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Champs is a 2014 documentary film that explores the lives and careers of three of the most iconic and controversial boxers of the 20th century: Evander Holyfield, Bernard Hopkins, and Mike Tyson. Directed by Bert Marcus, the film delves into the psychological and social factors that shaped these fighters' paths to superstardom and examines the impact of their success on the sport of boxing and American culture at large.

The film begins with a brief overview of the history of boxing as a sport, emphasizing the ways in which it has often been a refuge for the marginalized and disenfranchised. We then meet Holyfield, Hopkins, and Tyson, who share their own stories of growing up in poverty and turning to boxing as a way to escape their circumstances.

Holyfield, a four-time heavyweight champion, speaks about his early days in Atlanta, where he learned to fight on the streets and was eventually discovered by a local coach. He reflects on the role of his Christian faith in his career, as well as some of the controversies that have surrounded him, such as his infamous ear-biting incident with Tyson in their 1997 rematch.

Hopkins, also a four-time world champion, grew up in Philadelphia and spent years in prison before turning to boxing. He discusses the ways in which prison taught him discipline and focus, and how he used those skills to become one of the most successful boxers of his generation. He also reflects on his role as a mentor to younger fighters, both in and out of the ring.

Tyson, perhaps the most famous of the three, discusses his early days in Brooklyn, where he was repeatedly bullied and turned to boxing as a way to defend himself. He speaks candidly about his struggles with addiction and his tumultuous personal life, as well as the ways in which fame and fortune impacted his psyche. Despite the controversies that have surrounded him, Tyson remains a beloved figure in the boxing world, and his reflections in the film are often poignant and insightful.

Through interviews with other boxing legends, such as Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya, as well as insights from historians and commentators, the film offers a comprehensive look at the history of boxing and its impact on American culture. Champs also touches on issues of race, class, and gender, exploring the ways in which boxing has been used as a tool for social and political change.

The film is beautifully shot and features stunning archival footage of some of the most iconic moments in boxing history. Marcus wisely allows the boxers themselves to tell their stories, and their perspectives offer a rare glimpse into the physical and psychological tolls of the sport.

Ultimately, Champs is a thoughtful and engaging documentary that offers a unique perspective on one of the most enduring and fascinating sports in American history. The film presents a nuanced portrait of three complex and compelling figures, and demonstrates the power of boxing to inspire hope and change in even the most challenging circumstances.

Champs is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 59.