southpaw

by
Kurt Sutter

No portion of this script may be performed, reproduced,

or used by any means, or quoted or published in any
medium without the prior written consent of TWC.

STUDIO DRAFT 3
3/3/14

THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

5700 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90036

2014
TWC
All Rights Reserved

A champion is someone who gets up when he can't.

-- Jack Dempsey

The Fighters
BILLY "THE GREAT" HOPE - 34, white, lanky, muscular. Billy is a Light
Heavyweight champion. A southpaw. An aggressive, offensive fighter.
Adopting LaMotta's "bully" style, he stays close, taking big punches
in order to land big punches. What he lacks in style and finesse, he
makes up in brute strength and pugilistic belligerence. Billy's
greatest foes are the ones of his own making - self doubt, ego, rage.
His life and career are fueled by a desperate need to prove himself
worthy of love and success. Boxing is all he knows.
TITUS "TICK" WILLS - 50's, black, lean. Tick is a former Middleweight
contender who retired at the top of his game after the death of his
child. He now trains kids and amateurs in Hunts Point, Bronx. Like
Billy, Tick is broken and boxing is all he knows.
MIGUEL "MAGIC" CANTO - 28, Latino, fast, strong, fierce. Miguel is a
Light Heavyweight contender who is waiting for his shot at Billy's
title. His skill and ego rival Billy's.
KEITH "KASH" ASHBY - 23, black, tall, muscular, street. Now a
gangbanger, as a kid he was a promising fighter who trained with Tick.
RAMONE - 16, Latino, Flyweight.

Hood kid with real pro potential.

HOPPY - 14, black, Lightweight.

Hood kid with a dream of turning pro.

The Family
MAUREEN HOPE - 33, white, simple beauty. Billy's wife and rock.
Childhood sweetheart, she knows him better than anyone. She's the
foundation he's built on, the music that calms the savage beast.
LEILA HOPE - 10, white, precocious. Smart, very sensitive, impulsive,
she's a chip off of Billy's hardened block.
The Friends
ANGELA RIVERA - 30, Latina, street-beautiful. Social worker who gives
a shit. A recovering junkie and a single mom, she understands the
struggle of addiction and domestic turmoil.
JORDAN MAINS - 50's, white, sturdy. Billy's promoter. He's guided
Billy's pro career for nearly ten years. A father figure.
JON JON SMITH - 33, black, thin. Came up with Billy in foster care,
his only real friend. Sweet guy, lost soul. On the payroll.
GABE WESSLER - 35, white, muscular. High school buddy, part of his
entourage. Dapper. Considers himself the bodyguard. On the payroll.
MIKEY LANE - 33, mixed-race, overweight. High school buddy of Billy,
part of his entourage. Always working an angle. On the payroll.
* TO REFERENCE THESE DESCRIPTIONS CHARACTERS ABOVE APPEAR IN BOLD IN SCRIPT

IN BLACK:
We hear the shrill RIP of cotton tape being pulled from a roll
as we -SMASH UP ON:
INT. DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
An ECU of a formidable white hand being WRAPPED with cotton
tape. Its precise and meticulous. As NAMES invade the
screen we realize we are into the -TITLE SEQUENCE: A FIGHTER PREPARES FOR BATTLE.
Dead SILENCE is jabbed with sudden, INTENSIFIED SOUNDS of the
prefight process. We never fully identify the warrior, we
only see the extreme close-ups of the ritual -A neck CRACKING, as it tilts side-to-side to stretch.
BREATHING, as intense BLUE EYES stare off, distant, far away.
Fist SMACKING palm, as the fighter tests the quality of the
wrap.
Forced SIGHS, as lats flex, revealing a tattoo: CELTIC CROSS,
the words FATHER and FIGHTER intersecting inside the artwork.
A FLURRY of air, as wrapped fists do quick, tight COMBINATIONS.
The moves are instinctually, like an unconscious spasm.
AIR BLOWS through lips, as we view the back of a waistband
that reads: HOPE.
WHISPERED SNIPPETS of the LORDS PRAYER, as taped hands form a
restless PRAYING pose.
A HUSHED, Amen, as the mans eyes stay SHUT, suggesting the
prayer didnt work. Even closed, the pain behind his soul
windows is visible and close to the glass.
Leather and lace RUSTLE, as competition GLOVES are labored
onto hands.
Leather POPPING leather, as the boxer SMACKS glove to glove,
and we -SMASH TO:
INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - NEW YORK - NIGHT
We are in the RING, 1st PERSON POV. Mid-fight. A gloved FIST
comes at us. Connects. Rocks us hard. The hitter, BILLY
THE GREAT HOPE, drenched in sweat, a warrior. The blue eyes
we saw earlier, the right one now BRUISED.

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2.

Billy presses forward, methodical, unrelenting. He sticks a

RIGHT JAB, then another. Theyre not fast, but theyre
strong; breaking through the gloves that protect our face.
Then a brutal LEFT POWER PUNCH drives through. Our head snaps
back. Blood and sweat fly. As we stagger back to the ropes,
Billy wraps us up.
A REFEREE steps in and we jump out to a 3rd PERSON POV. See
the receiver of the blows, the other fighter, DARIUS JONES,
32, black, solid, strong. Darius face is punch-puffy. His
LEFT CHEEK, swollen and cut -- source of the flowing blood.
Insert: HOPE VS. JONES, MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK CITY.
As the referee brings the fighters together, we examine the
rest of the INK covering Billys torso. The word HOPE across
his chest. On his right shoulder, ornate scroll spells out
MAUREEN. On his left shoulder, LEILA. And on his back, the
Celtic cross. Billy plods forward, taking JABS to the face.
Gets inside, unleashes a LEFT UPPERCUT to the black mans
body. Darius cringes with the impact, wraps himself around
Billy. Billy pushes him off, MUMBLES through the mouthpiece -Off me...

BILLY

BELL RINGS. Billy spits his mouthpiece into his glove. He

intensifies his verbal assault as he backs into his corner -BILLY
You like hugging me, bitch? Next
round, gonna drop you to your knees
so you can suck my dick, too.
Billys trainer, ELI FROST, 50s, white, and his corner man,
NICK, 30s, white, pull him onto the stool. Eli, frustrated -ELI
These things on the end of your
hands, theyre called gloves. Try
putting em in front of your
goddamn face once in a while.
BILLY
Hows the eye?
DOC FIELD, 50s, white, checks the cut -DOC
Take many more, its gonna flow.
BILLY
Just starting to get fun.
ELI
You hear what he just said?
him, this round.

Drop

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3.

BILLY
I drop him when its fucking time.
(re: crowd)
They love this shit.
As the bikini-clad CARD GIRL enters the ring with ROUND FIVE,
the CAMERA PANS the CROWD. Arena is packed. Front rows
filled with CELEBRITIES and the AFFLUENT. Billys promoter,
JORDAN MAINS, watches his prize fighter with a smile only
money can buy. Next to him, MAUREEN HOPE, Billys wife,
simply, yet elegantly dressed, shes not smiling. She watches
Billy with concern. A few rows back, we see MIGUEL MAGIC
CANTO and his brother, HECTOR. Miguel doesnt watch Billy, he
studies him like a scientist as the BELL RINGS for -ROUND FIVE. Billy moves into Darius. Our heros style is
simple and inelegant. He takes many of Darius defending JABS
to the face as he works on the mans body and cheek. Darius
continues to get rocked, but can take the punishment. Then
Billy drives the UPPERCUT through Darius defense, catching
him on the jaw. Darius goes DOWN. Crowd ROARS. Billy raises
his arms, engages the masses. The ref goes to Darius as he
climbs to his feet. The men stare at each other as the ref
gives the EIGHT COUNT. Billy fucks with his foe, gesturing an
uppercut to his own jaw with a smile. Darius digs back,
gesturing to Billys eye.
Billy realizes that the cut over his own eye is beginning to
BLEED. Billy tastes it running into his mouth. Darius smiles.
Billy, pissed, presses forward as the ref signals them to
fight. Darius unleashes a series of JABS that slide off
Billys face as he moves inside. With brute determination,
Billy breaks through the defense and lands two savage BODY
PUNCHES. Darius recoils in pain as the BELL RINGS. Billy
wants more, he goes for Darius. Ref separates them. He warns
Billy, informs the judges as Eli pulls Billy to his corner -ELI
What the hell you doing -Shut up.

BILLY
Fix the fucking eye.

Billy sits as the Doc tends to his eye.

At RINGSIDE, we join sports commentators MAX KELLERMAN, JIM
LAMPLEY, HAROLD LEDERMAN. They fill time between rounds -LAMPLEY
... and this is classic Billy the
Great. Power, power, power.
Dominating every round.
KELLERMAN
Jones, just not skilled in defending
the unorthodox attack of a southpaw.

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4.

LEDERMAN
But he can take the punishment. And
that left jab of his is doing some
real damage to Billys right eye.
LAMPLEY
The two of them might as well been
out on the street the last minute
of that round.
KELLERMAN
Think Billyd be okay with that.
Hometown Bronx boy.
LAMPLEY
Yeah. It really is an amazing
story. Grew up in and out of
foster care, started boxing at the
age of twelve. Amateur prodigy.
KELLERMAN
Discovered by promoter Jordan Mains
in the late 90s. Been an upward
climb ever since. Seven major title
belts, never been knocked down -LEDERMAN
But you have to wonder how many
more fights Hope has left in him.
Not a kid anymore. And his style,
catching and hitting -- man, thats
a lot of punches to the head.
The PREBELL WARNING in given to the corners -LAMPLEY
Well, hes winning this one.
KELLERMAN
That he is. And were into six of
fifteen in this WBC Light
Heavyweight championship fight.
They watch Billy as he engages the crowd.
glove, he points to Darius and shouts -BILLY
This round youre going down!
round youre going down!

Mouthpiece in his

This

LEDERMAN
Billy the Great, calling his
knockout.
LAMPLEY
Pointing to the fences like Babe
Ruth. This guy loves the show.
Billy puts in his mouthpiece as the BELL RINGS.

ROUND SIX.

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5.

Billy attacks, takes a RIGHT HOOK to get inside, but Darius is

out of steam, punches lack snap. Billy drives REPEATED
UPPERCUTS into his torso. One literally lifts the fighter off
his feet, puts him back against the ropes. Then as Darius
covers his broken midsection, Billy unleashes a LEFT POWER
PUNCH that nearly spins the mans head off his neck. Darius
eyes go dull, hes UNCONSCIOUS before his body drops to the
canvas like a fallen black oak.
Crowd ON THEIR FEET as the referee COUNTS OUT Jones to CHEERS.
A MEDICAL TEAM rushes to Darius. Billy springs onto the
ropes, works the crowd. Ring swarms with BOXING OFFICIALS and
PHOTOGRAPHERS. Billy surfs the win like a rock star.
Then Billy searches the audience, spots Maureen. She gives
him a SMILE AND A NOD. As she heads away from the mayhem,
Jordan enters it, embraces his fighter. Billy poses for
photos as Eli places the TITLE BELT over his shoulder.
Lampley, Kellerman and Lederman cant hide their enthusiasm -LAMPLEY
Billy Hope continues his domination
of the Light Heavyweight division.
He ups his record to forty-three
wins, forty-one by knockout. Say
what you want about his lack of
grace, cannot deny, Hope wins fights.
KELLERMAN
And his fans love it. Watching
Billy box is like going to a Nascar
race -- where youre guaranteed a
fiery crash.
LEDERMAN
Hes nothing if not entertaining.
Darius is walked to the center by his trainer. Billy joins
him. They tap gloves. Polite, but cool. RING ANNOUNCER
takes the descending microphone and makes the announcement -RING ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen, with the
official time of one minute,
eighteen seconds of round six -Our winner by knockout and still
the undisputed WBC, WBA and IBF
Light Heavyweight champion of the
world, Billy the Great Hope.
Billy bangs his chest.

The warrior.

The crowd ROARS.

INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - GREEN ROOM - LATER

Billy drinks from a bottle of CRISTAL while Doc Field tends to
his eye. Big spread of food, plush couches. Decadent.

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6.

A MUTED large screen TV plays POST FIGHT INTERVIEWS.

We meet JON JON, wearing simple athletic clothes, GABE,
dressed in a nice suit, and MIKEY, hip hop clad. Mikey digs
into the food like he hasnt eaten in months. Billy loves
these guys. Theyre like over-stimulated, teenage boys -BILLY
Hey Mikey, want Jon Jon to run up
and get you a barrel of fucking
peanuts, too.
GABE
Fat bastard watched the entire fight
from right here so he could hoover
all the free fucking food.
Fuck you.
cousin.

MIKEY
Gave my seat to my

JON JON
You sold your seat to your cousin.
Fuck yeah.

MIKEY
Fifteen hundred.

BILLY
I dont pay you enough, now your
scalping fucking comps? Why not
sell T-shirts in the parking lot?
He tried.
They LAUGH.

JON JON
Wouldnt let im --

Jon Jon pulls out his SCORE CARD, joins Billy.

JON JON
Scored the fight pretty much same
as the judges. Had your landing
percentages a little higher.
BILLY
Thanks, Jon Jon.
JON JON
Was a good fight, man.
Billy and Jon Jon share an historic smile, then Billy digs
into a leather gym bag pulls out three BULGING WHITE SOCKS.
Tosses one to Jon Jon, Mikey and Gabe -MIKEY
Am I doing your fucking laundry now
too?
The guys dig into the socks, inside, cases with GOLD ROLEXES.

"SOUTHPAW"
Holy shit.

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7.

JON JON

GABE
Dude... these are sick.
MIKEY
Yeah, fucking Rollies, baby...
JON JON
You didnt have to do this, man.
MIKEY
Yeah, he did.
BILLY
I win, we all win.
The guys embrace and thank Billy. As they slip on their
watches, Billy spots Kellerman interviewing Miguel Canto at
RINGSIDE. Billy sees Miguel, mood shifts -BILLY
Turn it up.
His friends share a look, then Gabe TURNS UP the volume.
ON THE TV: An animated Miguel, trash talks, mid-beef -MIGUEL
... Jones was just like the last
six fights, man. Easy win. Billy
hasnt fought a real contender in
years. We all know that.
KELLERMAN
And youre that contender?
MIGUEL
Cmon, Max, Im the only fight.
His camp knows that, they keep
turning me down.
KELLERMAN
You think Hopes afraid of you?
MIGUEL
Im younger, stronger, prettier -what dyou think?
KELLERMAN
Both your losses were to southpaws -MIGUEL
Hey man, the way I move in the ring,
dont matter what hands leading.
Hope wont be able to touch me.
(at the camera)
(MORE)

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8.

MIGUEL (CONT'D)
Gonna have to face the Magic sooner
or later, Billy. Get real, man,
aint no champ no more, youre just
the great white show.
In an impulsive instant, Billy WHIPS the champagne bottle at
the TV. SMASHES the screen. Billys crew say nothing, unsure
of how to respond. After an awkward moment, Maureen enters,
sees the mess. Looks at Billy, to the rest -MAUREEN
Give us a minute.
His entourage and team file out.

Billy alone with Maureen.

BILLY
Canto was talking shit again -MAUREEN
Right. So you trash a perfectly
good TV. Thatll teach him.
BILLY
Felt pretty good in the moment.
MAUREEN
It always does.
Maureen smiles at her volatile man. Kisses him.
bravado fades. He goes to a vulnerable place -BILLY
Have I turned into a fucking circus
act, Mo?
MAUREEN
Youre the champ, Billy. Youve
earned every one of those belts.
Dont let these assholes take that
from you.
BILLY
Haters are getting loud, baby.
MAUREEN
I dont give a shit about the
haters out there -(she points to his head)
Its the ones in here that scare me.
BILLY
Yeah. Getting a little crowded in
there.
Billy looks at his loving girl.
BILLY
Is she waiting up?

Then --

Billys

"SOUTHPAW"
Of course.

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9.

MAUREEN

Maureen strokes Billys face, gently caresses his bruised eye.

Billy takes in his wife -BILLY
I love you.
MAUREEN
You fuckin better. No one else
would put up with you.
BILLY
Cmon... everyone loves me...
Billy the fucking great.

Im

MAUREEN
Oh, please...
Billy grabs her, embraces her.

Laughter.

This love is deep.

Then, the playful moment is interrupted by Jordans entrance.

Jordan is a benevolent puppeteer. Hes calm, confident and
has a way of making everyone feel good about being
manipulated, except Maureen. Her mood shifts as he charms -JORDAN
There we go. Thats what I like to
see. My champ happy.
MAUREEN
(re: wreckage)
Yeah, hes so happy he can hardly
contain himself.
Jordan spots the TV, looks at Billy, who justifies -BILLY
Cantos rant.
JORDAN
Christ, Billy. You know the game.
Hes just showboating.
BILLY
I dont give a shit about the game.
Magics a better fighter than Jones.
And Turay. We both know that.
JORDAN
Turay is the smarter fight.
next. Have to trust me.

Hes

BILLY
You think he can beat me, Jordan?
You afraid of Canto?

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10.

JORDAN
Miguel Canto has only seventeen pro
fights. He hasnt earned his shot
at you. End of story.
(beat)
Now cmon, get dressed. A lot of
people want to congratulate you.
BILLY
Gotta swing home first, see the kid.
Jordan wants to change his mind, looks at Maureen, then -JORDAN
Sure. Well see you at the
restaurant.
BILLY
Gonna shower.
He kisses Maureen and heads out another door. Maureen and
Jordan, gloves off -- conversation is covert and intense -MAUREEN
Hes getting hit too much.
cant keep up this pace.

He

JORDAN
Talk to him. Hes the one who
wants four a year.
MAUREEN
Thats cause youve put a ticking
clock in his ear.
JORDAN
Thats my job. I keep him whole.
No.

MAUREEN
You keep him paid.

JORDAN
Thats right, I do. He has two
good years left, if that. You have
a mortgage, private school, the
entourage. You and Billy have a
big life, Mo.
MAUREEN
We dont need all that shit. You
keep filling his head with this
fantasy -- living like the fucking
king of New York.
JORDAN
He is a king. And its up to you
and me to keep him on that throne.
You handle his heart, Ill handle
his fists.

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11.

As he exits -MAUREEN
He trusts you. Like a father. If
you hurt him, Ill fucking kill you.
JORDAN
I have no doubt.
(beat)
Make sure he doesnt blow off
Carbones. The mayor and Kanye
want to meet him.
Jordan exits. Maureen stares at the closed door.
the necessary evils in her life --

She hates

INT. LIMO - MOVING - NIGHT

Billy, now in a suit, and Maureen, drive uptown. Its spring,
but not much is coming to life in this harder section of the
east side. Billy stares out the window. Takes in the
streets, his roots. HOMELESS, HOOKERS, DEALERS. Maureen
observes, knows all the tapes that are playing in his head.
Then Billy spots a pack of DEAD END KIDS, 7-10, mixed races, a
LARGER BOY is PUMMELING a SMALLER BOY, while the others watch.
Pull over.

BILLY

DRIVER obliges, pulls over.

MAUREEN
Whatre you gonna do?
Billy smiles and hops out.
EXT. STREET - EAST SIDE - CONTINUOUS
Hey!

BILLY
Break it up!

Cmon...

Maureen exits, hangs back as Billy heads to the brawlers.

fight ceases. Billy pulls the smaller kid to his feet -BILLY
Whats this about, man?
The larger kid, eye-fucks the others, dont say shit -Nothing.

LARGE KID
Who the fuck are you?

Before Billy can respond --

The

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12.

MAUREEN
Hes Billy fucking Hope.
The kids are overcome with recognition -Shit --

LARGE KID

As the kids deal with the celebrity awareness, Billy checks

the smaller fighter, nose bloody, face bruised.
BILLY
You okay?
(off his nod)
What happened?
LARGE KID
He owes me money. Hes behind on
his vig.
Billy and Maureen share a look -BILLY
Are you kidding me?
(at the kid)
How much?
LARGE KID
Borrowed fifty, like a month ago.
Billy pulls out a roll of CASH, peels off three TWENTIES,
hands it to the big kid -BILLY
Debts paid. Interest too.
Big kid nods.

Then Billy slips the little kid a HUNDRED --

BILLY
Thats for hanging tough.
(re: the wounds of battle)
Dont worry, you get used to it.
The little kid smiles.

As Billy heads back, to the big kid --

BILLY
You know what they call a guy who
beats on someone half his size?
A bully...
No.

LARGE KID

BILLY
A fucking pussy.

Kids SQUEAL with the diss as Billy and Mo hop into the Limo --

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13.

INT. LIMO - MOVING - CONTINUOUS

As they pull away -MAUREEN
You know theyre just gonna jump
that little guy, take the cash.
BILLY
I know. But for a minute, he was
king motherfucker.
They share a smile, both understanding the bigger meaning.
EXT. STREETS - CENTRAL PARK EAST - LATER
The Limo pulls up to a beautiful UPPER EAST SIDE BUILDING
overlooking the park. See Jon Jon, Mikey and Gabe leaning
against a BLACK MERCEDES. Billy and Mo hop out -BILLY
Ill be right up.
Maureen heads into the building as Billy joins his friends -BILLY
Why arent you at the restaurant?
JON JON
Jordan said it was just you and Mo.
GABE
Said his team would handle security.
BILLY
Fuck that. Youre my team. Ill
call him. You go ahead. Well
meet you there.
MIKEY
Thanks, man.
Billy pulls out some CASH, hands it to Mikey -BILLY
And buy a new fucking shirt on the
way downtown, man. That ones got
more stains than Gabes sheets.
The friends fuck with each other as Billy heads inside.
INT. HOPE HOME - LIVING ROOM - MINUTES LATER
Billy walks through his home. Like Maureen, its simple and
elegant. Huge apartment. Amazing VIEWS. Two levels. See
HOUSEKEEPERS and the nanny, GLORIA, 40s, Latina.

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STUDIO DRAFT 3

GLORIA
Leilas upstairs, Mr. Hope.
her mom.

3/3/14

14.

With

Billy nods as his CELL RINGS. He heads up the stairs and

PUSHES the call as he enters-INT. HOPE HOME - LEILAS BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Billy peeks inside, sees Maureen giggling with LEILA HOPE.
Daddy.

LEILA

Leila jumps in his arms.

Billy, the dad --

BILLY
Theres my angel girl.
Leila fixates on Billys BRUISED AND BANDAGED EYE -LEILA
Does it hurt?
Nah.

BILLY
You should see the other guy.

MAUREEN
No she shouldnt.
LEILA
When can I go to your fights?
Billy and Maureen share a look, a point of contention -LEILA
I see violent stuff on TV all the
time. You ever watch Sponge Bob?
BILLY
Shes got a point.
MAUREEN
Sometimes your daddy forgets that
your ten years old. He confuses
you with the other children that
surround him night and day.
LEILA
Yeah, Mikey and Gabe are totally
like kids, Dad. Sloppy, stupid
kids.
Hey.

BILLY
Dont need you piling on too.

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STUDIO DRAFT 3

Billy grabs her, TICKLES her.

this deeply --

3/3/14

She holds on tightly.

15.
Feels

LEILA
Im glad youre okay, Daddy.
BILLY
Im fine, angel girl. Nothings
gonna happen to me. Okay? Im
like a superhero in the ring.
LEILA
(bullshit)
Really? Whats your power?
BILLY
Im like... you know, The Hulk.
Nothing can hurt me.
She looks at him skeptically, then POKES his eye wound.
WHELPS. Off her smirk and Maureens LAUGH --

Billy

BILLY
Okay... Hulks smaller, whiter
brother. Who occasionally ends up
on the wrong end of a punch.
MAUREEN
Nothings gonna happen to your
daddy.
BILLY
And your mamas the smartest I
know.
(kisses her)
Good night. Love you, angel.
LEILA
Love you, Daddy.
MAUREEN
I love you, baby.
LEILA
Love you, Mommy.
Billy turns out the light.

He and Maureen exit to --

INT. HOPE HOME - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

See PHOTOS of Billy, Maureen and Leila on the walls. Billy
takes out his cell, starts to make a call. Mo stops him. She
looks into him. Says this so he hears it on every level -MAUREEN
I love you, Billy.

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16.

BILLY
I love you.
MAUREEN
You gotta slow down.
fight this much.

You cant

BILLY
Im fine, Mo -MAUREEN
And we want you to stay that way.
(re: Leila)
Shes picking up on my panic.
(off his discomfort)
Promise me youll tell Jordan. No
more till the end of the year.
No point in arguing, shes champ in this ring -BILLY
I hear you.
(off her look)
I promise.
She kisses him -INT. CARBONES - DOWNTOWN - LATER
The tony, place-to-be-seen, restaurant is packed. POLITICOS,
CELEBRITIES, NYC LUMINARIES. Billy and Jordan make the
rounds. They shake hands, pose for photos. Maureen watches
from a booth. Billys guys, at a shitty table near the door.
Billy knows the dog and pony show, hes animated, charismatic,
he slips into The Great persona easily. He enjoys it.
Then Billy catches his wifes glance.
having trouble hiding her discomfort.

She forces a smile,

Billy bows out --

BILLY
I gotta eat something, man.
JORDAN
Yeah, of course, son.

Go.

Enjoy.

Then as Billy crosses the room to Maureen, Miguel Canto,

Hector and Magics ENTOURAGE enter. Miguel, whos a few
cocktails deep, spots Billy. Then, loud enough for the room -MIGUEL
There he is, Billy the Great.
Congratulations, champ. Another
big win.
Billy and Maureen share a look, her face says, keep walking.
Billy barely acknowledges Miguel as he slides into the booth.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

17.

MIGUEL
I hear you set your next fight,
man. Kwame Turay in August. That
really hurts me, Billy. You know
that should be my fight.
JORDAN
(intervenes)
Were here to celebrate, not talk
business.
MIGUEL
Absolutely. Sorry.
dinner.

Enjoy your

Miguel moves off to the bar. Jordan continues his junket.

Billy and Maureen, alone, shes pissed -MAUREEN
Turay in August? Is he serious?
(his silence confirms)
Motherfucker -Maureen jumps out of the booth.
Shit.

BILLY
Mo --

Billy follows.
INT. CARBONES - LADIES ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
A posh bathroom. KIM and KHLOE KARDASHIAN apply makeup at the
mirror as Maureen abruptly moves to a stall. A moment later,
Billy BURSTS in -BILLY
Maureen -(sees the sisters)
Sorry. We kinda got a... thing.
Guess so.

KIM

The Ks head out. Even as overwhelmed as Billy is, he cant

help but clock a look at that ass. Then from a stall -MAUREEN
Get the fuck out of here.
BILLY
Cmon, Mo -MAUREEN
You promised me --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

18.

BILLY
Turay was already set up.
MAUREEN
Then push it.
I cant.
You wont.

BILLY
MAUREEN

BILLY
Deals have been made.
late.

Its too

Maureen comes out of the stall -MAUREEN

Thats what Im afraid of.
BILLY
I know what Im doing, Maureen. Im
not gonna let myself get fucked up.
I think about all that shit too.
MAUREEN
What about Leila, you think about
her? Cause now youll be training
during her entire summer vacation.
You hardly see her as it is.
BILLY
Dont do that -MAUREEN
What? Tell you the fucking truth.
Thats my job, baby. Because no
one else does. They all put you in
the Billy the Great bubble so
they can take their pound of flesh.
But when it pops, theyll scatter
like fucking roaches. And me and
Leila, well be the ones left with
the pieces. I dont want pieces,
Billy. Thats all Ive ever had.
Maureen fights back the tears, pushes past him. As she exits,
another WOMAN enters. Billy, overcome with self-loathing,
PUNCHES the stall door, ripping it off a hinge. The woman
GASPS and cowers as Billy rushes past her.
INT. CARBONES - DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Maureen makes her way to the door. Jon Jon, Mikey and Gabe on
their feet. Billy spots her, pursues.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

Maureen --

3/3/14

19.

BILLY

Miguel witnesses the domestic blip.

As Maureen walks past --

MIGUEL
Everything okay, Mrs. Hope?
MAUREEN
Shut the fuck up.
MIGUEL
Whoa... Maybe Im going after the
wrong Hope.
Miguels entourage LAUGHS. Billy, clearly agitated, ignores
as he passes. Then Miguel cuts deep -MIGUEL
Check it, Billy Hope. You cant
even control your bitch, how the
fuck you gonna handle me, man?
Maureen hears the comment. She stops at the door, sees Billy
as he freezes. The fighter turns and walks toward Canto.
Maureen knows what happens next. She doubles back -Shit.

MAUREEN
Billy.

Billy, now face-to-face with Canto. Gabe at his side. Hector

at Miguels side. Entourages surround them. Billy, aware of
all the eyes on him, stays cool in spite of his rage -BILLY
No one disrespects my family that
way. You need to apologize.
Maureen on the outside of the circle -MAUREEN
Walk away, Billy.
MIGUEL
Youre right. Sorry, Billy. Had it
wrong. Clearly, youre the bitch.
Before Miguel can enjoy the dig, Billy snaps, catches Miguel
off guard with a LEFT. Hes rocked back. Maureen panics -Billy!

MAUREEN

Jon Jon pulls Maureen away as Miguel comes at Billy. The two
men mix it up, a BARE KNUCKLE BRAWL. Jordan steps back and
WATCHES. Maureen hovers, horrified. Gabe, Mikey rush to
Billy. Hector moves to Miguel. Both fighters wave off their
crews. Patrons scurry for safety as the fight intensifies.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

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20.

Billy, drained from his fight, finds Miguel too strong and
fast. Faced with the challenge, Hope goes street. He
HEADBUTTS Miguel, SWEEPS his feet, climbs on top of him.
Drives mercilessly hard PUNCHES into the mans face.
Miguels brother intervenes, pulls a GLOCK from inside his
jacket and backs off Billy -HECTOR
Get off him!
Before Billy can react, Gabe anxiously pulls a 9MM -GABE
Hey, motherfucker -What happens next, occurs in a MATTER OF SECONDS -Hector panics, squeezes off a SHOT at Gabe. Misses. Gabe
abruptly fires TWO SHOTS back, CLIPS Hectors shoulder as the
brother dives for cover. Gabe and Mikey duck behind cover
before more shots throw, but Jon Jon, worried about Billy,
heads to his friend -Billy --

JON JON

Hector raises his gun to FIRE BACK. Billy sees Jon Jon in
harms way, instinctually pulls him to the ground as a SHOT
buzzes past them. Then it all goes SILENT. An audible GASP
seizes the room. Billy looks up, sees Miguel and Hectors look
of horror. He follows their gaze behind him. Billy sees
Maureen, her dress OOZING RED from her chest. She drops to her
knees. Billy screams -Maureen --

BILLY

He cradles Maureen as she GASPS for breath, her desperate,

shaking hand trembles as it touches Billys heart -No.

Baby.

BILLY
No. No...

As BLOOD POOLS around them, Maureen dies in his arms.

lets out a gut-wrenching PRIMAL SCREAM as we --

Billy

FADE TO BLACK.
FADE UP ON:
BEAUTIFUL RED CALLA LILIES. PULL OUT to reveal HUNDREDS OF
FLOWERS and we realize we are at --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

21.

EXT. CEMETERY - MORNING

Maureens OPEN GRAVE surrounded by the floral tribute. In the
distance, a LONG SLOW PROCESSION of FUNERAL VEHICLES -EXT. CEMETERY - MINUTES LATER
Billy and Leila step out of a limo. Billy stands there,
watches as the MOURNERS head to the grave site. Leila looks
to Billy for her emotional cue. Father is numb, so daughter
is numb. Jordan approaches, sees Billys disconnect -JORDAN
Cmon, son.
Billy looks at Leila.

Kisses her forehead --

BILLY
Go with Jordan, angel.
Why?

LEILA
Where you going, Daddy?

Billy shares a look with Jordan.

Then --

JORDAN
Daddy just needs a minute,
sweetheart.
Jordan takes Leila by the hand. Alone, Billy pulls a
PRESCRIPTION BOTTLE from his pocket, reaches in the limo, grabs
a MINI VODKA. He washes down a few XANAX with the booze. After
a moment, he works up the strength, heads toward the grave.
As Billy crosses between graves, two simple HEADSTONES catch
his eye: RAYMOND MORRIS 1897-1975. ELOISE MORRIS 1904-1976.
Epitaph on both: TOGETHER ALWAYS. He takes in the weight of
that, then looks up as the mourners in the distance. Unable to
face that truth, Billy sits in front of Raymonds stone. Sees
dried-up roses in the ground vase. Everything is dead as we -FADE TO BLACK.
FADE UP ON:
INT. HOPE HOME - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Billy, in the rumpled funeral suit, sits in a big chair in the
master suite. Sips a tumbler of vodka, numbly stares at the
empty king-size bed.
INT. HOPE HOME - LEILAS BEDROOM - LATER
Billy, now more drunk, watches Leila sleep. Peaceful,
innocent. All his responsibility. Exits into --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

22.

INT. HOPE HOME - HALLWAY - INTERCUT

Billy stands outside her room. Looks at the row of FAMILY
PHOTOS. Walks the other way towards the stairs -INT. HOPE HOME - KITCHEN - MINUTES LATER
Billy turns on a light, enters the big kitchen, looks around
as if in an unfamiliar place. He takes a container of EDYS
ICE CREAM from the freezer, puts it on the table, then looks
at the rows and rows of DRAWERS. Spoons? He opens a drawer,
no spoons, another, no spoons. Unseen, by Billy, Leila enters
the doorway. She watches as Billy grows more agitated -BILLY

Fuck.

As he rips open the last drawer, he snaps and RIPS it from the
cabinet. The non-spoon contents go flying as it SLAMS against
the wall. As he follows the wreckage, he spots Leila
watching. With that, the little girl enters, walks over to a
cabinet and opens it. Sliding out a rack with silverware.
She pulls out two SPOONS, hands one to her dad. Billy, too
embarrassed to say anything other than -Thanks.

BILLY

She nods. Father and daughter sit and silently eat the ice
cream. Two lost children without their caretaker.
INT. HOPE HOME - MASTER BEDROOM - MORNING
Billy, couple weeks worth of beard, in dirty sweats, asleep in
the same chair. Bed untouched. Leila, in a school uniform,
stands over him. Gloria behind her. Billy startles awake -Hey, baby.

BILLY
Whats the matter --

GLORIA
Wasnt sure if I should wake you,
Mr. Hope.
BILLY
Its okay -LEILA
Are you going to take me to school?
Uh...
Mom.

BILLY
Okay. Who usually -LEILA

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

23.

Billy stands, hungover, shares a look with Gloria -BILLY

Maybe we should let Gloria take you
today.
GLORIA
Lets go, little one.
Billy gives Leila a kiss. She recoils from the smell. Billy
sees her reaction. Neither one gives voice to it. Then -BILLY
Have a good day, baby.
Leila nods.

Billy watches her go, drops back into the chair --

INT. HOPE HOME - MASTER BATHROOM - NIGHT

Billy, in front of a medicine cabinet. ROWS of PRESCRIPTIONS.
Dumps THREE AMBIEN into his hand, thinks. Knows its killing
him. Puts them back in the bottle. Closes the cabinet,
catches his reflection in the MIRROR. His image disgusts him.
Powerless, he opens the cabinet again, reaches for the bottle -INT. HOPE HOME - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Leila eats dinner by herself. Text books and homework on the
table. Gloria, heading out, watches her for a moment, then -GLORIA
Good night, sweetheart.
Night.
Gloria leaves.

LEILA

Leila, very alone.

INT. HOPE HOME - DEN - NIGHT

Shrine to Billy the Great. Room of victories. TITLE BELTS,
TROPHIES, AWARDS. PHOTOS of Billy and Maureen with movie
stars, presidents, etc. Billy, drunk, high, takes in his life.
He strikes a stance and begins SHADOW BOXING. Instinctual
punches, muscle memory. His imaginary fight grows in
intensity. Then Billy catches a glimpse of his foe on the
wall. Throws a jab, SHATTERS a PHOTO OF HIMSELF. Another -INT. HOPE HOME - KITCHEN - INTERCUT
Leila, trying to do homework, hears the COMMOTION.
Billy stalks the trophy room, throwing punches and SMASHING
his boxing photos. Fists BLEEDING. Hes losing the fight.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

24.

INT. HOPE HOME - HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER

Leila watches her father through the cracked door of the den.
Hes lost the fight. Then Billy stumbles toward the door.
Leila crouches down, HIDES.

Billy passes her, invisible child.

INT. HOPE HOME - MASTER BATHROOM - LATER

Billy lets water run over his knuckles. BLOOD streams down the
drain. After a moment, he glances over at the OTHER SINK -Maureens. He moves to her side, looks at the things that
defined her daily life. Picks up her toothbrush, face cream,
etc. Leaving his BLOODY FINGERPRINTS on every item he touches.
Still unable to cry, Billy tortures himself with the memories.
INT. HOPE HOME - MASTER BEDROOM - INTERCUT
Leila, now on the other side of the door, worried, listening -Billy stares at himself, self-hate, palpable.
Leila raises her hand to knock, but stops when she hears -Billy, as he rests his head against the glass, whispering -Im sorry.

BILLY
Im sorry...

Leila, unsure how to help, just sits on the floor, back to the
door. Billy, defeated, slides down to the floor, leans against
the door. Father and daughter, inches apart, miles away.
EXT. PRIVATE SCHOOL - UPTOWN - DAY
Leila sits on a bench, alone, in front of the old, wellmanicured school. Her teacher, MRS. DOYLE, watches from the
yard as the black Mercedes rolls up. Billy, more out of
shape, not drunk, but hungover, hops out, opens her door -BILLY
Hey, angel. Sorry, you been
waiting long?
LEILA
Almost an hour.
Really.

BILLY
Sorry. I thought --

She slams the door shut before he can finish.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

25.

INT. MERCEDES - MINUTES LATER

Billy and Leila drive.
She just stares ahead.

MUSIC plays low. Billy watches her.

After a moment --

BILLY
How was school?
LEILA

Fine.

BILLY
You doing okay, Le-le?
I guess.

LEILA

BILLY
Wanna talk about anything?
(off her shrug)
You can talk to me, you know.
About your mom. Whatever.
Billy SWERVES out of his lane -LEILA
Pay attention, Dad.
Yeah.

BILLY
Sorry.

Before another chat can start, Leila TURNS UP the radio.

INT. HOPE HOME - LEILAS BEDROOM - NIGHT
Billy enters, high, drunk, watches her sleep. Get the sense
this is a ritual for him. He staggers out of her room.
Leilas eyes POP open, wide awake. Avoiding a connection.
INT. PRIVATE SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY
Leila at the teachers desk as Mrs. Doyle, looks at Leilas
WORKBOOK. Lots of incomplete pages. Leila isnt snarky,
shes just honest and blunt, conversation heard by the class.
MRS. DOYLE
Leila, why arent any of these
assignments done?
LEILA
Because I didnt do them.
MRS. DOYLE
I see that. Im asking why?

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

26.

LEILA
I dont know. Guess I dont like
doing homework anymore.
MRS. DOYLE
Whys that?
LEILA
Cause my moms dead and my dads
clueless.
Class reacts in gossipy HUSHES. Mrs. Doyle takes in the lost
girl. Not quite sure how to respond. Gives Leila a sad nod -MRS. DOYLE
Sit down.
(next name)
Hanna Jones.
As another GIRL heads to pick up her work, Leila walks back to
her seat. She sees two BLOND GIRLS whispering and giving her
judgemental stares. Leila burns a look back, then loud enough -LEILA
You Barbie Dolls have a fucking
problem?
Leila!

MRS. DOYLE
Outside.

Leilas cold stare frightens the girls as she heads to the door.
INT. HOPE HOME - BARROOM - DAY
Inside the well stocked barroom, Billy, bloated and FATTER, in
boxers and T-shirt, drinks beer as he watches taped ESPN
coverage of his old FIGHTS on a flatscreen. He freezes the
IMAGE when the camera cuts to a shot of MAUREEN in the
audience. He rewinds and plays it in SLOMO. He stares at the
images as Mikey enters with a PHARMACY BAG -Hey man.

MIKEY

Mikey takes in the odd scenario.

Billy.

Billy doesnt notice him --

MIKEY
Billy --

Billy spots him, startled and embarrassed -BILLY

The fuck you want?
MIKEY
Accountants here.

"SOUTHPAW"
What?

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

BILLY

MIKEY
Simon, hes in the kitchen.
Why?

BILLY

MIKEY
I dont know. Guess Jordan sent
him.
As Billy approaches, Mikey hands him the scrips.
MIKEY
Pharmacy said this is the last
refill on the Ambien and Benzos.
BILLY
So call the doc.
MIKEY
Not sure thats a good idea, man.
BILLY
I dont pay you for your good
ideas. Just fill it.
MIKEY
Yeah. Okay.
(beat)
Saw Gabe. Says thanks for taking
care of his lawyer.
BILLY
Any word on Jon Jon?
MIKEY
No ones seen him, man.
Billy in a dark place.

Mikey changes the subject --

MIKEY
I talked to Eli, were all set for
next week.
Next week?

BILLY

MIKEY
Begin training for the Turay fight.
BILLY
What day is it?

27.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

28.

MIKEY
The twenty-seventh.
(off his confusion)
Of June.
Billy nods, out of sync with the world.
friend exit. Pity and disdain --

Mikey watches his

INT. HOPE HOME - KITCHEN - LATER

Billy sits across from SIMON STILLMAN, his accountant.
has a journal with CHECKS --

Simon

SIMON
Ive got months worth of bills
here. Need you to sign the checks.
BILLY
Cant you sign em?
SIMON
Maureen liked to sign everything,
so she knew what was -BILLY
Just handle it.
SIMON
Youve got a lot of money going
out. Mortgage, Gabes legal fees,
all the help, its adding up.
BILLY
I got a fight coming up.
SIMON
(re: ledgers)
I know, but you have to take a look
at where youre at, Billy. You
still need to make some cutbacks.
I get it.

BILLY

SIMON
Im not sure you do -BILLY
Just pay the fucking bills.
Billy exits.

Simon, shakes his head, does what hes told --

INT. FROST TRAINING GYM - DAY

In a slick, high-tech facility, Billy halfheartedly hits the
pads with Nick. Hes still out of shape.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

29.

Mikey and a few FIGHTERS populate the private gym as Eli

covertly talks to Jordan.
ELI
Hes not here.

This is a mistake.

JORDAN
Hell focus, drop the weight.
always does.

He

ELI
Its not his physical condition Im
worried about. Hes still all
fucked up about Maureen. Im
telling you, its too soon.
JORDAN
I know my fighter. Getting in the
ring is the only thing thatll get
him passed it. Make sure hes ready.
Jordan exits.

Off Eli, an impossible task --

Billy, now at the SPEEDBAG, keeping sloppy rhythm, realizes -Hey.

BILLY
What time is it?

NICK
Almost two thirty.
Shit.

BILLY
I gotta go.

NICK
We aint done, Billy.
Billy ignores Nick, barks at Mikey as he heads to the lockers -BILLY
Get me a cab.
Mikey shares a look with Eli and Nick, his team at a loss -EXT. PRIVATE SCHOOL - DAY
Billy, a bit cleaned up, but still a wreck, stands next to the
TAXI, drinking coffee. Mrs. Doyle joins him.
MRS. DOYLE
Mr. Hope. Im Sarah Doyle.
Leilas teacher.
Right.

BILLY
Yeah. Good to see you.

She takes in Billys questionable condition --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

TEACHER
Nice to see you too.

3/3/14

How are you?

BILLY
Good.
(beat)
Still adjusting.
Of course.
Leila?

TEACHER
Can I talk to you about

BILLY
Yeah, sure.
MRS. DOYLE
We left messages. Sent home a few
letters with Leila. We havent
heard back from you.
BILLY
I never got them. Sorry. Been
trying to get things organized.
(beat)
Whats going on?
MRS. DOYLE
Leila is a very bright girl. Always
has been one of our best students.
But lately, shes struggling.
BILLY
What dya mean?
MRS. DOYLE
Shes distracted, confrontational.
Not completing assignments. We
took a quarterly exam the other day
-- she left it completely blank.
BILLY
Thats my fault. Im not real good
with homework and all the school
stuff. Her mom was the smart one.
MRS. DOYLE
I understand how difficult it must
be for the two of you. I think
Leila could use some outside help.
BILLY
What kinda help?
MRS. DOYLE
A therapist. Maybe a family
specialist. Might be good for both
of you to go.
Leila approaches, catches the end of the conversation --

30.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

31.

BILLY
Look, I appreciate it, but I dont
need a shrink to tell my kids
fucked up cause her mom died.
MRS. DOYLE
No ones saying shes damaged.
just needs some help -I get it.
Thanks.

She

BILLY
Ill talk to her.

Billy and Mrs. Doyle see Leila.

Billy ends it --

BILLY
Get in the cab, baby.
Mrs. Doyle shares a look with Leila as she climbs in the taxi.
INT. TAXI - LOCAL STREETS - CONTINUOUS
Billy slides in next to her.

The CABBIE drives away --

LEILA
What happened to the Mercedes?
BILLY
I got rid of it.
in the city.

Dont need a car

Leila knows thats bullshit, but she doesnt pursue. She

takes out her iPhone and earbuds. Billy changes the subject -BILLY
Your teacher had some interesting
things to say.
(off her silence)
Wanna tell me whats going on with
you?
LEILA
Its a little late to ask that,
dont you think?
BILLY
What does that mean?
Nothing.
Silence.

LEILA

Billy looking for a way in as the taxi pulls onto --

EXT. RIVERSIDE DRIVE/INT. TAXI - MOVING - CONTINUOUS

After a long moment --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

BILLY
You gotta talk to me, Leila.
arent you doing the work?

32.

Why

LEILA
Why arent you?
BILLY
What the hell does -LEILA
(cuts him off)
And Mom didnt die.
(off his look)
You told Mrs. Doyle she died. She
was murdered. Theres a difference.
BILLY
You think thats my fault?
Leila, done with the conversation, puts in her earbuds.
Answer me.

BILLY

She turns up the music, looks away.

of her ears --

Billy RIPS the buds out

BILLY
Dont shut me out!
Fuck you!

LEILA

Leila, unable to deal with the emotional weight, freaks. She

OPENS the passenger door of the moving car and leans out -Leila!
Hey!

BILLY

CABBIE
Whatre you doing --

Billy grabs Leilas arm as the cab SKIDS to a halt.

BILLY
What the fuck -Leila breaks his grip, hops out -Leila!

BILLY

Billy follows her out --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

33.

EXT. RIVERSIDE DRIVE - CONTINUOUS

Traffic stops, cars HONK, its vehicular chaos as Leila heads
to the SHOULDER. She starts walking toward the exit. Billy
catches up to her -BILLY
What the hells the matter with
you?
(off her silence)
Leila! That was crazy.
LEILA
Runs in the family.
BILLY
Get back in the car.
Then their taxi WHIZZES PAST them. The driver GESTURES their
insanity. Leila keeps walking. Billy watches her, lost -BILLY
What do you want me to do?
bring her back.
Leila turns, faces her father.
LEILA
I dont want my mom.
dad.

I cant

Anger gone.

Simply --

I want my

The noise and chaos seem to fade. Father and daughter stare
at each other. Opposite sides of the ring. Lost fighters.
A BELL PRELAPS and we -SMASH TO:
INT. PHILLIPS ARENA - ATLANTA - NIGHT
Billy, overweight, sluggish, squares off against KWAME TURAY,
29, black, thick, European Cruiserweight champion. Billy
takes shots to the head, but his counter-punches lack snap.
Insert: HOPE VS. TURAY, PHILLIPS ARENA, ATLANTA.
At RINGSIDE, Lampley and Kellerman weigh in -LAMPLEY
Never seen Billy this out of shape.
Its only round two and he looks
exhausted. Turays dominating.
KELLERMAN
Cruiserweight may have been too
much of a jump for Hope.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

34.

LAMPLEY
Problem is, thats not fourteen
pounds of muscle Billy packed on -Turay lands a brutal DOUBLE LEFT JAB, RIGHT CROSS, LEFT HOOK
combination, it rocks Billy back against the ropes. The crowd
BOOS as Billy rolls out of the corner, to avoid more hits.
LAMPLEY
That double jab and left hook is
Turays bread and butter and its
doing serious damage to Hope.
KELLERMAN
Billys not going to be able to
absorb punches like that for much
longer.
The BELL RINGS.

Billy sits in his corner.

Eli, in his face --

ELI
Billy, look at me. Hey. Look at
me. What are we doing here?
(Eli whispers in his ear)
You need to show me something son,
or Im gonna end this.
Billy doesnt respond. He takes in the crowd.
SOUND SLOWS DOWN as we become BILLYS POV --

SIGHT and

Front rows filled with CELEBRITIES, POLITICOS, Mikey and

Jordan. Miguel Canto, behind the promoter, chatting him up.
Miguel catches Billys gaze, shoots a grin. Billy takes in
Magic, the angry crowd, the critical commentators, his nervous
corner. Sound garbles to a DULL ROAR, shattered by the BELL.
Billy moves to the center of the ring, sees Turay coming at
him, then Billy DROPS HIS HANDS. Turays JAB comes right at
us, the blunt CONTACT snaps us back to a -3rd PERSON POV. Billy has STOPPED FIGHTING. Hands at his
side, he takes punches to his face and torso. Billy spits out
his mouthpiece and taunts Turay -Cmon.

BILLY
That all you got, bitch.

Turay continues to rock him with COMBINATIONS. Opens a HUGE

CUT above Billys eye. The crowd is BOOING. Eli screaming -ELI
Get your fucking hands up.
Hit me.

Billy!

BILLY
Cmon, hit me!

Turay looks at referee CARUSO, what the fuck?

Ref warns Billy --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

CARUSO
What the hell you doing?

3/3/14

35.

Fight.

Jordan watches, emotionless.

Mikey has had enough. Cant watch his friend self-destruct.
He gets up, heads down the aisle, WALKS AWAY.
Lampley and Kellerman weigh in -LAMPLEY
Never seen anything like this.
Hopes just letting himself get
pummelled. Caruso warning him.
They resume, Billy drops his hands again, takes HARD PUNCHES.
KELLERMAN
If this is some kinda showboating
tactic, Eli Frost doesnt like it.
We move TIGHT on Billys face, watching him ABSORB each blow
with satisfaction. As if he wants to be beaten, punished.
LAMPLEY
This isnt showboating. Billys
not right. Clearly he wasnt ready
for this fight.
BILLY
Whats the matter, bitch?
knock me down?

Cant

Turay accepts the challenge, landing a RIGHT UPPERCUT to

Billys chin that nearly lifts him off his feet. For the
first time in his career, Billy Hope HITS THE CANVAS -LAMPLEY
Hope is down! He is down! Billy
the Great, knocked down for the
first time in his career!
As the EIGHT COUNT is given, Billy staggers back to his feet.
Blood POURING from his face. Caruso CALLS it. Billy snaps -BILLY
I aint done yet.

Cmon, hit me.

As Caruso steps in to stop Billy, the champ brutally HEADBUTTS

the ref. Carusos nose SHATTERS as he topples to the canvas.
Billy rushes Turay, hands down. Turay unleashes a COMBINATION
that drops Billy. Both corners are through the ropes.
SECURITY rushes the ring. Its bloody mayhem, as we -SMASH TO BLACK.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

36.

INT. HOPE HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

A bruised and bandaged Billy sits across from Jordan. Billy
drinks a tumbler of vodka. Not his first. We enter midconversation, the vibe is strained and uncomfortable -JORDAN
I went through the x-rays with Dr.
Bains. There were no fractures.
Youre very lucky, son.
Thats me.

BILLY
Mr. Lucky.

Before Jordan can dig in, Leila enters with a glass of water.
She hands it to Jordan.
JORDAN
Thank you, sweetheart.
Leila nods, walks away -JORDAN
You have to think about her.
I do.

BILLY

JORDAN
You need to get some help, Billy.
BILLY
Simons the one who fired my nanny.
JORDAN
She quit. It was too much for her.
And thats not the kind of help I'm
talking about.
Billy doesnt want to hear this.

Jordan cuts to it --

JORDAN
Let me be clear, son. Itll be six
months before your suspension is up
for review. That means zero income.
Were being sued by the Garden for
breach of contract. The fine for
the assault on Caruso will be in the
six figures. And hes suing you for
lost wages and emotional trauma.
Youve pissed through your savings
and now theyll be putting liens on
all your assets.
The bad news cuts through Billys fog.
BILLY
What do I do?

Soberly --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

JORDAN
Simon is going to have to sell this
place to cover the debt. Ill try
to get you some guest appearances
or maybe some kinda book deal,
something to keep you afloat. This
suspension is a wake up call. Time
to get your life back in order.
(off his lost stare)
Is there someone Leila can stay
with?
BILLY
Whatre you talking about?
JORDAN
Youre in no shape to take care of
her.
BILLY
My kids not going anywhere.
JORDAN
Im trying to help you -BILLY
No, your kicking me to the fucking
curb cause your cash cow dried up.
Mo was right, scatter like roaches.
JORDAN
I earn my money -BILLY
I put you on the fucking map. You
wouldnt have dick if wasnt for me.
JORDAN
And neither would you. You were
Billy Hope. But I made you Billy
The Great. You have to decide if
you want that to continue.
(beat)
What would Maureen want for her
family?
Billy instinctively SHOVES Jordan -BILLY
You dont get to ask that.
Jordan, a gangster in his own right -JORDAN
Dont you ever put hands on me -With that Billy GRABS and drags him to the door --

37.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

38.

BILLY
Get the fuck out of my house.
Billy opens the door, throws Jordan to the ground in the
HALLWAY. Then SLAMS the door.
Billy stands at the door, suddenly overcome with a sense of
forboding, then he VOMITS all over the door. He feels eyes on
him, turns to see Leila. She stares at her father, says
nothing. The silent judgement is too much for Billy to bare -BILLY
Just say it!
(off her look)
Im an animal. A shitty father.
Fucking loser. Ghead, say it.
(screams)
Say it.
Leila fights back tears, runs up the steps.
floods Billy -BILLY
Shit... Le-le. Sorry.

Immediate remorse

Leila.

He hears her bedroom door SLAM. With that, Billy loses control.
He TRASHES his living room. Turning over couches, throwing
lamps. Punching walls. Utter rage, utter destruction.
INT. HOPE HOME - LIVING ROOM - MORNING
Billy, passed out amongst the wreckage.
hes a mess. Hes awakened by Leila -Daddy.
Yeah --

Vomit on his shirt,

LEILA
BILLY

Billy notices an OCFS CASE WORKER and two NYPD UNIFORM

OFFICERS (UNIS) standing behind her -LEILA
These people need to talk to you.
The woman shows him the ID BADGE she wears around her neck -OCFS WORKER
Office of Children and Family
Services.
Billy tries to stand, LOSES his balance, panicked -BILLY
Whats going on?

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

39.

The UNI intervenes -UPTOWN UNI

Get yourself cleaned up Mr. Hope,
then we can talk.
BILLY
Talk about what?
LEILA
Whats going on, Daddy?
The woman leads Leila toward the door -OCFS WORKER
Well explain everything, Leila.
BILLY
Where you taking her?
The case worker doesnt answer, keeps moving to the door -Daddy -Leila.

LEILA
BILLY

As Billy goes after his baby, the Unis intercept him. Billy
instinctively drops one with a LEFT. The other cop GUT STICKS
him with the end of a baton, stunning Billy. Then PD pounds
Billy to the floor. Leila goes NUMB as she exits -BILLY
(through the pain)
Leila!
As Leila disappears from view, Hope hits bottom and we -FADE TO BLACK.
FADE UP ON:
INT. MANHATTAN DETENTION COMPLEX - INFIRMARY - NIGHT
Billy, in county orange, sleeps erratically in a cot. Another
seven beds filled with INMATES of varying sickness. Suddenly,
Billys body SPASMS and he JOLTS awake. Sits up in bed, slopsweaty, as a DOCTOR walks past, barely gives him a casual
glance of concern. The Tombs are a hellish place to detox.
INT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - BEDROOM - NIGHT
In a large, simple room, Leila in one of SIX BEDS.
GIRLS sleep, Leila WIDE AWAKE. New home.

Five other

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

INT. NEW YORK COUNTY FAMILY COURT

3/3/14

40.

- COURTROOM - DAY

Inside a small courtroom, Billy in an uncomfortable suit, sits

next to his lawyer, LEONARD KORMAN, 50s, white. Billy looks
like shit. On the bench, JUDGE IRENE KAYLE, 50, fit, tough.
A BAILIFF observes as she reviews Billys case FILE -JUDGE KAYLE
Let me start by saying, Im aware
of the tragedy your family suffered
recently, you have my condolences.
(off his nod)
In light of those circumstances,
and the fact that you have no prior
offenses, the district attorney is
not pursuing assault charges on -BILLY
What about Leila?
JUDGE KAYLE
Please dont interrupt me. Your
daughter is at the United Family
Center in Washington Heights.
BILLY
When can I get her out?
JUDGE KAYLE
Thats what were here to
determine.
(re: file)
Did you and your wife set up any
kind of guardianship?
LEONARD
No, they didnt your honor.
JUDGE KAYLE
Any relatives?
BILLY
My wife and I both came up through
the system. Dont have any family.
JUDGE KAYLE
I see. So these circumstances must
be very painful for you.
BILLY
I want my kid back.
father.

Im her

JUDGE KAYLE
Unfortunately, thats not enough.
Being a parent means providing
stability, consistency, a safe --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

41.

BILLY
I can give her that.
JUDGE KAYLE
How? You just came out of detox.
Lost your home, no source of income
and all your assets have liens -BILLY
Ill figure it out.
JUDGE KAYLE
Youve had your chance to figure it
out, Mr. Hope. Now its our turn.
Leila will remain in the care of
the state. If you follow the case
plan, fulfill our requirements -BILLY
What the hell does that mean?
Billy --

LEONARD

Korman shares an apologetic look with Kayle.

JUDGE KAYLE
It may not seem like it now, but we
want nothing more than to put your
family back together.
She hands Billy a DOCUMENT -JUDGE KAYLE
You need to check in with your case
worker, theyll walk you through
the process. Our next review will
be in thirty days.
Thirty --

BILLY
When do I get her back?

JUDGE KAYLE
Well see where youre at in six
months -BILLY
Are you fucking kidding me?
Kayle burns a look at Korman -JUDGE KAYLE
Were done.
LEONARD
Lets go, Billy --

She continues --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

42.

BILLY
I need my kid.
JUDGE KAYLE
This isnt about what you need.
BILLY
No, apparently its about tearing
apart my fucking family. You even
have kids? Got any idea what the
fuck youre doing -JUDGE KAYLE
Get him out of here.
Bailiff and GUARDS escort out a furious Billy.

Judge pissed --

JUDGE KAYLE
Im going to assume that was just
the poison working its way out of
his system. Next time, itll be
contempt and hell be back inside.
LEONARD
Understood. Thank you.
EXT. NEW YORK COUNTY FAMILY COURT - LATER
Cold, gray autumn day. Billy sits on the steps. A DUFFLE BAG
at his feet. His only belongings. Jordan finishes talking to
Leonard, then sits down next to Billy.
JORDAN
Heard it was rough.
BILLY
Yeah.
(beat)
Sorry about the other night.
I know.

JORDAN

BILLY
They took my kid.
JORDAN
Its temporary.
BILLY
I need a fight, Jordan. I know I
gotta wait out this suspension,
but... I gotta get ready.
JORDAN
Look Billy, I love you like a son,
you know that.
(MORE)

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

43.

JORDAN (CONT'D)
Ive always been honest with you -it may be time to walk away, while
you still can.
BILLY
Whatre you talking about -JORDAN
You cant keep taking punches to
the head. Way you fight, its
going to do real damage.
BILLY
Didnt mind my head getting pounded
when it was making you fucking bank.
(retracts)
Sorry.
JORDAN
If you want to keep boxing, youll
need to completely change your
style.
BILLY
I can do that. Ill work with Eli
on the down-low, hell be able to
turn me around -JORDAN
Elis working with another fighter.
Who?

BILLY

(off his silence)

Whos he training, Jordan?
JORDAN
Miguel Canto.
BILLY
You took on Magic?
JORDAN
Its just business, Billy.
Billy is more heartbroken than angry -Wow.

BILLY
Yeah. Just business...

Jordan stuffs a wad of CASH in Billys hand. He looks at it,

dwells on the painful irony, his life reduced to the money he
can hold in his hand. Then -JORDAN
I got you a ride.
Jordan gestures to the street, a beat up HONDA CIVIC waiting.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

44.

JORDAN
Take care of yourself, son.
Jordan gives Billy a sad smile, walks away.
Jon Jon gets out of the Honda.
in, then Billy joins him --

He and Billy take each other

BILLY
Nice wheels.
JON JON
Thanks. Only a hundred fifty-seven
thousand miles.
Silence.

We see the familiar ROLEX on his wrist.

Then --

BILLY
Where you been?
JON JON
Back at the Point.

My moms.

BILLY
Hows Ester doing, still looking
fine?
JON JON
Packed on sixty pounds, lost half
her toes to the diabetes, but other
than that, yeah, shes fucking
Halle Berry.
(off his smile)
She got me a night shift at the
fish market. Getting by.
BILLY
Sounds good, man.
JON JON
It sounds pathetic.
BILLY
No, I got pathetic covered.
JON JON
(re: courthouse)
Yeah. Heard about all this.
Small talk done. After an awkward moment, Billy reaches out,
embraces Jon Jon. Deep, familial hug. As they separate, Jon
Jon, already emotional, stumbles through a broken apology -JON JON
Im sorry, Billy. Sorry, I
couldnt be... I wanted --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

BILLY
Its okay, man.
JON JON
I shouldnt have split. Just
didnt know how to be around, man.
I feel like what happened to Mo -BILLY
Its not your fault, Jon. You
tried to help me that night. You
were the only one who got my back.
JON JON
Im sorry. For everything.
Leila... Its so fucked up, man.
(off his nod)
Im here if you need me, Billy.
BILLY
Aint got no payroll, brother.
JON JON
I dont wanna get paid, man.
never here for the money.
BILLY
I know that.
(beat)
I tried to call Mikey.
where he is.

Was

Not sure

JON JON
He took a gig with his uncle,
driving a restaurant supply truck.
BILLY
Hes driving a truck full of food?
That cant be a good idea.
No.

JON JON

(beat)
Gabe pleaded out.
I heard.

BILLY
Three to five.

JON JON
May actually come out a real
gangster.
BILLY
Doubt that. Got a feeling hes
already wearing lipstick and a
designer dress.
The two men smile.

Then --

45.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

46.

JON JON
Cmon, lets get outta here.
BILLY
I got no place to go.
Get in.

JON JON

The men climb in the Honda.

EXT. STREETS - HUNTS POINT, BRONX/INT. HONDA CIVIC - DAY
Billy and Jon Jon drive through their old hood.
Waterfront. Hard, urban turf.

Bronx River.

BILLY
Damn. Time has not been kind to
the Point.
JON JON
Whens the last time you were here?
BILLY
I dont know.
The pass a row of stores.
Mr. Sung.
that guy.

See a KOREAN DELI --

JON JON
Man, we fucking hated

BILLY
We hated everybody.
JON JON
Home aint easy, man.
BILLY
Especially when it keeps moving.
Billy goes to a sad, nostalgic place -EXT. INDUSTRIAL ROAD - TREMONT, BRONX/INT. HONDA CIVIC - DAY
Jon Jon drives through an industrial area, Billy confused -BILLY
The fuck we doing in Tremont?
Honda pulls up to a rundown WAREHOUSE. A tall structure with
dirty windows and a faded sign that reads: WILLS GYM. An old
BOXING GLOVE is tied to the door handle and jammed under the
door to prop it open. Everything about the place is makeshift.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

47.

BILLY
Whats this?
JON JON
I know youre looking for a
trainer.
Here?

BILLY

JON JON
Tick Wills. He trained my cousin.
Hes the real deal.
BILLY
Wills... middleweight?
The men hop out -EXT. WILLS GYM - CONTINUOUS
JON JON
Yeah. I think his kid was killed
or something. Stopped fighting
after that. Opened this place.
They enter -INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - DAY
Billy and Jon Jon enter, hang in the back. Its bustling with
KIDS and AMATEUR FIGHTERS. Neighborhood vibe. No thugs. See
a wall with PHOTOS of young fighters.
TICK WILLS, in the ring, HANDS TAPED, long sleeves, he works
the pads with RAMONE, a Flyweight.
TICK
One, two. One, two, three.
two, three, four --

One,

Billy and Jon Jon move closer -BILLY

Guy in the ring?
Yeah.

JON JON

An ELECTRONIC BUZZER sounds.

Speed!

Thirty seconds --

TICK
Speed! Speed!

Ramone hits the pads nonstop. This kid is lightning fast, you
can barely see his hands. The BUZZER sounds again.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

Thats it.
the rope.

TICK
Not bad.

Not bad.

3/3/14

48.

Hit

HOPPY hands Tick coffee and a NEWSPAPER as Ramone exits the

ring -Thanks.

TICK
You too, Hop.

Rope.

HOPPY
Already did that shit -Tick SLAPS Hoppy in the back of the head -Fifty.

TICK

Tick takes a break as the teen hits the floor for PUSHUPS. As
he serves his swearing fine, Hoppy spots Billy circling in the
back. Stunned, he stops, jumps up, heads to Billy -HOPPY
Damn... You Billy Hope, man. The
hell you doing here? You lost?
BILLY
You have no idea...
Now Tick and the fighters all notice. Activity stops as Billy
walks to the ring. Jon Jon hangs back. Tick returns to the
newspaper, hiding any interest as Billy approaches him.
BILLY
You Tick Wills?
Yeah.

TICK

BILLY
Can we talk?
About?
Boxing.

TICK
BILLY

Tick looks up, takes in Billy, barely nods. Walks to a back

office. Billy shoots Jon Jon a look, WTF. Then follows -INT. WILLS GYM - BACK ROOM - MINUTES LATER
Billy takes in the space, sparse, old furniture. No pictures.
A WOODEN BAT, BIBLE, lots of BOOKS. Tick puts down the paper,
sits on the edge of the desk as Billy drops onto a shitty sofa.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

49.

TICK
What brings Billy Hope to my gym?
BILLY
Not really sure. Guess Im looking
for a place to train. Maybe a new
trainer. Gotta change up my style.
TICK
Not sure, you guess, maybe...
Can you be a little more ambivalent.
(off his look)
That means uncertain.
BILLY
I know what it means.
TICK
Im not a pro trainer.
BILLY
Currently, Im not a pro fighter.
I know.

TICK

Tick hands Billy the newspaper. Folded to the sports page.

See BILLYS MUGSHOT. Headline: THE GREAT WHITE DOPE.
Subheading: HOPE LOSES EVERYTHING.
TICK
I dont need this kinda trouble
around my gym.
Billy takes in the news and the diss, fires back -BILLY
Yeah, wouldnt wanna scare away all
your high profile fighters.
Billy heads for the door -TICK
Now I know why you bleed so easy.
Thin skin.
Billy stops.

Raw, exhausted, he tries the truth, re: paper --

BILLY
Do they mention I also lost my kid?
State took her till I can get back
on my feet.
(off his doubt)
And youre right, Im a mess. And
no one wants me inside their ring.
But this is what I do.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

Tick takes in Billys remorse. Feels familiar.

in thought. The distraction of vivid memories.

50.

Both men lost

Then --

TICK
I got three rules. You dont swear
or take the Lords name in vain
under my roof.
Yeah.

BILLY
Okay.

TICK
You dont throw a punch in or outta
the ring until I tell you to.
BILLY
What dya mean?
TICK
I know you can hit. Problem is,
thats all you know how to do.
Defense, strategy, restraint,
composure. The sweet science.
Boxings a chess game. Thats what
I can teach you.
(taps his head)
This is more important -(re: fists)
-- than these.
Alright.

BILLY
And the third rule?

TICK
My night man just had a stroke.
Need someone to clean up this place.
Thatll cover your gym fees. Well
figure out later how you pay me.
BILLY
You serious? Im not gonna clean
your fucking toilets, man.
TICK
Just broke two out of three.
Billy PUNCHES the wall -BILLY
Now were three for three.
Billy exits.

Yoda.

Tick watches him cross the gym, to himself --

TICK
Nice knowing you, Billy the Great.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

51.

INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - CONTINUOUS

Jon Jon, Hoppy and the other fighters witness the outburst.
HOPPY
What the hell was that about?
JON JON
Just Billy making friends.
Billy heads to the door.

Jon Jon follows.

INT. HONDA CIVIC - WASHINGTON HEIGHTS - LATER

Billy and Jon Jon pull up to an 1970s institutional building.
SIGNAGE reads: UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER. Five floors, barred
windows, a PLAYGROUND surrounded by a barbed wire fence.
Billy stares at the foster home. He hates places like this.
JON JON
Want me to come with?
BILLY
Thats alright, man.
Let you get to work.

Im good.

JON JON
Where you gonna stay?
BILLY
Someplace close.
out.

Ill figure it

Jon Jon takes off the ROLEX -Here.

JON JON

BILLY
No, man. I cant take that.
was a gift.

It

JON JON
And Im re-gifting it.
(off his hesitance)
Please, Billy.
Billy realizes Jon Jon needs to give it back.
Thanks.

BILLY

JON JON
Call me, you need anything.

Takes it --

"SOUTHPAW"
Yeah.

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

52.

BILLY
Okay.

The men shake hands.

Billy hops out --

INT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - FAMILY ROOM - LATER

Billy sits in a bright yellow room.

ANGELA RIVERA enters --

ANGELA
Mr. Hope, Im Angela Rivera. Im a
case worker here at United Family
Care Center.
Hi.

BILLY

(beat)
Can I see my daughter?
ANGELA
Shell be down in a minute. We
just need to review a few things.
She hands him a FOLDER with the case plan.
process anything, just needs to know --

Billy cant

BILLY
She doing okay?
Yeah.

ANGELA
Shes a good kid.

Billys hand SHAKES as he holds the file. Angela sees his

unstable condition. Gives him the cliff note version -ANGELA
We can go through the case plan
later. As far as seeing Leila, the
first month of visits, Ill need to
supervise. Be with the two of you.
Billy nods.

Goes to a sad, distracted place --

BILLY
Cant believe this is happening...
ANGELA
I know how difficult this is -BILLY
No you dont.
ANGELA
I had my baby taken away six years
ago. Mommy was a junkie. Real
fucking good one.
(MORE)

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

53.

ANGELA (CONT'D)
Took me six relapses, an assault
charge and two suicide attempts,
before I could clean up and do the
work. I got him back. Were a
family.
Beat.

Billy processes her truth.

Curious --

BILLY
How long you clean?
ANGELA
Four years, three months.

You?

BILL
Couple weeks.
ANGELA
Cool. So youre pretty much still
outta your fucking mind.
BILLY
(manages a smile)
Pretty much.
ANGELA
It gets better.
BILLY
That before or after the suicide
attempts?
Angela smiles. She likes this guy. She sees his focus
pulled to the door. Leila enters with another WORKER. Billy
goes to her -BILLY
Hey, angel girl.
Billy wraps her in his arms. She reluctantly returns the hug.
Angela watches from a desk as father and daughter sit.
BILLY
You doing alright, baby?
LEILA
I guess so.
BILLY
Yeah?
(beat)
You getting along with everyone?
LEILA
Kids are kinda messed up.
are okay. I like Angela.

Workers

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

Good.

BILLY
Food okay?

3/3/14

54.

You eating?

LEILA

Yeah.

BILLY
Hows the new school?
Lame.

LEILA
I already know everything.

BILLY
Thats cause youre smart like
your mom.
LEILA

Yeah.
Leila gives nothing.

Billy struggles

Then from a deep place --

BILLY
Im sorry.
(off her silence)
For everything. I shouldve taken
better care of you.
LEILA
I know.
(beat)
When do I get out of here?
BILLY
As soon as I can get back on my
feet.
LEILA
What are you going to do?
Fight.

BILLY
As soon as theyll let me.

LEILA
Cant you do something else?
No.
Silence.

BILLY
I dont think I can.

Leila cant deal with the feelings.

Then --

LEILA
I should go grab a seat for lunch.
He kisses her. Leila heads out. Billy, overwhelmed. Angela
walks over, places a reassuring hand on his shoulder -ANGELA
Shes a strong kid.

"SOUTHPAW"
Shes ten.
be strong.

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

55.

BILLY
Shes not supposed to

Billy picks up his duffle, heads for the door.

EXT. WILLS GYM - DUSK
Summer sun slides below the urban haze as Billy sits on the
battered sidewalk, leaning against the old building. After a
moment, Hoppy, Ramone and a few fighters exit. Tick follows
them, starts to pull the glove from under the door when they
notice Billy, now walking towards them. Ticks fighters,
protective, flank their trainer as Billy joins them -BILLY
Was hoping I could buy you a beer,
we could start over.
TICK
I dont drink.
Tick makes him squirm.
Go home.

Then to his fighters --

TICK

The fighters give a collective nod, walk away.

back inside --

Tick heads

TICK
Pull the glove.
Billy pulls the glove from under the door and enters -INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - CONTINUOUS
Door SLAMS behind Billy as Tick heads to the back of the large
space. Billy follows. Tick approaches a column of IRON RUNGS
built into the concrete, leading up to a ROOF HATCH. Safety
access ladder. Tick picks up a jug of water, then, at Billy -TICK
Grab that bucket.
Billy picks up a five gallon BUCKET with a lid. Tick heads up
the ladder. Billy, trying not to lose patience, sotto -BILLY
Guess Im following you. Up a
ladder. With a bucket. For no
apparent reason...
Billy climbs --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

56.

EXT. WILLS GYM - ROOFTOP - MOMENTS LATER

Tick exits the hatch, walks onto the roof. Sunset, but no sun
in sight. Industrial buildings block the view. Billy follows
him as he heads past a makeshift CLOTHESLINE with drying towels
and wraps. As Billy rounds a series of industrial VENTS and
PIPING, he sees ten PET BOWLS. Several FERAL CATS circle Tick
in anticipation as he pours water into a few of the dishes.
TICK
Fill the other bowls.
Billy pops the lid on the bucket, KIBBLE. As he fills the
bowls, the sound of kibble hitting dish brings DOZENS of CATS.
Some from the vents, some from neighboring roofs. They just
keep coming. Its a fucking feline feeding frenzy.
Billy watches in awe as they nuzzle Tick -BILLY
Wow, youre like a crazy old cat
lady.
TICK
I hate pigeons. I hate rats. My
building has none. Thanks to them.
Tick picks up a kitten, sits on an old bench.
this is a ritual for him. Then -TICK
Im sorry about what happened to
your family.
BILLY
Thanks.
(beat)
How bout you? You still have
family here?
No.

TICK

(beat)
Im not much for talking about
myself.
BILLY
Yeah, Im picking up on that.
TICK
Say your piece.
BILLY
Ill follow your rules.
Billy hands him the ROLEX --

Get the sense

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

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57.

BILLY
This should cover gym and training
fees for the next twenty five years.
(off his look)
Ill clean this place, but you
gotta pay me. Need to show proof
of income for the courts. Its the
only way I get my kid back.
In that moment, Tick sees a bit of Hope -TICK
Minimum wage, no benefits, no free
toilet paper.
BILLY
Its everything Ive dreamed of.
Billy extends his hand.

Tick studies him, then shakes.

INT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - COMMUNITY ROOM - NIGHT

Angela, on her way out, looks in on the kids. Most engage in
some sort of social activity, except Leila. Shes sitting by
herself, book on her lap, just staring out a window.
INT. RESIDENCE HOTEL - BRONX - NIGHT
Billy enters the simple, furnished room.

Semi-shithole.

He puts his duffle on the old dresser, sits on the bed and
takes in the reality of his new home. No TV, no phone, no
computer -- just Billy.
As he hangs his head, he spots a ROACH crawling up his leg. He
lays his palm on his knee, giving the bug access to his hand.
He holds it, studies the insignificant creature as it tries
desperately to find a way out. Then Billy CRUSHES IT between
thumb and index finger. As if prophesying his own fate.
EXT. STREETS - BRONX - DAWN
Billy, in sweats, runs through the borough. The hood is down.
Recession has crushed it. Streets are unforgiving. DRIVERS
cut him off, nearly kill him as he tries to find a safe path.
INT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - BEDROOM - SAME
Leila, dressed in jeans, T-shirt, finishes tying her NIKES as
ALICE, a large twelve-year-old, and her POSSE, approaches -ALICE
Give me the kicks.

"SOUTHPAW"
What?

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

58.

LEILA

ALICE
The Nikes, theyre mine now.
Leila, more stunned than scared, does nothing -ALICE
Gonna count to three, bitch.
(beat)
One -Before she gets to two, Leila throws a RIGHT CROSS. Alices
nose SHATTERS. Blood everywhere. The big girl falls. Leila
climbs on top of her, following the blow with a rapid rightleft pummel. Alice SCREAMS as her posse panics and runs.
EXT. STREETS - LATER
Billy, nearing the end of his run. Tired. Sweating. Heads
toward four black MALES outside a tagged-up HOOD CLUB. BLACK
LUXURY SUV parked in front.
EXT. HOOD CLUB - SAME
The men all sport Y2K INK -- Young Killa Krew. One in charge,
KASH, spots Billy approach. His Lieutenant, UMP, 19, follows
his gaze. Kash, 9MM peeks out from his waistband, peels away,
eyes Billy like a soldier. Ump joins him, the clown -UMP
Run Forest, run!
Bangers LAUGH as Billy runs in the street to avoid them. Kash
clocks the fighter, recognition flashes across his face. Then
an NYPD CRUISER slow rolls past. Kash turns back to his crew.
END MUSIC MONTAGE as the lens studies KASH, the thug and we -DISSOLVE INTO:
A PHOTO OF KASH, the fourteen-year-old kid, striking a boxing
pose. We pull out to reveal -INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - MINUTES LATER
The photo hangs on the wall with the other amateur fighters.
Kash was one of Ticks fighters.
Billy enters, exhausted from the run. He joins Tick as he
trains Ramone, Hoppy and two other young fighters.
TICK
How many miles?

"SOUTHPAW"
Not sure.

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

59.

BILLY
Maybe five or six.

TICK
That isn't roadwork, thats a
yuppie jog. Tomorrow you do ten.
BILLY
That might fucking kill me right
now.
TICK
A risk Im willing to take.
pushups. No swearing.
Billy burns a look at Tick.

Fifty

The gym watches.

Tension.

Then Billy hits the floor, pays the fine.

Ramone, cocky, snarks at Hoppy -RAMONE
I give Hope a week.
HOPPY
Nah, man. Tick gonna recycle that
white boy. Make him fucking champ
again.
Unseen by the boys, Tick overhears them, at Hoppy -Fifty.
Shit -A hundred.

TICK
HOPPY
TICK

Hoppy hits the floor, pays the fine. Ramone watches Billy,
not thrilled hell be consuming his trainers time -INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - LATER
Inside the ring, Ticks hands, ALWAYS WRAPPED, slides gloves
on Billys hands -No wraps?

BILLY

TICK
Dont need em, you aint going to
be hitting anything. Going to
introduce you to an element of
boxing youve never met -- its
called defense.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

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60.

BILLY
I got defense.
TICK
Yeah, your face.
As he puts head gear on Billy -TICK
Ramone, get in here.
Ramone climbs in the ring.

Concerned --

RAMONE
Want me to spar?
TICK
Dont worry. Hes not going to hit
back.
Tick hits a BUZZER. Billy and Ramone move to the center.
Ramone throws JABS, HOOKS, UPPERCUTS, Billy tries to defend.
He can barely see Ramones hands. Flyweight humiliates Billy.
His punches dont do damage, they score points. Ramone, cocky,
enjoys schooling the champ as the rest of the gym watches.
They LAUGH at the white mans lack of speed. Billys pissed -BILLY
Cmon, man. Its like sparring
with a fucking gnat.
RAMONE
A gnat like a boss, motherfucker.
BUZZER.

Ramone celebrates with his buddies.

Billy and Tick --

TICK
By the time Im done with you,
youll be able to defend against
that kind of speed.
(beat)
Give me fifty for the swearing.
(at Ramone)
You too.
Billy, shakes his head, drops to the canvas. Ramone does pushups as fast as he hits. As Billy pushes up slowly -RAMONE
Cmon, old man. Keep up.
INT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - FAMILY ROOM - DAY
Billy and Leila sit across from each other.
from the desk--

Angela watches

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

BILLY
Wanna tell me what happened?
LEILA
She tried to steal my Nikes.
BILLY
You shattered her nose.
LEILA
And I still have my shoes.
BILLY
That happens again, theyll ship
you off to juvie.
Leila says nothing.

Billy tries a different tact --

BILLY
Look, I know how hard this is for
you.
LEILA
No, you dont. You dont know
anything about me.
BILLY
Thats not fair -Fair?
Hey.

LEILA
Look where the fuck I am.
BILLY
Dont use that language.

LEILA
Or what?
(snaps)
You cant punish me anymore than
you already have.
Leila runs out.

Billy at a loss.

Angela joins him --

BILLY
She fucking hates me.
ANGELA
She doesnt hate you, she hates
what happened. At least shes
letting you know how she feels.
BILLY
I wouldnt mind it if she was a
little more repressed.
ANGELA
Cant grill her, or try to explain
what went wrong.
(MORE)

61.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

62.

ANGELA (CONT'D)
Youll lose her every time. Just
hang out with her. Do things youd
do at home.
Yeah.

BILLY
Alright.

ANGELA
Getting to meetings?
BILLY
I gotta job. Nights.
ANGELA
Thats great.
BILLY
Its the complete opposite of
great. But its income.
She gives him a STICKY NOTE, hand written number -ANGELA
Thats my cell. If you ever wanna
go to a meeting let me know.
BILLY
Thanks.
(beat)
I got toilets and six hundred feral
cats waiting for me.
(off her look)
Dont ask. Night.
ANGELA
Good night.
Billy stops before he reaches the door -BILLY
Take care of her please.
We will.

ANGELA

Billy nods, exits -INT. WILLS GYM - BACK OFFICE - NIGHT

Billy mops the floor in Ticks sparse office. He picks up an
old LEATHER GYM BAG tucked in the corner, mops under the spot,
then tosses the bag back down. When it hits the floor, he
hears GLASS BREAK -Shit.

BILLY

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

63.

Billy opens the bag, sees a TITLE BELT, newspaper and magazine
CLIPPINGS, an old SNUB-NOSED REVOLVER, boxing MEMORABILIA and
PHOTOGRAPHS. Some loose, some in frames. One of the frames
shattered. Billy fascinated, drops on the sofa and absorbs
Ticks memories. He pulls out one of the pictures, its a
YOUNGER TICK and a YOUNGER JORDAN, circa: 1990. Stunned -BILLY
No fucking way...
Then Billy takes out a family photo. Tick, his WIFE and his
DAUGHTER, 6, on the steps of a nice house. Theres a CAT on
the little girls lap. Billys awe is shattered by -TICK (O.S.)
Whatre you doing?
Tick, now standing in the doorway.
BILLY
Sorry, I was cleaning up -TICK
And you decided youd just dig
through my things.
No.

BILLY
I heard something break.

Get out.

TICK

BILLY
I didnt know what was inside the -TICK
Get the fuck out!
Billy exits. Tick SLAMS the door, drops on the sofa. Looks
at his history, like Billy, his life reduced to the contents
of a single bag. Tick is lost in the sudden rush of feelings.
Then he hits the floor. PUSH-UPS for swearing.
INT. HOOD GROCERY MARKET - NIGHT
Billy in line at the register, a hand basket of groceries. As
he puts down the basket, he sees Hoppy bagging the groceries.
An older CASHIER scans his items. Hoppy engages -HOPPY
Hey, whats up Billy Hope?
Not much.

BILLY

Hoppy bags Billys purchases -- oatmeal, milk, eggs, Advil and

two PINTS of CHEAP VODKA. Shares a look with Billy --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

64.

HOPPY
This the pro fighter diet?
BILLY
Yeah. Follow it and you can be
just like me.
Hoppy picks up on his self-loathing.
Billy takes the bag from him -Thanks.

Both men silent.

Then,

BILLY

HOPPY
Aint as bad as you think, man.
Billy lets that simple, profound truth seep in as he exits -EXT. STREETS - LATER
Billy pulls a pint from the bag. Hesitates, then, fuck it,
starts to unscrew the cap. Before its off, he spots Kash,
Ump and Y2K THUGS coming towards him. Billy slips the bottle
back inside the plastic bag as they intercept -KASH
Damn, it is him, aint it?
UMP
Fuck, yeah.
KASH
You Billy Hope?
Billy nods. Ump and another banger step in front of him.
Thats when Billy sees Ramone trailing behind with the
bangers. Ramone avoids his gaze.
UMP
Actually, its Billy dope, now.
KASH
Thats right. You a broke-ass
junkie motherfucker now, aint you?
Yeah.

BILLY

KASH
You really trainin at Wills?
(off his nod)
Dfuck you doing at that dump?
BILLY
Still figuring that out.
Billy tries to go around, Ump cuts him off with a boxing pose --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

65.

UMP
Cmon, champ, show a nigga some
moves.
BILLY
Just trying to get home, man.
KASH
He just a fan.
(beat)
Or maybe you just like that biblehumpin, hypocrite motherfucker
runs your gym. We aint worthy of
your valuable fucking time.
Billy refuses to engage.

Then Ump SLAPS him with a sloppy jab --

KASH
Oh, damn... stings dont it. Look
out for that jab. Look out, Billy
Hope...
Bangers REACT. Kash grabs the bag from Billy, whips it into
the street. Billy tries to contain his anger.
KASH
Cmon, here we go...

round one...

Ump swings, Billy ducks. Ump jabs, Billy bobs. Kash watches,
impressed. Already Billys defensive skills seem better.
UMP
Cmon, bitch, why you aint
playing?
KASH
Yeah, Mr. Dope, not like we the
niggas killed your wife -Billy locks eyes with Kash. He snaps out his hands and GRABS
Ump by both wrists. As if to say, play time is over. The
thugs realize that waking this dragon might be a bad idea.
KASH
(at his guys)
Alright, guess he just aint
feelin the fun, man.
As they move off, Billy shares a look with Ramone.
UMP
Want me a rematch, Billy the fake.
Billy goes out the street, picks up his bag. Eggs and pints
both BROKEN. Omelets and relapse temporarily off the table.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

66.

EXT. STREETS - BRONX - MORNING

Billy, sweats, hoodie, LEANER, runs at a good clip. City is
still oppressive but theres some lightness in his stride.
EXT. CORNER PARK - LATER
Billy reaches an urban triangle of grass and concrete.
Theres a PLAYGROUND, HOOPS, tables. Sweating, tired, he
stops to work out a cramp and notices FAMILIES in the park.
He unconsciously floats over to the fence and watches them.
Then the THWACK of wood on chain-link, turns him around. Two
NYPD BEAT COPS. They take in the sweaty, hooded white guy -BEAT UNI
Lets go.
(off Billys confusion)
Keep moving, you dont belong here.
Billy breaks into a jog, he knows thats true on every level.
INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - DAY
Billy, WEIGHTS on his ankles, jumps rope.
with Ramone, they both ignore Billy.

Tick in the ring

Jon Jon, clapping out a rhythm as Billy, with the weighted

ankles, does rigorous FOOTWORK exercises.
Hoppy holds Billys ankles as he does SIT-UPS. With each rock
back, Jon Jon SLAPS his stomach with a WOODEN PADDLE.
Jon Jon halfheartedly swings a BROOM HANDLE as Billy BOBS and
WEAVES under it. Tick watches Billy while he holds the heavy
bag for Ramone. Frustrated with Jon Jon, Tick goes to Billy -TICK
Give me that.
He takes the broom handle from Jon Jon. Same routine, only
Tick swings faster and harder. Most clip Billy in the head
gear. He grows angrier each time Tick connects. All the
fighters watch the fucked-up training ritual. Finally,
Billys had enough. Stops the exercise, stands still -BILLY
Just fucking hit me.
(off Ticks stare)
Do it. You crazy old fuck.
wanna hurt me. Just --

You

Before he can finish the sentence, Tick WHACKS him across the
shoulder, handle cracks like a broken bat, flies across the
gym. Both men surprised by what just happened. Then --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

67.

BILLY
We good now?
Tick doesnt answer, instead -TICK
Ramone, gear up.
INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - MINUTES LATER
Billy and Ramone SPAR. Again, Billy just defending. Ramone
still faster than Billy can handle, but the champs defensive
skills are already much better. Ramone doesnt like Billys
improvement. The Flyweight gets more aggressive.
Billy and Tick share a look, a nod of approval.
As Billy and Ramone spar, we see a WELL-DRESSED MAN enter in
the background. He takes in the gym, pays special attention
to the action in the ring. Billy spots him, he feels
familiar, it pulls his focus. Ramone takes advantage of
Billys distraction, pops him in the face with a hard JAB.
BLOOD flows from Billys nose. Billy, pissed, at Tick -BILLY
Im gonna drop this punk.
TICK
You do and were done.
RAMONE
Let him come, man.
try to hit me.

Let him fucking

Jon Jon makes the call, hits the BUZZER.

INT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT
Billy sits down across from Leila, takes out a deck of CARDS.
Says nothing. Shuffles, deals her eight cards, flips over the
top card on the pile, Crazy 8s. Billy looks at his cards,
takes one from the deck. Leila watches him, then picks up her
cards and engages. Its not exactly familial bliss, but its
a start. Angela watches, father and daughter hanging out.
INT. GROCERY MARKET - LATER
Billy with a LIST, shops. Checks labels on skin care products.
Clueless. A black T-GIRL strolls past, shes sexy in a Dennis
Rodman kinda way. Sees his dilemma choosing MOISTURIZERS -T-GIRL
Need help, honey?

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

68.

BILLY
Looking for some moisturizer for my
kid. You know if she can use this
on her face?
She grabs a different bottle -T-GIRL
This got aloe, not as many perfumes.
Keeps my babies from cracking.
(off his look, re: herself)
The complete single parent,
sweetheart.
Thanks.

BILLY

Billy smiles as she struts away on her four-inch heels.

Then Billy turns down an aisle, sees Tick up ahead, perusing
canned goods. Hoppy stocks shelves nearby. Billy walks
behind Tick as he looks at BEANS -BILLY
Black-eyed. Most protein.
potassium.
Thanks.

High in

TICK

He grabs a few cans of PINTO BEANS. Billy notices he still

wears the TAPE on his hands and wrists -BILLY
Most people take the tape off
before they leave the gym.
TICK
Most people should mind their own
business.
BILLY
I got an idea. How bout you make a
list of all the things that piss you
off, pin it to my chest.
TICK
Your chest isnt big enough.
BILLY
You do know I dont wanna fuck you
right?
(off his look)
Only people Ive ever known as
weird and passive aggressive as
you, were the chicks I was trying
fuck in high school. So I just
wanna be clear -- I like you, just
dont like you, like you.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

69.

TICK
Ill try to move on.
Tick moves on.

As he walks away --

BILLY
I feel like we just had a real
bonding moment here. Im gonna
call it that. Feel closer to you.
Billy and Hoppy share a conspiritorial smirk and for the first
time we actually see Tick break a half-smile -EXT. STREETS - LATER
Billy walks home with a bag of basics. He hears commotion
across the street, spots Tick being harassed by Kash and Y2K
bangers in front of a hood club -Hey!

BILLY

Billy puts down the bag and bolts across the street.
EXT. HOOD CLUB - CONTINUOUS
Kash watches as Ump and another banger shove Tick. Several
LOCALS watch from the sidewalk. Billy intervenes -BILLY
Leave him alone.
UMP
Champ come to save the
motherfuckin day.
KASH
Relax, man. We just out here trying
to get our gym membership renewed.
He the one got all pushy.
Billy grabs Tick, whos more embarrassed than scared -BILLY
Lets get out of here -Im fine.

TICK

KASH
He fine. Need to move along, Billy
dope. Aint your fight.
Billys anxiety begins to boil into rage.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

70.

BILLY
Youre a real bad motherfucker when
its three on one. Fucking punkass -In an instant, Kash GUT PUNCHES Billy.

Its fast and solid.

KASH
That big mouth gonna get you killed.
As Billy recovers, Kash pulls his 9MM -KASH
Cause you in my ring now, white boy.
Im the one decides you live or die.
BILLY
Fuck you. Youre just another
bitch with a gun.
As Kash raises the 9MM, Tick LUNGES for Kash, but Ump and the
other banger intercept. Then as Tick and Ump struggle, Kash
brutally PISTOL WHIPS Tick across the face, knocks him to the
curb. Billy snaps, catches Kash off guard with a BIG LEFT.
Kash staggers. Then Billy and the Y2K crew BRAWL. One on
three. Billy holds his own until the WHOOP of nearby SIRENS
send the Young Killer Krew running.
An NYPD CRUISER screeches up as a bloody Billy kneels down to
a bloody Tick.
You okay?

BILLY

TICK
Find yourself a new trainer.
What?

BILLY

TICK
You broke the rule.

Threw a punch.

BILLY
Are you kidding me?
Billy stands over Tick, stunned and furious -BILLY
What the fuck is wrong with you?
Before Tick can respond, two UNIS, guns at the ready, see
Billys aggression, bark orders at him -BRONX UNI
On your knees. Hands behind your
head. Do it now!

"SOUTHPAW"
Perfect...

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

71.

BILLY

Billy knows the drill, assumes the position -EXT. NYPD PRECINCT HOUSE - NIGHT
Billy exits the station.

No charges, far from free.

EXT. STREETS - CONTINUOUS

The anxiety of the night stirs up Billys historical demons.
Unconsciously he HASTENS his pace. As Billy tries to stay
ahead of his imaginary foes, Tick hits his ghosts head on -INTERCUT:
INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - NIGHT
In the dimly lit space, we see FLASHES of Tick HITTING the
heavy bag. No gloves, no tape, flesh on leather.
Billy passes a JUNKIE and a DEALER mid-transaction.
Tick MOANS with each punch as his hand begins to BLEED.
Billy passes BARS, DRUNKEN PATRONS spill onto the sidewalk.
Tick picks up the intensity, SWEAT and BLOOD spray the bag.
Billy passes a stack of fresh NEWSPAPERS. Front page: photo of
MIGUEL CANTO celebrating. Headline: MAGIC TAKES THE WBC BELT.
Before he knows it, Billys pace has turned into a JOG.
Tick SCREAMS as he viciously rips at the hundred pounds of sand.
Billys jog breaks into a SPRINT.
the streets as if being chased.

Hes now RUNNING through

EXT. WILLS GYM - LATER

Billy ends up in the only place that makes sense.
nearly collapses, out of breath.

He stops,

INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - CONTINUOUS

Billy unlocks the door and enters. Sees a LIGHT on in Ticks
office. As he heads back, he sees TAPE laying on the floor
near the heavy bag. The leather bag, smeared with fresh BLOOD.
As Billy investigates, he hears NOISE from above. Looks up,
sees the ROOF HATCH is open. Billy heads to the ladder --

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

72.

EXT. WILLS GYM - ROOFTOP - MOMENTS LATER

Billy makes his way across the dark roof. Hears MUTTERING from
behind the vents. FERAL CATS circle his feet, lead him to -Tick, SHIRTLESS, is on the ground, leaning against a vent. A
shattered SCOTCH bottle next to him. His cats rub and watch
as Tick SLASHES away at his CHEST with a chunk of the BROKEN
GLASS. As Billy gets closer, he realizes Ticks arms and
torso are covered in slash SCARS. Some very old, some fresh.
Jesus...

BILLY

Suddenly, Tick spots Billy, panics -TICK

What the fuck are you -Tick tries to stand, but stumbles, hes very drunk -TICK
Leave me alone.
BILLY
Okay... Sorry. I thought someone -Just go.

TICK
Just...

Tick sees Billy looking at all his scars.

completely exposed. Then, defeated --

Realizes that hes

TICK
I cant help you...
Tick is now talking to God -TICK
I cant help him.
him...

I cant save

Ticks sadness overtakes him. Guttural SOBS drop him to his

knees. Billy grabs a towel from the clothes line, wraps his
torso, slides down next to him. Broken comforting the broken.
INT. NEW YORK COUNTY FAMILY COURT - COURT ROOM - DAY
Billy in the ill-fitted suit, no lawyer, sits in front of
Judge Kayle. Jon Jon and a few other CASES sit in back.
Tick slips in and takes a seat as Kayle reviews Billys file -JUDGE KAYLE
Youre working. Meeting with your
OCFS counselor. Visitation is
consistent. Thats all good.
(MORE)

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

73.

JUDGE KAYLE (CONT'D)

(beat, re: file)
Whats not good is this -(re: court card)
Not one signature on this twelvestep court card. Youre required to
do two a week for -BILLY
But Im clean -JUDGE KAYLE
(abruptly cuts him off)
Youll have your chance to speak.
Billy struggles with the silence as she reads on -JUDGE KAYLE
Two nights ago you were involved in
an altercation with gang members
outside -BILLY
A friend of mine was -JUDGE KAYLE
What did I just say?
(off Billys silent fume)
Seems to me youre not understanding
the severity of this situation.
Addiction and aggression are the
reason you lost your daughter.
(off Billys stare)
Im refusing unmonitored visits.
Well reevaluate in thirty days.
(beat)
Now, Mr. Hope, you have anything
youd like to say?
Billy stares at the Judge, what he would like is to rip her
fucking heart out. Then something happens, Billy takes a deep
breath, and calmly, albeit a bit mechanical, replies -No.

BILLY
Ill try harder.

Judge Kayle is surprised by his control. She sees his

internal struggle. As Billy turns to leave -JUDGE KAYLE
Im a parent too, Billy. Two girls
and a boy. I do know how difficult
this is for you.
Billy nods.

Then, as he walks away, he spots Tick slip out.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

EXT. NEW YORK COUNTY FAMILY COURT

Billy and Jon Jon exit.

3/3/14

74.

- FRONT STEPS - DAY

See Tick sitting on the steps.

BILLY
Gimme a minute.
JON JON

Yeah.

Jon Jon heads to the street as Billy joins Tick -BILLY

Whatre you doing here?
TICK
Had to take care of some parking
tickets.
BILLY
You dont own a car.
Tick doesnt respond. After a moment, a simple conversation
about very complicated things -You okay?
Yeah.
He nods.

TICK

BILLY
You?

The silence of men.

Then --

BILLY
So, now what?
TICK
Tomorrow morning, bring your wraps.
Time to start hitting back.
Off Billys grin -INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - MORNING
Tick, in Lombardi mode, WRAPS Billys hands as he lectures -TICK
The way you fight, anger is your
biggest tool. But fighting angry
drains you twice as fast. The guy
in the ring is your enemy, but if
you only focus on killing him, you
expose yourself, become vulnerable.
You have to stay fluid, protect, let
his mistakes be his destruction.
(MORE)

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75.

TICK (CONT'D)
When youre a soldier, you cant
think about the war, just the work
the battle requires. And to do
that, youve got to know your job.
Billy nods.

Listening.

Tick takes his fists --

TICK
Right now, youve got two weapons.
(re: right jab, big left)
Shotgun. Grenade.
(beat)
All power, no precision. Im going
to give you a bigger arsenal.
Tick moves to the HEAVY BAG, demonstrates -TICK
(light quick right jabs)
Pistol.
(light quick left cross)
Sniper rifle.
(light quick uppercuts)
Bayonet.
(quick four-punch flurry)
Machine gun.
Billy nods.

Tick slides on the gloves --

TICK
Going to teach you how to do
something youve never done before.
Go the distance, win on points.
We begin TRAINING MONTAGE -Billy hits the PADS.

Tick coaches --

TICK
Tap. Tap. No power.
Smooth, effortless.

Easy pops.

Billy lightens his punch -TICK

Thats it. Point. Point. There
we go. No strain, no fatigue.
Speed. Pop. Pop. Pop.
Billy SHADOWBOXES with fifteen pound DUMBBELLS in his hand.
Turn em.

TICK
Turn em.

Speed, speed.

Billy hits the DOUBLE END BAG. Timing, not great. Misses
more than connects. Frustrated, throws a hard hook, misses --

"SOUTHPAW"

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76.

TICK
Dont overshoot the hook. Snap the
elbow, bring it right back. Focus.
Billy hits the SPEED BAG.

Focused.

TICK
Pick it up. Lets go.
Speed. Speed --

Methodical.

Speed.

As Billy quickens the pace, he loses the rhythm.

he SLAMS the bag. Tick stops him --

Frustrated,

TICK
Anger drains you. Were going the
distance. Calm, cool, patient.
Billy nods, then resumes -INT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT
Billy and Leila play SCRABBLE.

As Billy decides on his word --

LEILA
How come you dont ask me about
whats going on here anymore?
Billy lays out his tiles.

Simple, loving --

BILLY
I figure if theres anything you
wanna talk about, youll let me
know, right?
(off her nod)
Your turn.
They share a smile.

Leila takes her turn.

EXT. WILLS GYM - DAY

Billy approaches the gym as he finishes his run. Tick, Jon Jon
Hoppy, few FIGHTERS looking at fresh GRAFFITI on the building.
Large spray-painted letters: HOPE IS DEAD. Y2K TAG next to it.
JON JON
Someone left you a message.

Wow.

BILLY
(smiles)

TICK
This makes you happy?

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

77.

BILLY
Cmon man, its been a minute since
Ive had my name up on a marquis.
Ramone approaches -TICK
Enjoy it, cause youll be the one
scrubbing it off later.
RAMONE
No, should leave it up. Good
reminder of where your careers at.
The other fighters howl at the diss. Ramone enters.
looks at Tick. Tick gives him a conspiritorial nod.

Billy

INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - LATER

Billy and Tick prepare as Jon Jon gloves up Billy. Hoppy
helps Ramone put on his gear as the fighter watches the
trainer and champ chat in private -TICK
Youre no longer Billy the Great,
youre Billy the wait. Start slow,
no punches. Study your opponent.
Conserve energy. Figure out his
strengths, his weaknesses, choose
the best weapon.
(re: head, not his fists)
This. Before this. Understand?
Billy and Jon Jon share a look.

Billy nods at Tick.

We see the same WELL-DRESSED MAN enter in the background as

Tick hits the electronic BUZZER.
Billy and Ramone SPAR. Billy doesnt throw a punch, but is
now blocking a majority of Ramones fast hands. He studies
Ramone. Cocky Flyweight gets in a COMBO that stuns the champ.
RAMONE
Still not fast enough, old man.
BUZZER SOUNDS.

Billy joins Tick and Jon Jon --

BILLY
Kid drops the left when he throws
the big right.
JON JON
Defends too high when he returns
from the combo. Bodys open.

"SOUTHPAW"

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78.

TICK
Counter with the hook. Dont need
power, just snap it. Then press
inside, bayonets to the belly.
Billy nods as the BUZZER SOUNDS. Sparring resumes. Ramone
sneaks in a few JABS, then comes at Billy with the right hand.
Billy weaves away from the punch and SNAPS a quick RIGHT HOOK
that catches Ramones open face. The punch spins the
Flyweights head. He retreats, barks at Tick -RAMONE
What the fuck?
Oh, yeah.

TICK
Hes hitting back now.

BILLY
Lets go, flyboy.
Billy and Ramone resume. Billy incorporates his new arsenal.
Quick RIGHT JABS, precise LEFTS. Speed, not power. Then he
finds the opening Jon Jon mentioned, lands a flurry of quick
UPPERCUTS to Ramones belly. Knocks the wind out of him,
catches him as he collapses and the BUZZER SOUNDS -You okay?

BILLY

Ramone recovers, nods. More embarrassed than hurt, he climbs

out of the ring. Billy goes back to Tick -BILLY
That kid could be a champ.
TICK
Hes talented, but he knows it.
Arrogance will keep him from being
great.
BILLY
So will thugging. I saw him
hanging with Kash.
TICK
I know. Its his cousin.
(thoughtful, re: his guys)
To survive out there they all think
they need to be gangsters. Its
warped their esteem, drained them of
humility. Theyve got no idea what
it means to be a man.
Billy, impressed with his insight -BILLY
Maybe Ramone just needs a heart-toheart.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

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79.

TICK
Im his trainer, not his daddy.
BILLY
You kidding me? Thats all you are
to these kids. Half of em
probably never even met their dads.
Tick takes in that truth, goes to a sad place.

Then --

BILLY
What happened with you and Kash?
TICK
Keith Ashby was a natural, best
welter I ever trained. I have no
doubt he couldve taken every belt.
(beat)
I found out he was selling Deca,
other kinds of juice, to my
fighters. Kicked him out. Month
later he was jumped into the Krew.
BILLY
Couldnt save him either?
Tick, uncomfortable with the callback -TICK
Hit the rope.
As Tick climbs out of the ring, Billy notices the well-dressed
man take out his cellphone and exit -INT. CHURCH - BASEMENT - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETING - NIGHT
Billy and Angela sit in a circle on metal folding chairs.
well-dressed SPEAKER shares. We catch him mid-story -SPEAKER
Im sitting on a bag of garbage, in
a condemned building, sharing a
needle with this skank of a junkie.
And while shes tying off, I notice
shes wearing this dirty blue
sweater. Im just staring at it...
it looks really familiar. And then
I realize -- its the cashmere
sweater I stole from my daughter the
year before. I traded it for rock.
And in that moment, I looked around
at where I was, who I was with, and
for the first time, I had this
overwhelming sense of -- this is now
my life. Im not a husband or a dad
or a writer who cant get clean.
Im just a fucking junkie, hanging
with junkies, living pop to pop.
(MORE)

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

80.

SPEAKER (CONT'D)
And the scariest thing is, I had no
idea how the fuck that happened.
Billy, uncomfortable, has trouble listening.
INT. CHURCH - BASEMENT - LATER
Billy gets his court card signed by the SECRETARY of the
meeting as Angela talks to the speaker and other addicts.
intercepts Billy as he heads for the door --

She

ANGELA
Were gonna grab something to eat.
BILLY
I gotta get back.
ANGELA
Cmon, itll do you good.
even have some fun.
BILLY
Maybe next time.
Billy exits.

Might

Thanks.

Angela, worried about him --

INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - MORNING

Billy enters, drenched in sweat from his run. Sees the welldressed man exit Ticks office and head for the door.
INT. WILLS GYM - BACK ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Billy and Tick -BILLY
Who is that guy?
TICK
Must be working with Keith Bowman.
Olympic contender.
BILLY
Heavyweight?
TICK
Yeah. Brooklyn kid, been training
out of Kronk with Emanuel Steward.
Theyre doing a fund-raiser here for
The Boys Club. They want you to
fight Bowman.
How?

BILLY

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

81.

TICK
Charity. Fighters sign insurance
waivers, eight rounds. Think
youll bring in the crowd.
BILLY
Should we do it?
Up to you.

TICK

BILLY
Im your experiment, man.
your call.
Billy and Tick take each other in.

Its
Trust growing.

Then --

TICK
One condition. You go all eight.
Off Billys smile -INT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - RECREATION ROOM - NIGHT
Billy and Leila eat ice cream while he helps her with
homework. Angela nearby. Then -LEILA
Some of the kids are saying youre
boxing again.
Yeah.

BILLY
Its a charity thing.

LEILA
But youre not ready to fight.
BILLY
I guess well see.
LEILA
I want to go.
BILLY
I dont think so, baby.
Why not?

LEILA

BILLY
Your mom didnt want you going to
fights yet.
LEILA
Someone has to be there.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

82.

BILLY
Ill be fine -LEILA
No. Then you cant do it. Tell
them youre not going to do it.
BILLY
Its gonna be okay, Le-le...
Billy goes to embrace her.

Leila reacts, SHOVES him away.

LEILA
I cant do this again. You
shouldve been the one who got
killed.
Billy, devastated. Leila bolts from the room. Alice and the
other girls overhear the outburst. Angela joins Billy -ANGELA
What happened?
BILLY
Its my fault. I provoked it.
got scared about the fight.

She

Angela takes in Billys desperation.

BILLY
Im just fucking her up more.
As Billy gets up to leave -ANGELA
Cmon, youre coming with me.
BILLY
I gotta get home.
ANGELA
This is mandatory.
BILLY
What is it?
ANGELA
Its a meeting. You dont have a
choice.
INT. SALSA CLUB - NIGHT
Billy and Angela enter the local bar and dance club.
music pumps loudly from the dance floor.

SALSA

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

83.

BILLY
And who is it that has their
meeting here?
ANGELA
The you gotta fucking unwind group.
BILLY
You straight up lied to me.
ANGELA
For the greater good.
Angela walks him to the dance floor -BILLY
You know I cant dance.
ANGELA
Oh, I know. Ive seen you box.
BILLY
Wow, you really just said that -Angela moves sensually to the music. Billy, awkward, tries to
follow. She playfully guides him. Gentle and patient. After
awhile, Billy gives over to her effort. Its far from smooth,
but it becomes a sweet, sensual connection -INT. SALSA CLUB - LATER
A sweaty Billy and Angela sit in the back at a table.
club soda. Mid-chat -ANGELA
You ever try to find your parents?
BILLY
No. Maureen tried to find hers for
a minute. It was a dead end. I
say fuck em. If they wanted me in
their lives, they wouldnt have
dumped me on the state.
ANGELA
Sometimes shit happens, makes that
call for us. We want it or not.
Billy realizes thats what happened to her -Sorry.
I know.

BILLY
I didnt mean that you -ANGELA

Sipping

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

84.

BILLY
Really appreciate you helping me
with Leila. I can tell youre a
good mom.
ANGELA
I fuck up all the time. I wanna
bail at least four or five times a
day. But I keep showing up.
Thats how he knows I love him.
BILLY
Im trying. Shes so fucking angry.
ANGELA
Her mother went away. Her father
checked out. Thats primal shit.
(knowing the answer)
How do you deal with fear?
BILLY
I punch it in the face.
Billy goes to a distracted, self-loathing place. Angela
reaches out, TOUCHES HIS HAND. The contact melts him. Billy
unconsciously CARESSES her hand, but then the feelings for
Angela on top of everything else, panics him. He retracts -Sorry.

BILLY
I just --

ANGELA
Its okay -BILLY
Oh, man... I shouldnt be here.
Billy stands, heads out -Billy...

ANGELA

Angela catches up to him as he nears the door.

face, kind, but strong, Maureen-like -ANGELA
Youre allowed to have feelings.
(re: you and me)
This isnt about hooking up. Im
not an idiot, youre cute, but your
still a total fucking train wreck.
She gets a SMILE out of him.

Then --

ANGELA
Its just about having some fun.
Being a little lighter. Letting
people back in.

Gets in his

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

85.

Billy takes in that honesty, then -BILLY

Okay.
We good?
Yeah.

ANGELA

BILLY
Thanks.

Billy walks her toward the door, thinking, then, playfully -BILLY
You know, sometimes after a train
wreck, you just got get the engine
back on the track, into the tunnel.
(off her look)
Just saying, if you really wanted
to hook up, I probably -ANGELA
Well, clearly your penis is moving
past the grief.
Angela smirks as she exits -BILLY
I think hes just trying to let
people back in.
Billy follows.

Two friends having fun --

INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - DAY

Billy into the rigors of training.

Leaner.

Faster.

Focused.

ROPE, HEAVY BAG, SPEED BAG, DOUBLE END BAG.

Tick now swings A BAT instead of a broom handle.
deftly under each swing.

Billy moves

As Billy hits the pads with Tick, Kash, Ump and three of the
Y2K bangers enter the gym. The training staggers to a halt.
BILLY
I got this.
TICK
Hes in my house.
BILLY
Because of me. Stay here. Not
gonna get into it. I promise.
Kash smiles as he looks at his OLD PICTURE on the wall.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

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86.

Billy heads over, Jon Jon at his side. Hoppy looks at Tick.
Tick nods. The fighters flank Billy as he heads over to Kash.
Ramone, unsure of his loyalty, hovers off to the side.
Kash sees Billy approach followed by the young fighters -KASH
Billy Hope and his toy soldiers.
BILLY
What do you want?
KASH
Just to wish you luck tomorrow.
Thanks.

BILLY

Kash comes up the Billy, puts his arm around him -KASH
Wanna clear the air, champ. Feel
like me and you, we just got off to
a real ugly start. Gotta fix that.
Kash walks Billy away from the others, only Jon Jon hears.
KASH
See, Im gonna let that shit slide,
went down with you and Obi black
Kenobi over there. Lets just
blame it on the rum and kush.
Billy removes Kashs arm -BILLY
Whats the play, man?
KASH
Just want a little show of respect.
I got a lot of money on you
tomorrow night.
BILLY
Its a fucking charity fight, man.
KASH
A Billy Hope charity fight.
BILLY
I aint taking a dive.
KASH
Fuck no. You gonna bust up that
young nigga. I just need you to do
it before round five.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

87.

BILLY
I dont know what this guys gonna
bring. I cant make that call.
KASH
Sure you can.
BILLY
That aint gonna happen.
KASH
It better. You want that little
foster care baby to grow up as
pretty as her dead mama.
Billy goes at Kash. Ump and the others pull GUNS. Back off
Billy. Jon Jon, Hoppy, Ramone and the other fighters close
in. It could all go gangland, then -Enough!

TICK

Tick, the bat on his shoulder, makes his way through his
fighters, backs them off -TICK
Get back to work.

Go!

They reluctantly obey, move back into the space.

At Kash --

TICK
Unless youre going to train,
youve got no reason to be here.
Kash stares at Tick, then takes the gun from Ump. Billy and
Tick unsure what hes going to do. Kash points the gun in
Ticks direction and FIRES two shots just off to the side of
Ticks head, BLASTING KASHS OLD PICTURE OFF THE WALL.
Kash and Tick share a fateful look, then Kash waves to Ramone -KASH
Lets go little cuz.
Ramone doesnt want to go, but fear grips him, he throws down
the rope and follows Kash.
EXT. MIDTOWN HOTEL - NEW YORK - NIGHT
Outside the urban hotel, the MARQUIS READS: BOYS CLUB OF
AMERICA CHARITY BOXING NIGHT. HOPE VS. BOWMAN.
INT. MIDTOWN HOTEL - MAIN BALLROOM - NEW YORK - NIGHT
TABLES surround A BOXING RING in the center of the ballroom.
Rows of SPECTATOR SEATS set up beyond the tables.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

88.

BOYS CLUB BANNERS flag the walls.

The place is buzzing with POLITICOS, AFFLUENT CITIZENS, TEENS.
At a front table, Jordan Mains sits with Miguel Canto.
In the back seats, Angela sits with Ticks fighters and FANS.
INT. MIDTOWN HOTEL - DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
Billy, in simple black trunks, stares ahead as Tick finishes
lacing up his gloves. Tick notices his distraction -TICK
Where are you?
BILLY
Im here.
(off his doubt)
Worried about my kid.
TICK
Listen to me. When you climb in that
ring, there is no kid, no dead wife,
no judge, no nothing. I dont care
how good a shape your bodys in -(taps his head)
If this isnt operating at a
hundred percent, you already lost.
Understand me?
Yeah.

BILLY
Im ready.

Billy hops up, shakes out his arms.

TICK
Mind if I say a prayer?
BILLY
Say a bunch.
Tick shuts his eyes -TICK
Lord Jesus, we ask for your care
and guidance tonight. We are
grateful for your gifts and pray
that you show us how to use these
talents to the best of our ability.
Please inspire your soldier, Billy.
Guide his spirit, calm his mind and
stir his heart. You let him be the
best fighter he can be.
Billy, awed by Ticks poetic devotion.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

89.

TICK
Anything you want to add?
BILLY
(at Tick, not God)
Just... thank you.
Amen.

TICK

Jon Jon and Hoppy enter wearing corner men garb.

JON JON
Its packed, man. SRO.
TICK
Lets go kick some Olympian ass.
INT. MIDTOWN HOTEL - MAIN BALLROOM - NEW YORK - SAME
Jon Jon was right, the place is packed. All eyes are on the
ring as an ANNOUNCER is into the introduction -ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen, now for our
main attraction of the evening. An
eight round charity bout featuring
two hometown favorites. Fighting
out of the blue corner, wearing
blue and white, weighing in at two
hundred three pounds, a four-time
Heavyweight Olympic medal winner,
with an amateur record of eighteen
wins, fifteen by knockout, with one
loss. A product of Emanuel
Stewarts famous Kronk Gym, Keith
Buzzsaw Bowman.
The crowd ERUPTS as KEITH BOWMAN, 20, black, ripped, enters.
With him, his TRAINER, EMANUEL STEWART and two CORNER MEN.
ANNOUNCER
And fighting out of the red corner,
wearing black and white, weighing in
at one hundred ninety-two pounds,
with a professional record of fortythree wins, forty-one by knockout,
with three losses, the former WBC,
WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight
champion of the world, Billy Hope.
The crowd gives Billy a MODEST RECEPTION as he enters with no
fanfare and a PLAIN WHITE ROBE. Some fans BOO and CATCALL as
he climbs through the ropes into the ring. Billy takes in the
lack of love. It throws him. Then, Tick in his ear -Focus.

TICK

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STUDIO DRAFT 3

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90.

INT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - RECREATION ROOM - SAME

Alice and her posse hang out, watching a MOVIE.
approaches, drops her NIKES in front of Alice.

Leila

ALICE
Whats this for?
LEILA
I need a favor. I need to get out
of here tonight.
ALICE
So why you telling me?
LEILA
I know you can help me.
ALICE
You dont know shit.
LEILA
My dads fighting tonight.
(beat)
You heard the last thing I said to
him. If anything happens...
Leila checks herself, forces back the tears. Alice takes in
her pain, it pushes a button. Daddy issues bond them -ALICE
I dont want your shoes.
Leila dejected, picks up her Nikes.

Then --

ALICE
Meet me in the bathroom, second
floor, ten minutes.
Okay.

LEILA

ALICE
Wear something shitty.
Why?

LEILA

Alice shares a conspiratorial smiles with the other girls -EXT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - ALLEY - MINUTES LATER
Bars MISSING from a window cage. Leila HANGS from the window
ledge, dangling over an open DUMPSTER filled with garbage. She
lets go and DROPS the ten feet, landing safely into the bags.
Alice, holding the missing iron bars, leans out the window.

"SOUTHPAW"

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91.

Leila gives her the thumbs up, then climbs out of the trash and
heads down the alley.
INT. MIDTOWN HOTEL - MAIN BALLROOM - SAME
Billy employs his new style. He moves deftly around the ring,
defending, throwing quick punches, studying his foe. Bowman
is the aggressor, scoring with his hard LEFT JAB.
In the back of the facility, we see Kash, Ump, Ramone and two
more bangers enter. They take seats, watch the fight.
INT. MIDTOWN HOTEL - MAIN BALLROOM - LATER
Billy, between rounds, sits with Tick.
BILLY
Hes really fast.
from the jab.

Strategizes --

Cant get away

TICK
Youre doing good. Hes worried
about your big punches, protecting
high. So work the body.
BILLY
He lifts up to throw the hook.
JON JON
I give him the first two.
was split.

Third

TICK
Lets get a little more aggressive.
More punches. Points, not blood.
The long game. Know your job.
As Tick preps him, Billy spots Kash standing in the aisle,
deliberately in his line of sight. Jon Jon catches the
exchange as he slips in his mouthpiece.
A RING GIRL walks through with a ROUND 4 CARD.

BELL RINGS.

INT. MIDTOWN HOTEL - MAIN BALLROOM - SAME

Billy, now the aggressor, throws quick JABS, COMBINATIONS and
BODY PUNCHES. Hes a different boxer. Leaner, faster,
cooler. Bowman scrambles to defend, BODY SHOTS taking a toll.
He clips Billy with a DOUBLE JAB then swings a powerful RIGHT
HAND. The momentum lifts him off his stance as Billy bobs
under the punch and counters with a big RIGHT HOOK. The wellplaced power punch sends the off-balance fighter toppling to
the canvas. The crowd CHEERS. Tick is not cheering.

"SOUTHPAW"

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92.

Angela watches excitedly, as Bowman climbs to his feet and the

ref counts EIGHT.
INT. MIDTOWN HOTEL - MAIN BALLROOM - LATER
Billy in the corner with Tick -TICK
You almost took his head off.
said points.
Yeah.

BILLY
Okay.

Okay what?
eight.

TICK
We had a deal.

All

Billy looks at Jon Jon who refuses to let this happen -Tell him.

JON JON

TICK
Tell me what?
Billy at a loss, comes clean -BILLY
Kash has money on the fight. Said
if I dont drop Bowman by five,
hes gonna hurt my kid.
(off Ticks awe)
Sorry. Dont know what to do.
TICK
Thats your decision.
As Tick works Billys shoulders, wipes the sweat -TICK
Just gotta know if you let this guy
own you once, he owns you forever.
Billy digests that as the Ring Girl displays the ROUND 5 card.
TICK
What would your kid want you to do?
The BELL RINGS before Billy can answer -EXT. STREETS - SAME
Leila exits a subway station.
window. Picks up her pace.

Checks the time in a store

"SOUTHPAW"

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93.

She spots a DELIVERY PERSON hop off a BICYCLE and head into a
building with FOOD. Leila quickly hops on the bike, takes off.
INT. MIDTOWN HOTEL - MAIN BALLROOM - LATER
Billy and Bowman into the thick of the round five.
aggressive, but scoring points, not power punches.

Billy more

Kash watches concerned.

Ten second CLAP. Bowman comes at Billy, trying to score a big
punch. Billy doesnt swing, stays in his fight. BELL RINGS.
Kash shares a look with Ump, then he, Ramone and crew head out.
Billy in the corner with Tick and Jon Jon.
TICK
Dont worry, son.
family safe.

We keep our

Billy takes in Tick, Jon Jon, Hoppy -- his family.

EXT. STREETS - MIDTOWN - SAME
Leila spots the hotel up ahead. As she anxiously rides
through the intersection, a TAXI HITS her bike, sending the
girl FLYING into the intersection. The cab keeps going.
INT. MIDTOWN HOTEL - MAIN BALLROOM - LATER
Billy and Bowman in center ring with the Announcer.
ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen, after eight
full rounds of boxing, we go to the
scorecards, where we have a split
decision. Elliot Freeman scores it,
77-74, Hope. Johnny Tyne scores it
76-75, Bowman. And Frederick Weiss
scores it 78-73, for this years
winner of the Boys Club Charity
bout, Billy Hope.
The crowd CHEERS. Hes won them over. Billy takes the
victory with humility. Embraces Bowman -BILLY
Youre a great fighter, brother.
Bowman nods.

Then Billy embraces Tick and Jon Jon --

TICK
Thats what we call boxing.

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94.

HOPPY
You becoming a gnat, Billy Hope.
Billy embraces Tick, Jon Jon and Hoppy.
Angela watches Billy proudly as her CELL BUZZES. Checks ID,
takes the call. Her face fills with concern. She exits -INT. MIDTOWN HOTEL - DRESSING ROOM - LATER
Billy, showered, finishes dressing, as he spots Jon Jon
packing up all the boxing equipment -BILLY
You dont have to do that.
Its cool.

JON JON

Billy smiles as his friend continues -Thanks.

BILLY

JON JON
Im proud of you, man.
Both men, uncomfortable with the affection are saved by a
KNOCK. Billy opens the door and lets in Jordan Mains -Hey.
Billy.

BILLY
JORDAN
Got a minute?

JON JON
Ill wait for you at the car.
Jon Jon shares a knowing nod with Jordan as he exits.
JORDAN
Fantastic fight tonight.
BILLY
Thanks. Saw you and your fighter
in the audience.
JORDAN
Thats what I want to talk to you
about. Howd you like a shot at
that fighter? And his WBC title.
BILLY
Whatre you talking about?

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95.

JORDAN
Im talking about a comeback for
Billy the Great.
BILLY
You fucking with me?
JORDAN
The SAC owes me a few favors, I
think I should be able to get you
an early review. The personal and
professional changes youve made in
these last few months speak for
themselves.
BILLY
Why would you do that?
JORDAN
Because you deserve it.
(beat)
You look like a new fighter. Fast,
lean, focused. I want to sign you
to a new deal. You stay in this
shape, Ill put you back on top.
BILLY
What about your superstar?
JORDAN
May the best man win.
(off his hesitation)
Itll put your family back
together. This is your one shot,
son.
BILLY
Ill only do it with Tick.
JORDAN
Id love to have him aboard.
Billy overwhelmed, lets it sink in.

Then --

BILLY
If we do this, I cant be a show.
No 24/7, no camera crews, no hype.
JORDAN
Understood.
Jordan extends his hand. Billy knows hes making a deal with
the devil, but he shakes as Tick enters. Tick and Jordan
share a polite exchange -JORDAN
Tick. You did a great job with
Billy. Congratulations.

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STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

TICK

Thanks.

JORDAN
Ill be in touch.
Mains heads out.

Tick, suspicious --

TICK
What was that about?
BILLY
Wants me to fight Canto.
fight.
Tick takes that in.

WBC title

Sees the plan --

TICK
He pulls strings with the boxing
commission, cuts your suspension in
half. Signs you to a new deal.
Yeah.

BILLY

TICK
You know what theyll do with this
Canto fight?
BILLY
Theyll turn Mos death into hype.
Make it some kinda fucked up,
grudge match.
TICK
Then why do it?
BILLY
Money. I gotta get my kid out of
there.
(off his look)
Told him I wouldnt do it without
you.
TICK
Sorry. My training stops at the
money line.
Why?

BILLY

TICK
Not your business.
BILLY
What happened to Hey, Jesus, show
me how to use my talent --

96.

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97.

TICK
Im serving something greater.
BILLY
Youre serving your guilt, same as
me.
Billy grabs Ticks arm, pushes up his sleeve -BILLY
What happens when you run out of
skin to punish.
Before Tick can respond, Angela enters, panicked.
in her desperation -What?

Billy takes

BILLY

ANGELA
Its Leila.
INT. NEW YORK MEDICAL CENTER - HALLWAY - LATER
Billy, Angela and Jon Jon walk down the hallway.
DOCTOR and an NYPD UNI -BILLY
Im Billy Hope. My daughter was
brought in -MIDTOWN UNI
Yes, Mr. Hope. We brought her in.
She was on bike, got hit by a car.
DOCTOR
Shes in surgery right now. Broke
her arm. Landed on her head. She
has severe swelling and bruising.
BILLY
She gonna be okay?
DOCTOR
Bones we can set. Well know more
about her head after an MRI.
BILLY
Who did it? Who hit her?
MIDTOWN UNI
Were not sure -BILLY
Was it a black SUV?

Greeted by a

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98.

MIDTOWN UNI
It was a hit and run. Why do you
think it was a black SUV? You
think someone did this on purpose?
Billy has no desire to involve the cops.
Keys.

BILLY

Jon Jon hands him his keys.

Stay here.
see her.

At Jon Jon --

To both of them --

BILLY
Let me know when I can

Billy turns and walks away -MIDTOWN UNI

Mr. Hope, if you know anything -BILLY
I dont know shit.
Billy.

ANGELA

Angela starts to go after him, Jon Jon intervenes -JON JON

Let him go.
EXT. HOOD CLUB - LATER
See Kashs SUV parked in front of the hang out. Suddenly a
BAT SMASHES into grill. Billy swinging it. Another SLAM
caves in the hood. Kash, Ump, bangers exit the club. Ramone
follows. He has fresh Young Killa Krew INK on his arm.
KASH
The fuck you doing!
Weapons drawn, Kash comes at Billy. Then Billy pulls Ticks
REVOLVER from his pocket, points it at Kash. Bangers freeze.
KASH
You jumped it, man.
white boy.

Youre a dead

Billy JAMS the end of the bat in Kashs gut, spins the thug,
his gun goes flying. Now Billy points his gun at Kashs head,
backs off the others -BILLY
This is between me and you.
them to go back inside.

Tell

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99.

KASH
They gonna do what they get paid -Billy jams the gun in Kashs mouth, at the bangers -BILLY
Get the fuck inside or Ill
splatter you with the back of his
thick fucking skull.
UMP
Aight, man...
Ump signals the others to head back inside. They watch,
perched in the doorway as Billy removes the gun from Kashs
mouth. The banger, not quite as hard.
BILLY
Did you go after my kid?
run her down?
What?

No.

Try to

KASH

Billy puts the gun back to his face -BILLY

Dont fucking lie to me -KASH
I aint fucking lying, man. Came
right here after the fifth, settle
my bets. Ask your shorty.
Ramone steps out, far from hard -RAMONE
We came right here, Billy.
didnt hurt your kid.

He

Billy hasnt really thought out this plan.

Kash realizes --

KASH
You better kill me, nigga. Cause
if you dont, Im certainly gonna
kill you.
Billy slowly backs up, gun still pointed.

Heads to the Honda.

Billy and Kash exchange an intense look.

the old car, PEELS out --

Then Billy climbs in

INT. GROCERY MARKET - DAY

Billy puts two bottles of CHEAP VODKA on the counter. He
anxiously looks around as the CLERK rings it up. The T-girl
puts her basket down, sees Billys broken condition --

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100.

T-GIRL
Rough week, sweetheart?
Billy nods as he pays.

Then, from a gentle, sincere place --

T-GIRL
Hows your little girl?
Something about her simple inquiry cuts deep.
And for the first time -- in a bodega, with a tranny -- we see
TEARS run down the warriors face. Billy, overwhelmed, grabs
the booze, exits.
EXT. WILLS GYM - ROOFTOP - LATER
Billy stands on the EDGE of the roof, bottle in hand. Drunk,
but not wasted. He teeters. One step and all his noise could
be silenced. Cats circle him like hes St. Francis, looking
for a sign from God. It comes in the form of -Tick approaches, sees him. The cats scramble to greet him.
Billy turns, shares a look with Tick, then walks back to the
vents.
They say nothing. Billy offers him the bottle as he
slides down to the tar paper. Tick shakes it off, sits across
from him. Then Billy takes another swig and SMASHES the
bottle. Tosses Tick the broken neck -BILLY
Here ya go, have at it.
Tick just looks at the jagged glass.

Then --

TICK
I watched my four year old daughter
fall out of our apartment window.
Sixth floor. I was drunk. I dove
to grab her. Her leg was in my
hand. And then it wasnt.
(beat)
She hit the sidewalk, a few feet
away from her mother.
That truth sobers Billy -Sorry.

BILLY

TICK
Give me the gun.
Billy looks at him, then digs in his pocket, hands him the
revolver -TICK
Did you use it?

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101.

BILLY

No.

TICK
Good. Cause it would be hard to
train you in Sing Sing.
(off Billys look)
I heard what happened with your
kid. Im sorry. You let me know
when you want to start.
As Tick stands -BILLY
Whyd you change your mind?
TICK
I guess I realized theres someone
who needs more help than I do.
BILLY
You sayin... Im more pathetic
than you?
Ticks give him a smile and a nod -TICK
From where Im standing.
BILLY
That kinda hurts my feelings.
As Tick walks away -TICK
And dont fall off the roof. Youre
the only guy Ive got to clean up the
sidewalk.
Yes sir.

BILLY

Off Billy, suddenly lucid with some hope -INT. NEW YORK MEDICAL CENTER - ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Billy, cleaned up, sober, enters the semi-private room. He
spots Leila sleeping in a bed, her face BRUISED, arm in a
CAST. Billys heart sinks as he approaches. He gently pushes
the hair from her eyes. Leila stirs awake -BILLY
Hey, crash. How you doing?
Okay.

LEILA
Im sore.

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102.

BILLY
Yeah, I bet. Talked to the doc.
Youre gonna be fine, baby. Just
need to take it easy for awhile.
Means no more jumping out of
windows or bicycle stunts.
Reality catches up to Leila, just a little girl.
LEILA
Im sorry, Daddy.

She SOBS --

Im sorry...

Billy drops to his knees at her bedside, holds her -BILLY

Its okay, angel girl... Its okay.
LEILA
I dont want anything to happen to
you.
BILLY
Im fine -LEILA
Please dont fight anymore.
scares me.

It

BILLY
Thats what daddy does, baby.
LEILA
Please... You cant get killed like
mommy...
Leila begins to fade, still exhausted -LEILA
I dont care about money. Where I
am... Please dont fight...
BILLY
Okay, angel. Dont worry, its
gonna be fine. Im here...
Leila grabs his hand as she begins to dose.

Off Billy, lost --

INT. NEW YORK COUNTY FAMILY COURT - HALLWAY - DAY

Billy, dressed, cleaned-up, paces outside a doorway.
Judge Kayle exit an elevator, approaches -BILLY
Judge, can I talk to you a minute?
As she moves down the hall --

He spots

"SOUTHPAW"

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3/3/14

JUDGE KAYLE
We talk on scheduled dates, Mr.
Hope.
BILLY
I need your advice.
JUDGE KAYLE
Talk to your lawyer.
BILLY
Hes not a mother.
She stops, takes in his desperation -Please.

BILLY

JUDGE KAYLE
What is it?
BILLY
I have a chance to box again. Its
a shot at the title. Purse gets my
finances stable again.
JUDGE KAYLE
(off his angst)
And why is that a problem?
BILLY
My kid doesnt want me fighting.
She thinks thats why her mother
was killed. Shes terrified.
JUDGE KAYLE
What do her counselors say?
BILLY
They think shes just starting to
process her moms death.
(beat)
All I know how to do is box. But
if thats gonna fuck her up even
more... I dont know what to do.
JUDGE KAYLE
And you think someone else can
decide that?
BILLY
No, I guess not.
JUDGE KAYLE
All I can tell you is that my kids
never want me to go to work. Theyd
much rather I stay home at their
beck and call.
(MORE)

103.

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104.

JUDGE KAYLE (CONT'D)

But if I did that, Id be in cuffs
and standing on the other side of my
bench within a week.
Youre the
adult. Its your call.
Billy smiles and nods.
I slipped.

Then, before she turns away --

BILLY
I drank again.

She studies his vulnerability, then kindly -JUDGE KAYLE

It doesnt happen overnight.
They share an adult nod, then she powers down the hall.
EXT. STREETS - MORNING
Billy runs alone on simple urban streets.
EXT. CORNER PARK - LATER
Billy passes the park, sees the beat cops leaning against their
cruiser, talking to families. They share a respectful nod with
Billy as he runs by. Billy crosses the intersection onto -EXT. SIDE STREET - CONTINUOUS
Feeling good, Billy picks up the pace. The Rocky moment is
cut short by the black SUV that SPEEDS DIRECTLY at him. The
fighter DIVES out of the way, vehicle just missing him. The
SUV screeches to a stop, Kash in the passenger seat, FIRES at
Billy as he scrambles for cover. Ramone, looking scared, in
the back seat with other bangers.
Billy gets clear of the line of fire, takes off. The SUV spins
and pursues. Billy literally running for his life. Passes
INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, WORKERS, PEDESTRIANS, looking for an
escape that wont endanger others. SUV, now right behind him.
Billy sees a secured ALLEY, hops the fence, flies down the -EXT. INDUSTRIAL ALLEY - CONTINUOUS
Kash jumps out of the car, gives chase.
hear SIRENS in the distance.

Hops the fence.

We

EXT. INDUSTRIAL STREET - CONTINUOUS

Billy exits the alley onto a busy street. Trucks coming and
going. As Billy runs toward an intersection, he sees a
CROSSING GUARD waving a line of KIDS across the street.

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105.

Billy stops, starts to double back, then sees Kash exit the
alley, GUN IN HAND. Billy freezes, unsure where to go. As
Kash comes at Billy, he raises the gun to fire a shot. Before
he can pull the trigger, a DELIVERY TRUCK speeds out from a
loading zone between the two men, blocking the line of fire.
Billy sees the side of the dirty truck. It reads: EDYS ICE
CREAM. A FAMILY FAVORITE.
Kash bangs on the side of the truck, getting it to move. As
it clears, he sees Billy running ahead. The kids have all
crossed the street. As Kash starts to pursue, an NYPD CRUISER
rounds the corner. Kash stops, cops spot him. He panics,
turns and heads back as the cruiser WHOOPS and pursues. Then,
as Kash looks back over his shoulder to see the law gaining,
he doesnt see -The CONSTRUCTION VAN that SLAMS into him. Kash flies across
the street, SMASHES into the side of another truck and drops
to the pavement like a mangled doll. His head literally
TWISTED all the way around, his neck, clearly SNAPPED.
Writing on the side of the van reads: MORRIS AND SONS
CONSTRUCTION. BUILDING THINGS SINCE 1947.
EXT. HOOD CLUB - LATER
Billy approaches, still in his running gear, sees four NYPD
CRUISERS in front of the club. UNIS have the Killa Krew face
down on the sidewalk, zip-tied. One of them is Ramone.
Tick, Hoppy, few of the fighters watch the action from across
the street. Billy joins them.
You okay?
Yeah.
Tick nods.

TICK

BILLY
You heard about Kash?

Watches as Ramone is thrown into a cruiser.

BILLY
Hes a minor. Hes still got a
chance.
TICK
God can only help the ones strong
enough to ask for help.

Billy hears that.

Tick -Cmon.

After a long moment, he puts his arm around

BILLY
I already lost half a day.

Tick nods, walks with his friend. Hoppy and the others who
are strong enough to have asked for help, follow.

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106.

We begin a MUSIC MONTAGE comparing Billys simple, private

routine to Miguels very public show.
INT. WILLS GYM - TRAINING AREA - DAY
Its the gym like every other day. Work, sweat, intensity.
Billy, with weighted hands, hits the HEAVY BAG. Tick drives -TICK
Faster. Speed. Speed. Cmon. I
can still see em. Make em blur.
Billys timing and speed greatly improved.
precise. A sweet scientist.

He is lean, fast,

INT. FROST TRAINING GYM - SAME

Eli works with Miguel in the ring. The fighter stops, poses
for a photo op. A CAMERA CREW, PHOTOGRAPHERS, REPORTERS.
SPECTATORS watch as Jordan works the room. Its a scene.
EXT. STREETS - MORNING
Billy runs alone.
EXT. STREETS - SAME
Miguel runs with an entourage, followed by the camera crew.
INT. CARBONES - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Jordan, Miguel, Eli and Miguels entourage dine at the
expensive eatery. Magic, the center of attention.
INT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - RECREATION ROOM - INTERCUT
Billy, Angela, Leila, Jon Jon, Angelas six year old SON,
Alice and the other girls eat FAST FOOD, play CHARADES. They
laugh. Billy and Angela share a look, feels like a family.
INT. UNITED FAMILY CARE CENTER - RECREATION ROOM - LATER
As the MONTAGE ENDS, Billy and Leila are now alone. Billy
cleans up the garbage. Leila, in the cast, tries to help -BILLY
I got it, sweetheart.
Thanks.

LEILA

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107.

As Billy finishes, he notices her distraction -You okay?

BILLY

LEILA
Were you going to tell me?
(off his look)
About the fight?
(beat)
Its all over the place, Dad.
not an idiot.

Im

BILLY
I was looking for the right time.
Like when?

LEILA
After it was over?

BILLY
Something like that.
Father and daughter, heart to heart -LEILA
Its the guy from the restaurant,
where mommy was killed.
BILLY
Yes. But dont listen to what
theyre saying. Thats how they
sell tickets.
(off her anxiety)
Its a big fight, Leila. The money
I make, gets me on my feet, so I
can get you out of here. Its what
I need to do as your father.
Leila digests Billys truth.

Then --

LEILA
Then I have to be there.
Billy takes in her determination.

It feels so familiar --

BILLY
You sound just like your mom.
(beat)
Ill talk to Angela, if its okay
with her. You can come.
Father and daughter embrace.

Then, from a primal place --

LEILA
Please dont go away.
Billy holds her tight.

He never will --

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108.

INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - NIGHT

PACKED, LASER-LIT. EMINEM performs for screaming fans. Music
pumps crazy loud as the performer electrifies the arena.
INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - DRESSING ROOM - SAME
Silence. Billy, meditative, in black trunks, sits on a prep
table as Tick laces up his gloves. After a long moment -No prayer?

BILLY

TICK
Going to have to say your own
tonight.
A KNOCK.

Jon Jon, dressed for the corner -JON JON

Someone wants to wish you luck.

Jon Jon lets in Angela and Leila, then he exits.

superstitious -This okay?
Its fine.

ANGELA
Dont wanna distract -BILLY

Leila hugs her father -BILLY

Hey, sweetheart.
(re: Tick)
This is Tick.
TICK
Hello, young lady.
Hi.

LEILA

Angela shakes Ticks hand -Angela.

And you.

ANGELA
Nice to meet you.
TICK

BILLY
Ticks gonna take care of me out
there tonight.
(beat)
(MORE)

Angela,

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109.

BILLY (CONT'D)
Im gonna get hit, I might get
knocked down. Ill probably bleed.
Ill look really bad. But this guy
and Jon Jon and the doctor, theyre
gonna make sure Im safe and that I
come home to you. Understand?
Okay.

LEILA

Jon Jon sticks his head back in the room -JON JON
Were at ten minutes.
ANGELA
Lets get to our seats, sweetheart.
Leila kisses Billy, then at Tick, like a boss -LEILA
Dont let him get hurt.
Yes maam.

TICK

Angela kisses Billy on the cheek -ANGELA

Good fight.
They exit.

Billy warms up.

Tick watches Billy, proud.

Then --

TICK
You ready, Champ?
No.
Me either.

BILLY
TICK

INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - HALLWAY - LATER

Billy and Tick walk side by side, Jon Jon, a FIGHT DOC and a
PRO CORNER MAN behind. Billys robe simply says: HOPE. They
hear music vibrating beyond a LARGE YELLOW DOOR. Billy shuts
his eyes and takes a breath as a GUARD opens the door -INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - CONTINUOUS
They enter the arena. Crowd CHEERS. Music PUMPS as the
JUMBOTRON plays HIGHLIGHTS of Billys fights. Billy watches
the video as he walks to the ring. Leans into Tick --

"SOUTHPAW"

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110.

BILLY
(re: video of himself)
Whos that fat bastard?
No idea.

TICK

Then Billy spots Mikey at the end of an aisle. Next to him,

Hoppy and kids from the gym. Billy and Jon Jon share a look.
Jon Jon nods. Billy bumps fist-glove with Mikey as he passes -MIKEY
Fuck im up, brother.
At RINGSIDE, sports commentators, MAX KELLERMAN, JIM LAMPLEY
and HAROLD LEDERMAN, watch Billy climb in the ring -KELLERMAN
Looks like Billys dropped the
Great from his title.
LEDERMAN
Along with twenty pounds. This is
the leanest weve ever seen him.
LAMPLEY
Hopes camps been very quiet. No
press, no cameras. Wills wanted
Billy completely focused.
Billy bends on a knee, says a quick prayer -KELLERMAN
Look at that, I dont think Ive
ever seen Hope say a prayer before.
LEDERMAN
Hes going to need more than a
prayer to beat Canto.
The MUSIC CHANGES -LAMPLEY
And here he comes, the Light
Heavyweight champion of the world,
Miguel Magic Canto.
The crowd ROARS as Miguel Cantos HIGHLIGHTS play on the
Jumbotron. Miguel, Eli, Nick and Doc Field enter the arena.
Its a spectacle of an entrance.
INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - MINUTES LATER
The fighters stand in their corners with their trainers.
Insert: CANTO VS. HOPE, MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK CITY.

"SOUTHPAW"

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111.

Famed fight announcer, MICHAEL BUFFER takes center ring -MICHAEL BUFFER
And now for the thousands in
attendance and the millions around
the world who wish they could be
here. Ladies and gentlemen, lets
get ready to rumble... Fighting
out of the blue corner, standing
with head trainer, Titus Tick
Wills, wearing black with blue,
officially weighing one hundred
seventy three and a half pounds.
His professional record, fortythree victories, including forty
one knockouts, with four defeats,
from the Bronx, New York, the
former Light Heavyweight champion
of the world, Billy Hope.
The crowd CHEERS. Billy barely raises his hand. He stares
down at the canvas, blocking out the show, staying focused.
MICHAEL BUFFER
Fighting out of the red corner,
standing with head trainer, Eli
Frost, wearing white with gold,
officially weighing one hundred
seventy six pounds. His
professional record, undefeated
with twenty-one victories, twelve
by knockout, from East Los Angeles,
California, the reigning Light
Heavyweight champion of the world,
Miguel Magic Canto.
The crowd ROARS.

Miguel works them, the showman.

INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - MOMENTS LATER

The REFEREE brings the fighters together -REFEREE
You got your instructions in the
dressing room. Protect yourself at
all times. Obey my breaks. Tap
gloves, lets have a clean one.
Billy and Miguel TAP gloves. Neither man showing emotion.
They walk back to their corners. Tick slides in a mouthpiece -TICK
Long night. Start the dance slow.
Billy nods as the BELL RINGS.

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112.

ROUND ONE. Miguel comes out aggressive. He moves around the

ring with grace and agility, scoring with quick JABS and
COMBINATIONS. Billy does his best to keep clear of his
punches. He fends and observes. Then Miguel rushes Billy,
catches him off balance, connects with a hard LEFT HOOK to
Billys EYE. He staggers back, grabs the ropes. The REFEREE
steps in, separates, checks on Billy. They resume. Miguel
remains the aggressor. Its clearly his fight. BELL RINGS.
In the corner, the doc checks Billys eye -Is it cut?

BILLY

FIGHT DOC
Not yet, but its raw.
As they repair, Billy and Tick recap -BILLY
Hes a fast motherfucker.
TICK
Youre doing great. Hes missing
more than hitting. Use your speed.
Keep out of reach. Let him be the
speeding train.
Miguel and Eli in the opposite corner -Slow down.
him.

ELI
Hes making you chase

MIGUEL
I know what Im doing.
Miguel SPITS. Eli looks over at Billy, concerned. A CARD
GIRL crosses with a ROUND TWO card. The BELL RINGS.
Angela and Leila watch.

Both anxious.

Jordan watches like a professional gambler at a horse race.

INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - LATER
A CARD GIRL struts with a ROUND FOUR card. BELL RINGS.
Miguel still comes at Billy, but his punches have less snap.
Billy, the eye looking bad, continues to fight his fight as
the talking heads comment on the action -LAMPLEY
This is not the fight anyone would
have predicted. A cautious and
strategic Billy Hope and an
aggressive, big swinging Magic Canto.

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113.

Then, Billy scores with a DOUBLE JAB. Miguel stung, counters,

takes a STUTTER STEP as he swings a big right. Billy sees his
tell, ducks under the punch, drives an UPPERCUT to Cantos
belly. The champ staggers back -KELLERMAN
Oh, that one took the wind out of
Canto. Man, he just looks stunned.
LEDERMAN
Magic, expecting Billy the Great,
instead, he got Billy the fighter.
Canto covers his pain/shame, bangs his stomach, taunts.
LAMPLEY
Canto baiting Hope -Tick shouts from the corner -TICK
Stay in your fight.
Billy does. He ignores the taunt and continues to score with
JABS and quick HOOKS. Points. Points. Points. BELL RINGS.
LEDERMAN
Magic Canto had been dominating
this fight, but that round
definitely belongs to Billy Hope.
LAMPLEY
I agree. Hope, whos never gone
more than six professional rounds,
is clearly here to go the distance.
Miguel in his corner with Eli -ELI
You aint wearing him out. Cant
keep up this pace. You gotta -MIGUEL
I know what I gotta do.
Miguel, pissed, shuts out his team.
Billy in his corner.

The doc works the eye.

Tick motivates --

TICK
We found the hole. Start ripping
it open. Bayonets. His hands are
getting heavy on the hook, too.
(in his face)
Stay in your fight, hear me? Were
only half way there. Know your job.
Billy nods as we BEGIN FIGHT MONTAGE.

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114.

Hope changes the tide of the fight. Works Miguels midsection

and scores points with quick, accurate punches. Full arsenal.
We see CARD GIRLS walk through with ROUNDS SEVEN, EIGHT, NINE.
We check in on the CROWD.
Angela and Leila.

See Jordan, whos very pleased.

She stays strong, watching her father work.

Mikey, Hoppy and the FANS, as Billy wins them back.

Judge Kayle and her TEENAGE SON, in the upper tier, rooting.
Billy, now the one in control of the fight. Canto, exhausted,
hurt and on the run. The BELL RINGS as we END FIGHT MONTAGE -LAMPLEY
This fight has turned into an
amazing battle of champions. And as
we come into the last two rounds,
its just too close to call.
KELLERMAN
Billy Hope may very well be on his
way to regaining the Light
Heavyweight crown.
Billy and Tick in the corner. Billy, his eye looking WORSE,
drenched in sweat and exhausted -BILLY
Fucking tired, man...
TICK
Hes more tired than you are.
(in his face)
We got two more, Billy. Keep doing
what youre doing and this is
yours. Hear me?
(off his nod)
Stay in your fight.
Miguel and Eli. Eli says nothing as he and Doc Field repairs
the fighter. Then, Miguel, exhausted, frustrated -MIGUEL
What dfuck do I do?
ELI
Draw him inside.
that eye.

You gotta open up

MIGUEL
Im trying.
Eli takes in his desperation, struggles with a thought.
ELI
Piss him off. Make it personal.

Then --

"SOUTHPAW"
Miguel nods.

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

115.

BELL RINGS.

ROUND ELEVEN. Billy and Miguel move in. Billy staying on the
outside, cautious, continuing to fight his fight. Miguel
taunts through the mouthpiece, waves Billy toward him -MIGUEL
Cmon, Billy dope.
Billy keeps to his fight. Canto BUMRUSHES him, they exchange
SLOPPY PUNCHES and wrap each other up. Canto, in Billys ear -MIGUEL
Gonna fuck you up like your old
lady.
The ref separates as Billy lets the taunt wash over him.
Miguel sees the fire is lit. Points to the MAUREEN tattoo -MIGUEL
Bang bang, bitch.
Billy snaps. Rushes Miguel, gets inside, unleashes a big LEFT
that lands on Magics cheek. Then follows with a sloppy JAB and
swings another big LEFT. Canto weaves under the punch, counters
with a big RIGHT that RIPS into Billys eye. It stuns Billy as
BLOOD flows. Canto follows with a brutal COMBINATION sends
Billy to the CANVAS. The ref on Billy as he climbs to his feet.
REFEREE
Look at me -Blood POURS from his eye.
Im okay.

Billy hides his pain and wooziness --

BILLY
Cmon, Im fine.

TICK
(screams)
Whatre you doing? Billy.
Stay in your fight!

Billy.

As the ref counts EIGHT, Billy instinctually searches the

crowd for Maureen. Not there. Fight resumes. Miguel rushes
Billy as he tries to keep his distance, protecting the eye.
In so doing, Canto takes advantage of his open midsection.
Billy, in trouble as he takes a beating before the BELL RINGS.
INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - MOMENTS LATER
Billy in the corner. The doc works feverishly on the eye.
Billy pissed at himself -Sorry.

BILLY
Im sorry, man.

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116.

TICK
Its okay. Its okay. Look at me.
(off his focus)
Last round. Taking it on points,
not going to be enough.
BILLY
He fucking got to me -TICK
Hear what I said? If you want to
win, you have to knock him out.
(off his nod)
That eye isnt going to make it
through the whole round. I need
Billy the Great. Shotgun and
grenades. You blow this
motherfucker up. Hear me?
Mouthpiece in.

Doc nods.

Billy stands.

Tick in Billys ear --

TICK
This animal helped kill the mother
of your child.
Tick hates himself for playing the rage as Billys eyes go
dark. The BELL RINGS.
ROUND TWELVE. Fighters come out of their corners. As Miguel
rushes, so does Billy. Two freight trains. They explode in
the middle. Billy takes two JABS to the head as he unleashes
a hard RIGHT JAB and a BIG LEFT. The jab misses, but the left
connects. Canto staggers back against the ropes, Billy
presses. Two more big LEFTS send the champ to the CANVAS.
Crowd EXPLODES. Canto climbs to his feet. Blood pours from
Billys eye.
As the ref gives an EIGHT COUNT, Billy and Miguel stare each
other down; seconds pass like hours. They resume. Both work
up a head of steam. Canto going for the eye, Billy going for
the knockout. Old school Billy the Great. He gets inside,
takes punches to his eye but lands another BIG LEFT. The
champ staggers back, but does NOT go down.
Then the ref checks Billys eye.
BILLY
Dont stop it, man.

Blood POURING.

He pleads --

Not now --

Ref nods, they resume. Miguel attacks. Lands two more JABS
to Billys eye. Blood flooding Hopes eyes. Magic takes
advantage of Billys limited vision, catches him with a brutal
COMBINATION. Billy against the ropes. The ref separates -REFEREE
Can you see me? Hope -He looks at Billys corner.

Billy desperate --

"SOUTHPAW"
No.

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

117.

BILLY
I can see. Im okay.

REFEREE
Protect it or its over.
Billy sucks in as much air as his lungs will hold as the ref
resumes the fight. Canto, exhausted, makes one more rush at
Billy. This time, Billy goes back to his strategic game plan,
keeps his distance. He avoids the jabs and as he bobs under a
big right, he FAKES a left hand, sending Miguels gloves up
high. Then Billy, with incredible SPEED, drills a BLUR OF
BAYONETS into Cantos midsection. Hear RIBS CRACK. Magic
staggers, his legs WOBBLE. One glove grabs his stomach, the
other grabs the ropes as he tries to stay upright. Billy, blood
pouring from his eye, goes in for the death blow. Magic lets go
of the ropes, barely gets his hands up, completely vulnerable.
Then as Billy takes in his enemy, he no longer sees a killer.
He sees a wounded soldier. The anger gone, Billy CANNOT HIT
Miguel. And in that moment, covered in blood, fighting the man
accountable for her death, Billy lets go of Maureen.
Billy and Magic lock eyes. Its
Suddenly Magics torso SPASMS as
his mouth. His body buckles and
The ref sees the blood and WAVES
crowd lets out a deafening ROAR.

been a brutal battle.

BLOOD GURGLES and SPEWS from
his knees hit the canvas.
the fight. Its over. The

Jordan, proud, is congratulated by power players.

Angela and Leila screaming.

So happy.

Mikey, Hoppy and the FANS cheering.

Judge Kayle, satisfied.
Billy, near tears, is held up by Tick and Jon Jon. The blood
still pouring out of his eye. No one cares. Billy sees Eli
and crew help Magic to his feet, he joins the ex-champ -BILLY
Good fight, man.

Good fight...

Magic, broken, emotional -MIGUEL

Im sorry, Billy.

Sorry...

Billy nods, its done. He walks back to his corner as Jordan

climbs in the ring and embraces his fighter and trainer.
The commentators are equally as charged -LAMPLEY
This has been an unbelievable fight.
Two warriors battling to the bitter
end.
(MORE)

"SOUTHPAW"

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3/3/14

118.

LAMPLEY (CONT'D)
Billy Hope a changed fighter, a
changed man, regains his Light
Heavyweight championship.
INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - GREEN ROOM - LATER
Billy, gloves and wraps off, sits on a prep table, the doctor
works on his eye. Tick, Jon Jon watch. See the TITLE BELT on
the table. Jordan Mains enters. See the WELL-DRESSED MAN among
all the PEOPLE outside the door who want a piece of Billy.
JORDAN
Hows the eye, Doc?
FIGHT DOC
Doesnt look like any bone or retina
damage. Well do an MRI to be safe.
Good --

JORDAN

Jordan puts a sturdy hand on Billys shoulder, fatherly -JORDAN

Im proud of you, Billy.
Thanks.

BILLY

JORDAN
Got some very good news. Wynns
people just called. They got you
cleared to fight in Nevada.
Bellagio already made an offer.
BILLY
Youre kidding me -JORDAN
No. And the rest will follow.
Everyone loves a comeback.
(off Billys awe)
Press is going to ask you about a
rematch, about whos next. Just
stay with the humble act. Were
taking it one fight at a time.
Billy and Tick share a look.

Then --

BILLY
Dont need to talk to the press.
Not gonna be any more fights. This
is it for me.
JORDAN
Weve just begun the redemption
lap, son.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

BILLY
I know. And I appreciate the help.
But, I gotta step away, Jordan.
Jordan realizes hes serious. He delivers the following
without being vindictive. Just a confident kingmaker -JORDAN
Do you think this reinvention was
your idea? Some kind of miraculous
morality play? I put this all in
motion.
BILLY
Whatre you talking about?
Jordan turns to Jon Jon -JORDAN
I had Jon Jon bring you to Tick
because I knew he wouldnt take you
if it came from me. And he was the
one amateur trainer who had the
skill to change your game.
(at Tick)
I also knew hed understand your
pain. He was my fighter when his
daughter died. I saw the torment
he could never get past. It ruined
a very promising career.
(beat)
I didnt know if putting the two of
you together would work, but I did
know it was the smartest move to
make. And I was right.
BILLY
You set up the fight with Bowman.
JORDAN
Yes. And I choreographed your win
tonight, same way I have everything
else in your life, Billy. Thats
what you pay me to do. And well
keep doing it.
Im sorry.

BILLY
I cant.

JORDAN
You have to, Billy. You know that.
If you dont, Ill be forced to sue
you for breach. Youll stay broke,
Leila will stay with the state and
you and Tick will be back in the
hood, teaching fat kids how to skip
rope. Youre a champion, son. You
deserve more. And Im going to get
it for you.

119.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

As Jordan turns to leave, Billy realizes -BILLY

Youre the one who called Child
Services.
JORDAN
Yes. And you should be thanking me
for that.
Jordan exits.

Door shuts.

Jon Jon, remorseful --

JON JON
Im sorry, Billy. He said it was
the only way to help you put your
family back together. I never -BILLY
He was right. Its okay, man.
Billy embraces Jon Jon.

Then --

BILLY
I love you, brother.
Love you.

JON JON

BILLY
Let me talk to Tick.
Jon Jon nods, exits.

Billy and Tick --

TICK
Dont let Jordan steal your
dignity. He may have pointed us at
each other, but what you did
tonight, what youve become, that
was all you, Billy Hope.
Billy drops down on a chair.

Exhausted, beaten --

BILLY
No, man. It was never about me.
(beat)
You showed me that.
Billy hands Tick the belt -BILLY
Bring this to the gym for the guys.
Yeah.

TICK
Okay.

Billy heads to other room --

120.

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

121.

TICK
Whatre you going to do about
Jordan?
BILLY
Im gonna take a shower. Go eat
some ice cream with my kid.
(off his nod)
See you tomorrow.
TICK

Yeah.

Billy heads to the showers.

Tick sits alone.

Looks at the belt.

Manages a smile.

INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - LATER

Audience gone, work lights on, Billy, bandaged, wearing jeans
and a T-shirt, walks to the ring. Climbs through the ropes,
looks out at the arena. Earlier it was filled with cheering
fans, now its an ocean of emptiness and scattered trash.
He spots Angela and Leila walking toward him.
ANGELA
Wondering where you went.
BILLY
Snuck through the service hallway.
Guess I look like a janitor.
Billy climbs out, joins them.

Hugs his daughter --

BILLY
I love you so much.
LEILA
I love you, too.
The CAMERA RISES UP over the ring as they head down the long
aisle. Billy puts his arm around his girls, banter continues
as the FRAME WIDENS -LEILA
(re: his eye)
That looks like it hurts.
It does.
(beat)
You okay?

BILLY

LEILA
Yeah. It was pretty cool.
you fight again?

When do

"SOUTHPAW"

STUDIO DRAFT 3

3/3/14

122.

BILLY
Are you kidding me? I thought you
didnt want me fighting?
LEILA
It wasnt that bad.
the money, Dad.

And we need

BILLY
How bout I put you to work. You can
be my bodyguard, slug people in the
nose if they try to steal my shoes.
LEILA
Jesus, are you ever going to let
that go? That was like months ago.
BILLY
(at Angela)
How did I raise such a smart ass?
ANGELA
Cant imagine how that happened.
BILLY
Oh, I see how its gonna be.
on one. Okay...

Two

The CONVERSATION FADES as fighter and family get further away

from the ring. Before they disappear from frame we -THE END

SMASH TO BLACK.