Hugh Jackman and Sugar Ray Leonard talk about working together on Real Steel
Shawn Levy (director): Hugh Jackman's character Charlie Kenton was a boxer. Charlie was the top contender. Number two in the world.
So when it comes to training his robot boxer, Atom, he has this wealth of knowledge about the sport.
Hugh Jackman: Sean said to me, guys, I really wanna bring someone in for you, that's gonna help you out. How do you feel about Sugar Ray Leonard? And I was like, sure, why don't we just go for the best.
Sugar Ray Leonard: Hugh was interested in the proper way to throw the hook with the right hand. It's little adjustments here and there. But for the most part, Hugh being an athlete and being in incredible shape, he caught on quite well.
Hugh Jackman: To have Sugar Ray teaching me, and then to ultimately have a robot doing his moves. That's about as cool as it gets.
Sugar Ray Leonard: He's a good student. He digests what I say and voila. It comes to life.
Hugh Jackman: My dad was a boxer. When I saw my dad, I was doing the film and was working with Sugar Ray Leonard. I don't think I've ever seen my dad more amped or more jazzed in my life. There'll be other champions, but there's probably no one more respected than Sugar Ray.
You still got it man! I'm telling you.
