El Potro

On July 27, 1991, in Norfolk (Virginia, USA), the most important fight in the history of Spanish boxing takes place. World champion Pernell Whitaker and title contender Poli Diaz face off for the lightweight crown. Although Spain has subsequently known other world champions in different categories, such as Javier Castillejo himself, no combat had ever aroused so much expectation in our country.

In this unprecedented media dispute, Poli, El Potro de Vallecas, lost more than just the opportunity to become world champion. In the Norfolk ring, the most charismatic boxer in the history of Spain, and who has taken this sport to unparalleled heights, felt like never before, at only 24 years old, how his life and career had just been definitively cut short after long months of capsizing

Poli’s poor planning and preparation, and Whitaker’s very professional approach to combat clearly illustrate two antagonistic personalities before facing a match in which El Potro hardly had any chance, given his personal circumstances. Even so, the boxer from Madrid sold his skin dearly, and turned that day’s fight into an epic swan song that will always remain as the metaphor of a dazzling and abrasive life and career. A sometimes bitter portrait, and sometimes as funny as it is surreal, of a character, and of an unrepeatable time and country.

Interviewees: Poli Díaz, Ricardo Sanchez Atocha, Jaime Ugarte, Ramoncín, Toni Ricobaldi, Alberto García Alix, Fernando Sarasola, José María García, Nacho Vidal, Lola, Juan Madrid, Quique Peinado, Santiago Segura, Richy Castellanos, Antonio Miguel Carmona, Javier Castillejo, Francisco Aguado.