Learning The Ropes: Tony Burns' Legacy

0:00A March 29th, a new documentary called, Learning the Ropes, is kicking off the BFI Southbank's boxing film season on March 31st. It's a self-made film by Ryan Pickard about the final years of legendary coach Tony Burns at the historic Reptund boxing club in Bethnal Green, East. London. Burns, who earned an MBE for his work, battled Alzheimer's before passing away on February 2nd, 2021. The Reptund club has a deep legacy, training Olympic stars like Ardly Harrison and even the Cray twins back in the day. Pickard started boxing there at age 7, went on to represent England, and saw Burns as a father figure who supported kids from tough backgrounds, often skipping fees so they could keep training. Folks at the club and beyond are moved by the film's raw honesty. Pickard's trainer, a professor at the BFI, spotted its heart and pushed for it to premiere alongside classic boxing movies, giving this grass roots. Story A Bigger Stage. Burns got to see an early cut before his memory faded completely, sharing a quiet

1:03HUD with Pickard that said it all. Club Chairman David Robinson, who's been involved for 51 years, insists Burns's spirit and the club's values of respect stick around, making. Reptund, a global name and amateur boxing, the full cinematic life of boxing series runs at BFI Southbank from March 30th through April 30th, shining light on how one club's grit keeps punching above its weight.