Former UFC middleweight champion Michael
Bisping will play a lead role in the boxing-themed film “The
Journeyman,” according to
Deadline.
The film is an adaption of British author Mark Turley’s book
entitled
“The Journeymen: The Other Side of the Boxing Business, a New
Perspective on the Noble Art.” Turley’s book spotlights “boxers
who lose for a living” and features East London’s Johnny Greaves,
who went 4-96 in his professional career. Greaves will serve as a
technical advisor for the film.
Bisping will play Kenny “The Beast” Breen, “an alcoholic,
drug-abusing, past-his-prime journeyman boxer with a record of
11-85-0 who, after being diagnosed with neurological damage,
continues his career on the small-hall circuit at grave risk to
himself.” The film will be directed by Dax Phelan and shot in the
UK. A release date for the movie is currently unknown.
“For obvious reasons, Mike brings an authenticity and an X-factor
to the role that no other actor ever could,” Phelan told Deadline.
“His contributions to the script have been insightful and I’m
thrilled to have the opportunity to explore this character with
him.”
Bisping is no stranger to film and television, with appearances in
movies such “xXx: Return of Xander Cage” and “Den of Thieves” and
series such as “Magnum P.I.” and “MacGyver,” to name a few.
Bisping retired from MMA in 2018 following a successful career that
saw him compile a 30-9 mark and capture the UFC middleweight crown
with an upset victory over Luke
Rockhold in 2016. He is currently a fixture in the UFC
broadcast booth for various events.