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Richard Eklund Jr. (born May 3, 1957) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1975 to 1985. Known as "The Pride of Lowell," he held the USA New England welterweight title twice between 1979 and 1983.[1] He is the half-brother and former trainer of former WBU champion Micky Ward.[2] The 2010 biopic The Fighter is based on the two brothers' life.

Key Information

Boxing career

[edit]

Eklund grew up in Lowell with seven sisters and his half-brother Micky. He started boxing at the age of 12 in the streets of Lowell. He then began to fight older adults nearly twice his age.[3]

Eklund had an amateur boxing career of 200 bouts, winning 194, including 2 New England Golden Glove championships.[4] Eklund turned professional on August 26, 1975. After losing his debut by 6-round decision to Joe DeFayette, Eklund won 10 straight fights, defeating such opponents as Doug Romano, Terry Rondeau, Carlos Garcia, Randy Milton, and Mike Michaud.[5]

He fought professionally as Dick Eklund; "Dicky" was a nickname used by his family and friends. Before his 1978 match with future world boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard, Eklund's most impressive victory was over undefeated Rufus Miller (6–0–1) in 1976.

Eklund's most notable fight was on July 18, 1978, against Sugar Ray Leonard at the Hynes Memorial Auditorium in Boston, Massachusetts. He went the distance against Leonard, who eventually won the fight by unanimous decision. During the fight, Eklund was knocked down twice. In the ninth round, the fighters got wrapped up and Leonard fell, which was counted as a slip by the referee Tommy Rawson. However, footage shows a punch being landed on Leonard as he fell. In the film The Fighter, Eklund claims to have knocked down Leonard in their match, though the film acknowledges the slip. In an interview regarding the knockdown, Leonard said, "I slipped."[6]

After his bout with Leonard, he then fought Fernando Fernandez for the vacant USA New England welterweight title. The bout took place in his hometown of Lowell, with Eklund winning the title by defeating Fernandez on PTS. In his next 8 fights, Eklund went on alternating win/loss streaks, losing the first two, winning the next two, losing the next two, and winning the last two. He then fought Robert Sawyer for the ESPN welterweight title but lost via unanimous decision, then splitting his next two fights.

Eklund's fastest victory was a first-round knockout over C.J. Faison in Montreal, Canada on February 10, 1981. Eklund knocked out Canada's Allan Clarke in 9 rounds on August 25, 1981. Clarke's record was listed by the Ring as 21–4–1. [7] On October 25, 1983, Eklund defeated James Lucas to win the USA New England Welterweight Title for a second time. Following a rematch victory over Lucas in 1985, Eklund never fought again.

Eklund's fighting career spanned 10 years from 1975 to 1985, during which he compiled a professional career record of 19 wins, including four by knockout, and ten losses.[8] During his career, Dicky's fame got him in trouble with drugs, specifically crack cocaine, which caused his boxing career to slowly decline and eventually result in his being arrested and sentenced to prison for 10–15 years.[3]

Life after boxing

[edit]

After Eklund's fighting career ended, he became the trainer of his half-brother, noted former boxer Micky Ward who has credited Eklund as an inspiration for starting his career.[9] Eklund was Ward's full-time trainer for 26 fights, from Ward's professional debut in 1985 until his first retirement in 1991. After Eklund was released from prison in the mid 90s, he helped convince Ward to come out of retirement and began to train him again.[10] Three of Ward's post-retirement fights were voted fight of the year by The Ring, and he captured the WBU title in 2000. Eklund served as Ward's trainer until his second retirement, after his third fight with Arturo Gatti on June 7, 2003. Ward's biography, written by Bob Halloran and titled Irish Thunder: The Hard Life and Times of Micky Ward, discusses much of Eklund's life and career. Eklund alongside Ward would also help train their nephew Sean Eklund, who also went on to become a professional boxer.[11][12]

On April 1 2011 Eklund along with Ward were special guest on the Scott Van pelt show talking about their careers. That same night they also made a special appearance's on ESPN's Friday Night Fights as special guests giving a live studio analysis as well as a special interview.[13][14]

Eklund now works as a personal trainer and boxing coach in New England, helping train boxers at Ward's boxing gym in Westford.[15] He would also travel the United States with Micky Ward, giving motivational speeches to college students. The two would even do a three-day tour of the UK in 2012, telling their stories with all the proceeds going to charity.[16]

Personal life

[edit]

Paramount Pictures' 2010 drama The Fighter chronicles the rise of Eklund's younger half-brother Micky Ward. Directed by David O. Russell, the film stars Christian Bale as Eklund and Mark Wahlberg as Ward. The movie received critical acclaim. At the 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Eklund made a surprise appearance on stage with Christian Bale as the latter accepted the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Eklund. Bale also won a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for his performance. During his Academy Award acceptance speech, he thanked Eklund and Ward, who were in the audience. Eklund and Bale have remained in contact.[17]

Eklund was also featured on the HBO documentary High on Crack Street: Lost Lives in Lowell which showed his fall from boxing grace because of his addiction to crack cocaine. In the documentary, Eklund was sentenced to a long prison term for crimes he committed to feed his crack addiction. Eklund has reportedly been arrested 66 times but has since cleaned up as he has gotten older. He still resides in Lowell.[18]

Eklund was named to Irish America's top 100 in 2011 alongside his brother Micky.[19] The two would serve as Grand Marshals at that year's international boxing hall of fame parade.[20]

Eklund's children include two sons — Dicky Jr and Tommy — and daughter Kerry. Dicky Jr. is a former actor-turned-boxing trainer in California.[21]

Acting career

[edit]

Eklund made his acting debut in the 2014 independent Massachusetts mafia film Portico, where he plays himself.[22]

Professional boxing record

[edit]
29 fights 19 wins 10 losses
By knockout 4 0
By decision 15 10
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
29 Win 19–10 United States James Lucas UD 10 May 30, 1985 United States Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, Maine, U.S.
28 Win 18–10 United States James Lucas SD 12 October 25, 1983 United States Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, Maine, U.S. Won USA New England welterweight title
27 Loss 17–10 United States Reggie Miller UD 10 September 22, 1983 United States Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S.
26 Win 17–9 United States Terry Crawley SD 10 August 11, 1983 United States Yarmouth, Massachusetts
25 Loss 16–9 United States Robert Sawyer UD 12 September 16, 1982 United States Sands Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. For ESPN welterweight title
24 Win 16–8 United States Jeff Passero MD 8 July 31, 1982 United States Ballys Place Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S
23 Win 15–8 Puerto Rico Cesar Guzman PTS 8 July 14, 1982 United States Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
22 Loss 14–8 United States Kevin Howard SD 10 January 7, 1982 United States Sands Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
21 Loss 14–7 Canada Chris Clarke SD 10 October 27, 1981 Canada Halifax Metro Center, Halifax, Canada
20 Win 14–6 Canada Allen Clarke KO 9 (10) August 25, 1981 Canada Halifax Metro Center, Halifax, Canada
19 Win 13–6 United States C.J. Faison KO 1 (8), 2:58 February 10, 1981 Canada Paul Sauvé Arena, Montreal, Canada
18 Loss 12–6 United States Fernando Fernandez SD 10 June 20, 1980 United States Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
17 Loss 12–5 United Kingdom Dave Boy Green PTS 10 December 4, 1979 United Kingdom Empire Pool, London, England
16 Win 12–4 United States Fernando Fernandez PTS 10 August 18, 1979 United States Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S. Won USA New England welterweight title
15 Loss 11–4 United States Sugar Ray Leonard UD 10 July 18, 1978 United States Hynes Auditorium, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
14 Loss 11–3 United States Willie Rodriguez SD 8 March 4, 1978 United States Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
13 Win 11–2 United States Al Cruz KO 5 (6), 1:50 January 16, 1978 United States Waltham, Massachusetts, U.S.
12 Loss 10–2 Finland Erkki Meronen PTS 6 February 24, 1977 Denmark Østerbro Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark
11 Win 10–1 United States Rufus Miller UD 8 October 30, 1976 United States East Hartford High School, East Hartford, U.S.
10 Win 9–1 United States Mike Michaud SD 8 September 20, 1976 United States Golden Banana Club, Peabody, Massachusetts, U.S.
9 Win 8–1 United States Randy Milton UD 6 June 24, 1976 United States Oakdale Theatre, Wallingford, Connecticut, U.S.
8 Win 7–1 United States Jose Carlos Garcia UD 6 April 26, 1976 United States Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
7 Win 6–1 United States Charlie Benjamin PTS 6 February 21, 1976 United States Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
6 Win 5–1 United States Terry Rondeau PTS 6 January 31, 1976 United States State Armory, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
5 Win 4–1 Puerto Rico Jose Papo Melendez UD 4 December 20, 1975 United States Hynes Auditorium, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
4 Win 3–1 United States Avelino Dos Reis KO 3 (6) November 21, 1975 United States Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
3 Win 2–1 United States Eddie Hudson UD 4 November 6, 1975 United States Portland, Maine, U.S.
2 Win 1–1 United States Doug Romano UD 4 September 30, 1975 United States Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
1 Loss 0–1 United States Joe DeFayette SD 6 August 26, 1975 United States Sargent Field, New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dicky Eklund

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Richard Eklund Jr., better known as Dicky Eklund, is an American former professional boxer, trainer, and actor who competed in the division from 1975 to 1985, best remembered as "The Pride of Lowell" for his local fame in , and his role in training his younger brother, world champion boxer . Born on May 9, 1957, in Lowell, Eklund built an impressive amateur career, winning over 190 bouts and securing three titles before turning professional. Eklund's professional record stands at 19 wins, 10 losses, and 0 draws, with 4 knockouts, highlighted by his 1983 capture of the welterweight title against James Lucas via decision. His most notable bout came on July 18, 1978, when he faced undefeated future champion at the Hynes Auditorium in , lasting all 10 rounds in a unanimous decision loss but famously sending Leonard to the canvas in the ninth round (ruled a slip), earning respect for his resilience despite being outclassed. As a trainer, Eklund guided Ward through his legendary trilogy of fights against in 2002–2003, contributing to Ward's status as a three-time world champion, though their partnership was strained by Eklund's personal challenges. Following his retirement from in 1985, Eklund battled severe , which derailed his life and led to multiple arrests; this period was candidly documented in the 1995 HBO High on Crack Street: in Lowell, where he appeared as himself, smoking crack and reflecting on his past glory. He achieved sobriety during a mid-1990s sentence for drug-related offenses and has maintained recovery since, transitioning into a trainer and occasional , including a cameo in the 2010 Oscar-winning The Fighter, where portrayed him and won an Academy Award for the role. Eklund's story embodies themes of triumph, downfall, and redemption, influencing depictions of working-class life in American media.

Early life

Family background

Richard Eklund Jr., known as Dicky Eklund, was born on May 9, 1957, in , to parents Alice Eklund-Ward and Richard Eklund Sr. He grew up in a large working-class family of Irish Catholic descent, one of nine children born to his mother, including seven sisters and his half-brother , who shared the same mother but had a different father. The Eklund-Ward household in Lowell's working-class neighborhoods was marked by close-knit family dynamics amid economic challenges, with Alice serving as a central figure who later managed her sons' pursuits. The family's emphasis on resilience and physical activity provided support for sports involvement, reflecting the tough, blue-collar environment of their community. Eklund's childhood unfolded in Lowell's gritty, industrial neighborhoods, known for their rough street life and limited opportunities, where early exposure to local hardships shaped family bonds and a drive for outlets like . This upbringing in a bustling, multi-sibling home fostered a sense of camaraderie, with the family's encouragement of physical pursuits helping to channel energies amid the surrounding urban challenges.

Introduction to boxing

Richard Eklund Jr., known as Dicky Eklund, began his boxing journey at the age of 12 in the streets and local gyms of , influenced by a family tradition steeped in the sport. Growing up in a working-class environment where was a common outlet, Eklund was drawn to the ring amid the city's vibrant combat sports scene, which included informal scraps and structured training sessions that honed his initial skills. This early exposure laid the foundation for his development as a fighter, emphasizing agility and resilience from the outset. As an , Eklund quickly progressed, competing in numerous bouts that showcased his potential as a contender. He amassed an impressive record of nearly 200 fights, winning the vast majority and earning recognition for his speed and tactical prowess in the division. Under the guidance of local coaches in Lowell's community, Eklund refined his style, focusing on footwork and defensive maneuvers that would define his approach. His achievements included securing the championship three times, highlighting his dominance in regional tournaments and solidifying his reputation as a promising talent. By 1975, at the age of 18, Eklund decided to transition to , leaving behind his storied phase to pursue a paid . This move was fueled by his consistent successes and the backing of Lowell's tight-knit circles, marking the end of his formative years in the sport and the beginning of a new chapter.

Professional boxing career

Debut and early success

Richard Eklund Jr., known as Dicky Eklund, made his debut on August 26, 1975, in , facing Joe DeFayette in a six-round bout, which he lost by . This initial setback came after a strong amateur foundation, where Eklund had competed extensively in tournaments. Eklund quickly rebounded, embarking on a ten-fight that showcased his speed, resilience, and technical skill in the welterweight division. Notable victories during this period included decisions over Doug Romano in 1976, Carlos Garcia later that year, and Terry Rondeau in 1976, among others such as Randy Milton and . By 1977, these successes had elevated his professional record to 10-1, solidifying his presence in the regional circuit. Earnest in his craft and drawing crowds from his hometown, Eklund earned the nickname "The Pride of Lowell" for his exciting style and undefeated run following the debut loss, fostering local fame across the scene. This early momentum positioned him as a rising prospect, with fights often held in familiar venues like the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, where he built a loyal following.

Notable fights and titles

One of Dicky Eklund's most prominent professional bouts occurred on July 18, 1978, at the in Boston, Massachusetts, where he faced undefeated Olympic gold medalist in a 10-round matchup. Despite being knocked down in the sixth and ninth rounds, Eklund rose each time and went the full distance, losing by (98-92, 98-92, 97-93), a performance that garnered him widespread respect for his resilience against a future Hall of Famer. This fight, broadcast nationally, significantly boosted Eklund's visibility in the world, establishing him as a tough contender capable of sharing the ring with elite talent. Eklund captured the USA New England welterweight title for the first time in 1979, solidifying his regional dominance during a period of consistent victories that built on his early professional momentum. He regained the title on October 25, 1983, defeating James Lucas by over 10 rounds at the Cumberland County Civic Center in , a victory that highlighted his enduring skill and determination in the division. These title wins, spanning his peak years, underscored Eklund's status as a formidable local champion, known as the "Pride of Lowell," even as he navigated challenging opposition without pursuing world-level contention. Among his other significant bouts, Eklund traveled to on December 4, 1979, to challenge British contender in a 10-round non- fight at the Empire Pool, Wembley, resulting in a points loss (98-96) after a competitive display marred by headbutts from Green. Throughout his career from 1975 to 1985, Eklund amassed 19 wins (4 by knockout) against 10 losses, achievements that elevated him to celebrity status in circles despite never challenging for a major . These marquee moments, including his gritty showings in high-profile losses, cemented his reputation as a durable, crowd-pleasing fighter whose regional successes inspired a generation of local talent.

Decline and retirement

Following his prominent bout against in 1978, Eklund's performance in the ring became increasingly inconsistent during the early to mid-1980s, marked by a series of losses that contributed to the downward trajectory of his career. Notable defeats in this period included a loss to undefeated prospect on September 24, 1983, in . These setbacks, amid a pattern of alternating wins and losses, reflected broader challenges in maintaining his early momentum, ultimately bringing his professional record to 19 wins and 10 losses by the end of his career. Emerging substance abuse, particularly with , began to impact Eklund's training discipline and in-ring focus, exacerbating the inconsistencies in his performances. Eklund initiated crack use while still competing as a , which progressively eroded his preparation and contributed to diminished results during this phase. Eklund retired from at age 28 after his final fight on May 10, 1985, a victory over James Lucas in , where he reclaimed the USA title for a second time.

Professional boxing record

Dicky Eklund's professional boxing career spanned from 1975 to 1985, during which he compiled a record of 19 wins (4 by ), 10 losses, and 0 draws across 29 bouts, all contested at .
No.DateOpponentResultMethodRoundsLocationNotes
11975-08-26Joe DeFayetteLossUD6, Professional debut
21975-09-25Doug RomanoWinUD4, ,
31975-11-13Eddie HudsonWinUD4,
41975-11-20Avelino Dos ReisWinUD4,
51975-12-17Jose MelendezWin1, ,
61976-01-23Terry RondeauWin1,
71976-02-20Charlie BenjaminWinUD6,
81976-04-16Jose Carlos GarciaWinUD6, ,
91976-06-18Randy MiltonWinUD6,
101976-09-17Mike MichaudWinTKO3,
111976-10-22Rufus MillerWinUD6,
121977-02-18Erkki MeronenLossUD8,
131978-01-27Al CruzWinTKO4,
141978-03-24Willie RodriguezLossUD8, ,
151978-07-18LossUD10, ,
161979-08-17Fernando FernandezWinUD10,
171979-12-04LossPTS10Wembley, England, UK
181980-06-13Fernando FernandezLossUD10, ,
191981-02-20CJ FaisonWinUD10Montreal, Quebec, Canada
201981-08-14Allen ClarkeWinTKO7, Canada
211981-10-23Chris ClarkeLossUD10, Canada
221982-01-23Kevin HowardLossUD10,
231982-07-09Cesar GuzmanWinUD8Dorchester, Massachusetts,
241982-07-30Jeff PasseroWinUD10,
251982-09-18Robert SawyerLossUD10, For vacant title
261983-08-19Terry CrawleyWinUD10South ,
271983-09-24Reggie MillerLossUD10,
281983-10-25James LucasWinUD10, Won title
291985-05-10James LucasWinUD10, Retained title

Post-retirement activities

Following his retirement from in 1985, Eklund developed a severe to crack cocaine that began showing signs during his later fights and rapidly escalated in the late 1980s and 1990s. The drove him to engage in drug dealing and other to fund his habit, resulting in dozens of arrests over the years for offenses including possession, distribution, , and . Eklund's legal troubles culminated in multiple incarcerations, including shorter jail terms in the early 1990s for robbery-related offenses. His struggles were starkly documented in the 1995 HBO film High on Crack Street: Lost Lives in Lowell, which chronicled 18 months of his life amid active addiction and ended with his sentencing to a 10-to-15-year term for armed robbery and related drug crimes; he ultimately served approximately three to four years before release in late 1998 or early 1999. Subsequent arrests included a 2006 charge for possession of crack cocaine in Lowell, Massachusetts, and a 2009 indictment for attempted murder stemming from an assault on his girlfriend, which did not result in extended incarceration. These ongoing legal issues and addiction profoundly strained Eklund's family ties, particularly his relationship with half-brother , as repeated incarcerations and unreliability created significant emotional and practical burdens on their shared household and support network.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Eklund's path to sobriety began during his multi-year prison sentence in the mid-, where he addressed his long-standing addiction that had been documented in the 1995 HBO film High on Crack Street: Lost Lives in Lowell. This incarceration, stemming from crimes committed to support his habit, marked a pivotal turning point, allowing him to achieve initial sobriety upon release around the late . Despite this progress, Eklund relapsed in the mid-2000s, culminating in a 2006 for possession of after police found a crack pipe in his possession during a . This incident, following a period of during which he supported his half-brother Micky Ward's successful fights in 2002 and 2003, highlighted the ongoing challenges of recovery. Following the 2006 arrest and subsequent legal troubles, including a 2009 charge and an charge in 2015 that was dismissed after the victim recanted, Eklund recommitted to sobriety, achieving lasting stability by the early . By 2011, he was described as maintaining sobriety on a day-to-day basis while contributing to family and community efforts in . As of 2025, Eklund has sustained this recovery, evidenced by his active public presence and the positive trajectories of his family members, including his sons pursuing careers, indicating reconciliation and a stabilized lifestyle with steady involvement in local activities.

Training career

Partnership with Micky Ward

After his release from prison in late 1998 and a period of personal recovery from , Dicky Eklund rejoined his half-brother 's around 2000, serving as co-trainer during Ward's professional comeback. Eklund's return provided essential motivation and expertise, helping Ward capture the WBU world title against on March 11, 2000, in . This marked a pivotal resurgence for Ward, who had retired in 1997 amid family and personal turmoil. Eklund co-trained Ward specifically for the legendary trilogy against , spanning 2002 to 2003, offering strategic guidance on fight preparation and even with his brother to simulate opponents' styles. His input emphasized Ward's relentless body-punching technique, a hallmark of Ward's aggressive, pressure-fighting approach that wore down durable foes like Gatti across 30 grueling rounds in the three bouts. The first fight on May 18, 2002, in , ended in a victory for Ward, while the rematches in Atlantic City saw each fighter claim a win, with Gatti winning the second on November 23, 2002, by and Ward taking the third on June 7, 2003, by , cementing the series as one of boxing's most iconic rivalries. The brotherly bond between Eklund and Ward fueled their collaboration, with Eklund's street-smart experience and familial encouragement driving Ward to world titles—including the WBU crown in 2000—despite Eklund's ongoing struggles with , including a 2006 on charges that highlighted his intermittent relapses. This dynamic not only elevated Ward's career but also underscored Eklund's redemptive role in their shared legacy.

Other trainees and coaching

Following his recovery and rehabilitation, Eklund resumed his involvement in as a trainer in the mid-2000s, conducting classes for local amateurs and professionals at gyms in the Lowell area, including the West End Gym. Eklund co-trained his son Eklund alongside , guiding him through his professional debut in July 2005 and subsequent bouts throughout the 2010s; amassed a record of 11 wins and 4 losses in 15 professional fights, with several appearing on and ESPN2. He has also worked with other regional fighters, including his son Dicky Eklund Jr., honing their in-ring fundamentals through hands-on instruction. As of 2025, Eklund serves as a personal trainer and boxing coach throughout , prioritizing the development of technical proficiency and imparting life lessons on resilience to emerging boxers.

Media appearances and acting

Documentaries

Eklund's battle with addiction was unflinchingly documented in the 1995 HBO film High on Crack Street: Lost Lives in Lowell, directed by Maryann DeLeo and Richard Farrell. The documentary chronicles 18 months in the lives of three addicts navigating the streets of , with Eklund serving as a central subject whose former fame contrasts sharply with his descent into daily drug-seeking and erratic behavior. Filmed without Eklund's full awareness of its focus, the project captured of his interactions with dealers, police, and , revealing the personal toll of on a once-promising ; Eklund later recounted believing the would highlight a potential comeback rather than his street life. The work's intimate portrayal underscored the broader crack epidemic's grip on working-class communities like Lowell, where economic decline fueled . The documentary significantly elevated public awareness of Lowell's social challenges, including and proliferation, by humanizing the crisis through Eklund's story and earning HBO acclaim for addressing pressing societal issues in programming. It influenced subsequent discussions on and recovery, with Eklund's experiences cited as emblematic of the era's hidden struggles in American mill towns. Eklund appeared on ESPN's Top Rank Boxing in the late 1980s, including episodes from December 1988 and May 1989, reflecting on his . Post-recovery, he participated in interviews such as a 2009 discussion with his brother , and appeared on in 2011, sharing insights into his rehabilitation and mentoring role. These appearances provided glimpses into his ongoing journey from to mentoring, reinforcing themes of resilience amid Lowell's evolving social landscape.

The Fighter and film roles

The 2010 biographical sports drama film , directed by , draws from the real-life story of Dicky Eklund and his half-brother , chronicling Ward's path to becoming a champion while grappling with Eklund's role as his troubled trainer and the family's dynamics in . The narrative highlights Eklund's past glory as a boxer who once knocked down , contrasted with his struggles with addiction, which impact Ward's career. Christian Bale's portrayal of Eklund earned widespread acclaim for capturing the character's wiry energy, vulnerability, and erratic behavior, culminating in an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at the in 2011. Bale prepared extensively by studying Eklund's mannerisms and spent significant time with him to authentically depict the former 's physical and emotional decline. Eklund contributed directly to the production as a , offering on-set advice to ensure the depiction of techniques and family interactions rang true, and he made a brief as one of the trainers in a scene. His input helped shape the film's realistic portrayal of the sport and personal challenges, bridging the gap between the real events and the dramatized narrative. Released in limited theaters on December 10, 2010, before expanding widely on December 17, The Fighter achieved commercial success, grossing $129 million worldwide on a $25 million budget. The film's critical and box office triumph reignited public fascination with Eklund's life, spotlighting his boxing legacy and redemption arc beyond the ring.

Other acting and public engagements

Beyond his prominent cameo in The Fighter, Eklund has taken on minor acting roles, often portraying versions of himself drawn from his boxing background. In 2014, he debuted in the independent Massachusetts mafia film Portico, directed by Michael Bednarski, where he appeared as the character Dicky. He also made television appearances as a trainer and commentator on episodes of ESPN Top Rank Boxing during the late 1980s, including segments from August 1987, December 1988, and May 1989. Since around 2010, following the success of , Eklund has pursued motivational speaking engagements, frequently partnering with his half-brother to share insights on overcoming , resilience in sports, and personal redemption. These talks target audiences such as college students, at-risk youth, corporate groups, and schools, primarily in but extending nationally, emphasizing lessons from his recovery journey. In recent years, Eklund has continued these public efforts through and charity involvement. In September 2023, he appeared on the Shooter's Gallery , hosted by Beanshooter, discussing his life experiences, career, and path to sobriety. Additionally, in 2023, he served as a for a charity match benefiting local causes in , supporting fighters in exhibition bouts tied to community fundraising.

References

  1. https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/344
  2. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/dicky-eklund-14905.php
  3. https://boxrec.com/wiki/index.php/Dick_Eklund
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  8. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/fighter-real-life-100538/
  9. https://www.geni.com/people/Dicky-Eklund/6000000016049268060
  10. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/lowellsun/name/alice-eklund-ward-obituary?id=22194057
  11. https://people.com/celebrity/alice-ward-dies-real-life-mother-in-the-fighter/
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  13. https://nesn.com/2011/04/alice-ward-mother-of-massachusetts-boxing-duo-dies/
  14. https://www.lowellsun.com/ci_2829268/
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  16. https://news.worcester.edu/the-fighter-brothers-talk-about-life-on-screen-and-in-the-ring/
  17. https://cnycentral.com/sports/content/real-life-fighter-to-be-grand-marshal-at-boxing-hof-parade
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  33. https://www.bostonherald.com/2010/12/04/dicky-eklund-spars-with-fames-curse/
  34. https://www.lowellsun.com/2005/06/28/boxing-in-the-bloodlines-for-sean-eklund/
  35. https://boxerlist.com/boxer/sean-eklund/251893
  36. https://www.proboxing-fans.com/sean-eklund-trying-to-fight-his-way-out-of-famous-uncles-shadows_050812/
  37. https://www.maxboxing.com/news/sub-lead/all-in-the-family-dicky-eklund-jr
  38. https://www.athletespeakers.com/speaker/dicky-eklund
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1052003/
  40. https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2011/feb/02/high-crack-street-fighter-christian-bale
  41. https://dupont.org/1990s-archive
  42. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2189271/
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2192243/
  44. https://www.historyvshollywood.com/video/micky-ward-and-dickie-eklund-interview-2009/
  45. https://www.newsday.com/sports/boxing/micky-ward-and-dicky-eklund-in-studio-on-espn-m29325
  46. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0964517/plotsummary/
  47. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_fighter_2011
  48. https://deadline.com/2010/11/oscar-qa-mark-wahlberg-on-the-fighter-83339/
  49. https://www.looper.com/1009390/the-untold-truth-of-the-fighter/
  50. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0964517/
  51. https://mafilm.org/2010/12/11/the-fighter-2010/
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2011190/fullcredits
  53. https://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/134408
  54. https://www.celebritytalent.net/sampletalent/17105/dicky-eklund/
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y11P6sGsE10
  56. https://themikedempsey.com/latest-mike-vs-fight/
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