Boxing Champ Tribute Flick to Film in Connecticut

Former featherweight boxing champion Willie Pep once called Connecticut home, and before he died eight years ago, people were calling him to pitch various projects to tell the story of his life.

Now, one of those projects has the approval of Pep's children Billy and Mary.

"It's about time," said Billy Papaleo, leaning against the apron of the ring inside Dressler Arena at the San Juan Center in Hartford, where Pep used to train.

Next year, David Gere plans to start shooting "Will o' the Wisp", which was Pep's nickname when he reigned as champion from 1942 to 1950, with only one bad break.

The film, which chronicles Pep's success, includes scenes from his former home state of Connecticut. Gere said he plans to use the old Hartford gym and the building in Norwich where Pep fought Sugar Ray Robinson in 1938.

He plans to hire Connecticut vendors, extras and crew members.

"Willie Pep famously came back from a plane crash where he broke his back, and a leg, and he came back within six months to fight again," said Gere. "That's an apex moment."

Donny Lalonde, who fought Sugar Ray Leonard in 1988 for the light heavyweight title, said boxing movies have made money before, and the sport could use a boost.

"Like Rocky did," he said. "Boxing exploded after that."

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