can't do both.

You certainly can't be both.

Only you can decide.

So you gotta figure it out

what's worth fighting for.

And we're

back with Sports Talk 900 AM.

The big story of the day.

Bo Lawson blows it.

He had a shot at a

second championship

and frankly it just

looked like he gave up.

♪ Ba ba ba ba ba ba

♪ Dun dun dun dun dun dun

♪ Dun dun dun dun dun dun dun

♪ Dun dun dun dun dun

Morning, sunshine.

You ready to get going?

Something smells good.

You cooking me breakfast?

Oh, this here?

This is for me.

What you think I was

gonna give you this

four days before bout?

Come on.

Get real.

All right, well, you

said let's get going.

Where we going, to the gym?

Well, we're gonna

get some work in,

but we're not going to the gym.

I'm bringing you to church.

Come on, Sal.

You know I don't do church.

Man, I haven't been in

church since I was a kid.

You know the last

time I went to church,

mom took me and my brother.

We got back that night

and dad laid into us hard.

I knew right then and there

that going to church

meant all that,

then I didn't want

any part of it,

so sorry, Sal, I don't

do the church thing.

It's okay, Bo.

I'll tell you what.

I'll go with you.

It's gonna be part

of our training.

Like the final countdown

before the big match.

What am I gonna wear?

Clothes I slept in?

I mean, I don't have

any good clothes.

I don't have a suit or

anything good to wear.

I'm gonna show up looking

like the town drunk.

You're not the town drunk.

Not anymore, Bo.

And you can wear

whatever you got

as far as clothes on your

back 'cause it doesn't matter.

Not at my church.

You go just like that

because the people there,

they don't care about all that.

You're sure?

I don't wanna go

looking like this.

I'm gonna feel like an idiot.

Oh yeah.

Looking like an idiot, huh?

Come on.

Yeah, good point.

The heck you got on?

Listen, we're going to church.

You, me.

It's gonna be fine.

♪ Heal me, Lord

♪ My heart is sick

♪ You didn't come for the well

I'm gonna introduce

you to the pastor.

♪ You came for the broken

Hey, Tyler.

Hey, how are you?

Good, good.

Wanna introduce

you to my friend.

Bo Lawson.

Hey, nice to meet you.

I know this guy.

You got a big fight

coming up, right?

♪ My heart's not well

♪ I am lost in myself

Depends on the day.

Hey, nice meeting you.

I'm gonna take this real quick.

Hey, Kacie.

No, yeah, no, I can.

I can meet.

Text you on my way.

♪ So here I am broken

Hey, how are you

all this afternoon?

Is this the first date?

No.

No, not exactly.

Well, what

can I get for you guys?

I'll have the chicken ranch

pizza and a Coke please.

Okay.

You know what?

That sounds good.

Okay, I'll be right back.

Thank you.

Do you really think you

oughta be eating pizza

a couple days before

the big fight?

I don't see Sal here,

so I think I'll be fine

as long as you don't tell.

You look good.

Here's your drinks.

Thanks.

And your pizza

will be right out.

- Thank you.

So, how are the kids doing?

I've been seeing them a

little more here lately,

but man, I miss those

guys like crazy.

I wish I could see

'em a little more.

Good.

Yeah.

I mean, you know, Luke.

He's always such

a little daredevil

and Shannon is doing

really well in school.

I miss you.

I mean, they're always

asking about you.

When can we see daddy again,

even just after you've

dropped them off.

Kacie.

Look, I just have

to say this upfront.

I know you don't

like my apologies

'cause they don't

mean anything to you.

Not anymore.

Not after everything

that I've done.

I own my mistakes.

I really am starting to

see how all these things

that I've let take over my life,

the drinking and the partying

and all my anger issues.

All those things have

slowly been killing me.

And it has put a lot of stress

in between the two of us

and I know it's been

killing you, too.

I don't want to do

that to us anymore.

I love you, Kacie.

I've always loved you.

I don't wanna think

about what my life

would be like without

you and the kids.

And these last couple of months

I've had to live that life

and I can tell you right

now I don't want it.

I have been an absolute jerk

to you and a horrible husband.

I just want the chance

for us to try again.

Well, I.

I don't know.

Kacie, I know I've hurt

you and I am so sorry.

If I could take it back,

I would, but I can't.

The only thing that

I can tell you is

that I promise that I

will change going forward.

I want you to come back home,

but hey, whatever you decide,

I want you to know right now

that I will never go

back to the way I was.

I'm really doing things

different, Kacie.

I realize that this seems

just like the time before

and probably the

time before that

and the time before that,

but I really am changing.

I'm doing things different now.

I'm working really

hard on myself

and I'm not talking

about just in the gym

and working out on the outside.

I'm talking about

on the inside, too.

That's good.

Hey, are you Bo Lawson?

Yeah.

What's up, buddy?

Can I take a picture with you?

Well sure.

You wanna take our picture?

Yeah, yeah.

All right, come here.

Get your fist up.

Look mean.

I want you to say

beat Dylan Wright.

Beat Dylan Wright.

All right.

You look mean.

You're good.

All right, there you go, buddy.

All right.

Cute kid.

I'm sure you've

been hearing a lot

about this fight coming up.

Yeah.

It's pretty crazy, but pretty

nice of Dylan to do it, too.

You know, y'all

fighting and boxing

is really start to

feel like the old days.

Well, I'm not the Bo

that you used to know.

I still make mistakes

and I still mess up

and God knows I've only

shown you how low I can go,

but I really want to show you

how I can pick myself

up, do things right.

All right, guys.

Here's your pizza.

Thank you.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

You know.

Dylan's gonna give him

$5,000 to do this fight.

Yeah, I don't even have to win.

I can lose.

I mean, don't get me wrong.

I'm going to try my hardest,

but we both know us two old

dudes aren't 18 anymore either.

You can say that.

All right, settle down.

I mean, it's not that funny.

I mean, you know

your same age, right?

Yeah.

Look.

Kacie, I would love it if

you showed up at the fight.

It would mean the world to me.

Just think about it.

Mr. Wright, what has

helped you all these years

and after living in

the big city life,

what would bring you back

to your old hometown?

Well listen, I

love this place.

I always have.

You know, this is where

it all started for me

just down the

street in Sal's gym.

And you guys, you've put up

with my crazy high school antics

and you've followed my

whole boxing career.

I just felt like

the least I could do

was come back home

and say thank you.

Mr. Lawson, you've been out

of the picture for

quite some time.

What did it take to get you

back in the boxing ring?

What made you want to get

your boxing gloves back on

and face off over

here with Mr. Wright?

I can tell you the

money sure helped.

I wanna give props to this

guy right here for, you know,

giving back to the community

and you know me personally.

I just wanna say

thank you for that,

but also wanna make myself

clear come tomorrow night,

I'm still gonna try to mess

up that pretty little face.

Now, all jokes aside.

This guy right here,

my trainer Sal,

he's a great trainer.

I mean, but he's

an even better man.

And he's been pushing me hard,

not just in the gym, but

you know, in life too.

You know, for me,

it's showing up,

even when I don't

really want to.

You know, it's not giving up

and not feeling

sorry for myself.

Plus, I wanna show

this town and my family

and even the haters out there

that I still got some

gas in this tank.

And I think I can do this.

Plus, I wanna prove

to my wife and my kids

that dad still

remembers what it is

that's worth fighting for.

Mr. Wright.

Mr.

Lawson, Mr. Wright.

Mr. Wright, do you feel

like this is an even matchup?

Are you excited to be facing

your own high school rival

at the event tomorrow?

Absolutely.

You know, I'm just really

excited to be here.

I really look forward

to helping the town

take some positive steps forward

and you know I can't wait to see

what old Bo has planned

for me tomorrow.

I can guarantee you one thing.

It's gonna be a good time.

Hey, buddy.

I missed you.

Hey, sweetie.

Oh, go on inside.

I'll be right there, okay.

Just gonna talk to your daddy.

Take off your shoes.

Hey.

How were they?

Were they good for you?

Our kids?

Are they ever bad?

Sometimes.

Yeah.

No, they were good.

You know, we had a

great time last night.

You know how they were

begging me to get ice cream?

Yeah.

Well, I finally caved

and I took 'em, man.

It was a little

on the late side,

but then we went back and

watched one of their movies,

which kind of

boring but you know,

they were excited about it

probably because they

were hopped up on sugar.

Probably.

All right well, thanks

for bringing them back.

Hey, hey, hey.

Hold on a minute.

I got something for you.

What is this?

What did you do?

Come on, Kacie.

I didn't do anything.

It's not like that.

I mean, can't a guy get his

favorite girl some flowers?

Yeah, sure.

But since when do you the

grand gesture gentleman thing?

I mean, this isn't

use so why really?

I know, Kacie.

Believe me or not,

I am trying here.

I had to stop and get gas

in the truck on the way over

and you know these were sitting

on the counter for sale.

I don't know.

Just thought who would

want something like this?

No.

Who deserves

something like this?

Oh, perfect timing.

Yeah.

You know, it is perfect.

Kind of reminds me

of when we were kids.

Oh, well.

Thank you.

I mean, they are.

They are lovely.

Yeah, well.

I just, you know.

Bo, I don't.

Hey, you don't

have to say anything.

I'm just trying to be nice.

Hey.

I know that I have

said a lot of things

and I've done a lot of things.

I've made a lot of promises

to you over the years

that really hasn't meant

anything up until this point.

So now I need to show

you that I'm changing.

Balls in your court, Kacie.

You realize that, right?

What do you want?

I mean, what do you want?

I can tell you what I want.

I want you to want to

give me another chance.

It's up to you, Kacie.

I just want you to

give me a chance

so I can show you that I'm

doing things different.

Bo, win or lose out there,

you've come a long way.

You've learned to

fight for what matters.

Man, great pep

talk there, Sal.

What do you expect

me to lose or what?

Look, bud.

I'm proud of you.

I know this isn't the pep talk

that maybe you were expecting

or that you're used to,

but I've been praying for

you for quite some time.

I think it's about

time I pray with ya.

I'll tell you, bud.

When I was overseas,

when times got tough,

lots of uncertainty,

when we were wondering who

or what we'd encounter

for days or weeks,

I'd always hold

my hopes up high,

knowing that I could turn to God

because see, God would

know what today holds

and what tomorrow holds as well.

What I'm trying to say is no

matter what happens out there,

you can still be at peace

with what you got

going on in your life.

So I know it might

seem a little weird,

but will you pray with me, Bo?

Sure, but I don't

know how to pray.

Look, man.

You didn't know how to

box before you met me.

Don't you worry about it.

I'll pray for you.

Dear God, we thank

you for this man,

for the life of Bo and the

man that he has become today.

We thank you for

your guidance, Lord,

and your strength and

for watching over Bo

with all the big

things and small.

We thank you for

your love for Bo

and for fighting for Bo.

We thank you for your strength.

And we ask for your guidance

tonight and your strength

and for Bo to remember

all his training,

but more than

anything to remember

what's worth

fighting for in life.

And by the way, God, we

wouldn't be mad at you

if Bo won tonight.

Amen.

Hey.

Come here.

I'm proud of you.

You've come a long way.

Go show this town

who Bo Lawson is.

You got it.

Hey Sal, can

you do me a favor?

Can you check my phone?

What, you got a

hot date or something?

Yeah, I asked Kacie to come.

Look Bo, now it's really good

that you thinking that but-

- It's time to head out, guys.

You ready?

Let's do this.

And folks,

nobody thought we would be here

middle of round four,

Lawson still on his feet.

Both fighters trading jabs

and Wright's on the attack.

He's pushing Lawson

back, landing blows.

Lawson returns.

Oh, a big shot by Wright.

That shook Lawson up and

Wright's on the attack.

Come on, Bo.

Work that jab.

Stick and move.

A move by Lawson.

Gets out of the corner and

Lawson's on the attack.

Lefts and rights to

the head of Wright.

Folks, I cannot believe that

Lawson is still in this fight.

Wright lands a couple of shots

and Lawson's still returning.

Folks, this is a testament

to Sal Burton's training

that Bo Lawson can go 10 years

without a competitive fight

and here he is going toe to

toe with the world champion.

Throwing that huge

right from the champ.

You just can't deny the

toughness of Bo Lawson.

He's still in this fight.

Folks, four rounds in and

there's still not a clear winner.

Unless something big happens,

this one could be

going to the card.

Both fighters still hanging

in, sizing each other up.

And Wright's on the attack

in the closing

seconds of round four.

I can't believe I'm saying it

that Bo Lawson has

made it this far.

No one expected this out of him.

Two jabs and a combo by Lawson.

Both fighters seem

to still have.

Let's go, Bo.

You gotta protect.

Coming into the

final seconds of round four,

Lawson is down on points.

He needs a big finish

to stay in this fight.

And he's on the attack.

Hard body shots by Lawson forced

the champ into the corner.

And it's a flurry

of shots by Lawson.

Wright can only

hope for the bell.

And it's a huge hook by

Lawson and the champ is down.

The champ is down.

Referee Eddie Plummer tries

to get Lawson in the corner.

I can't believe what I just saw.

Trainer Sal Burton

has got to be proud

of the performance this

once promising fighter

is putting on tonight.

Wright is back on his

feet with relative ease

and Lawson goes right

back on the attack.

Wright is saved by the bell.

He has got to be happy

walking back to his corner.

Folks, I don't know what would

have happened to the champ

if that round had

gone on any longer.

You don't need that.

Take that out of here.

You can do all the

sitting you want tomorrow.

How you feeling?

You got one more round.

You gotta dig deep, Bo.

What?

Man, she's not here, man.

Kacie's not here.

Listen, you gotta focus, Bo.

Look it over there.

Dylan can't even believe

you're still standing.

One more round.

You fought too hard to quit now.

All right?

You gotta keep the left up.

You gotta keep the jab.

You gotta keep working.

Work on the footwork.

Watch his right.

He's coming across

with that right.

You gotta protect.

One more round.

You can do this.

You got it.

Now, go get him.

Come on.

And with that,

we begin the fifth

and final round.

Who would have believed Bo

Lawson would go five rounds

with the champion of the world.

You gotta believe Wright

wants to put this one away.

He does not want this

one to go to the cards.

Be looking for Wright

to go for the knockdown.

Protect, Bo.

Both fighters trading shots

in the middle of the ring.

The champ has to do something

here and he lands a big shot.

And here he comes.

This is the Dylan Wright

we all expected tonight.

Only you can decide.

So you gotta figure it out

what's worth fighting for.

This is a

night for the unbelievable.

I just cannot believe

what I am seeing.

Bo Lawson just took

Dylan Wright's best shot

and he's back on his feet.

Referee Eddie Plummer

checks Lawson's gloves

and gives him the go ahead.

Ladies and gentlemen,

this fight isn't over yet.

Lawson has to make a push here

if he wants a

chance at a victory.

In the closing

seconds of the fight,

Lawson is making his move

landing blow after blow,

a series of unanswered

shots by Lawson.

The champ doesn't seem

to know what hit him.

All he can do is protect.

Lawson is landing

punches at will.

Lefts and rights back the

champion to the corner.

He's got him on the ropes.

Lawson is really giving

Wright some punishment now.

Can Wright stay on his feet?

It's all Lawson in the

final seconds of the fight.

And there's the bell.

Could it be too little

too late from Bo Lawson?

Folks, I have no

idea how the judges

are going to score this one.

We're going to have to

wait on the deliberation.

Both fighters are

in their corners

and both sides have to be proud

of their fighters tonight.

Referee Eddie Plummer makes

his way to the judges.

Folks, this has been

a fight to remember.

Lawson gave us a glimpse

tonight of what could have been.

It was great to see

him back in the ring

as no one expected this

to go the distance.

As Plummer gets the scores,

we'll turn it over

to Chuck Gibson

in the middle of the

ring with the call.

Ladies and gentlemen, we

have a split decision tonight.

Your still undefeated champion.

The winner of tonight's

bout, Dylan Wright.

You poured your heart and

soul into this, Bo Lawson.

I'm so proud of you.

Keep remembering what

you're fighting for.

♪ Mm

♪ Every time I take

one step forward ♪

♪ Seems like I fall

two steps back ♪

♪ Every time I get

my wheels moving ♪

♪ Feels like they're

coming off the tracks ♪

♪ There are times

where I'd be lying ♪

♪ If I said I did it all right

♪ No regrets

♪ Never say die

♪ Gonna give it

all in this fight ♪

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't quit

♪ I'll just be good

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't stop 'til

the battle's won ♪

♪ When this day

tries to break me ♪

♪ You'll see what I'm made of

♪ Sure as the sun will rise

♪ This is my time

♪ Right now my

heart is beating ♪

♪ To the sound of

a battle drum ♪

♪ My pain is my survival

♪ Won't back down

from what's to come ♪

♪ There are times

where I'd be lying ♪

♪ If I said I did it all right

♪ No regrets

♪ Never say die

♪ Gonna give it all

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't quit

♪ I'll just be good

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't stop 'til

the battle's won ♪

♪ When this day

tries to break me ♪

♪ You'll see what I'm made of

♪ Sure as the sun will rise

♪ This is my time

♪ This

♪ Is

♪ My

♪ This is my time

♪ This

♪ Is

♪ My

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't quit

♪ I'll just be good

♪ This is my time

♪ Won't stop 'til

the battle's won ♪

♪ When this day

tries to break me ♪

♪ You'll see what I'm made of

♪ Sure as the sun will rise

♪ This is my time

♪ Woo

♪ Sure as the sun will rise

♪ This is my time

A Father's Fight (2021) - full transcript