The Final Round

The Final Round, directed by Lisa Maydwell and Joyce Licorish, chronicles the remarkable rise and controversial fall of International Boxing Federation founder Robert W. Lee Sr. Based on the book by Maydwell and Robert W. Lee Jr., the documentary tells the story of a man who transformed professional boxing while battling systemic racism, political enemies, and ultimately the U.S. justice system.

Robert W. Lee Sr. began life in a segregated New Jersey neighborhood where he was often the only Black student in his class. After working at a golf course during high school, he was drafted into military service just before beginning a career in law enforcement. Returning from the war, Lee entered the boxing world, eventually becoming the vice president of the World Boxing Association. After a contentious election for WBA president in 1983—rife with political maneuvers that blocked his victory—Lee founded the International Boxing Federation (IBF), a move that reshaped professional boxing in the U.S. The IBF quickly gained credibility by sanctioning title bouts for stars like Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Michael Spinks, Leon Spinks, and Felix Trinidad.

Robert W. Lee Sr., founder of the International Boxing Federation, poses proudly at a USBA/International event, as featured in The Final Round documentary.

“…challenged racism in sports, paid a heavy price…”

Lee’s leadership of the IBF was transformative, particularly for Black athletes and officials in a historically racist industry. Under his guidance, the IBF supported the rise of female judges like Lynne Carter and brought legitimacy to the careers of boxers across weight classes. Lee’s influence extended beyond the ring; he met several U.S. presidents and international leaders, including Nelson Mandela and Coretta Scott King. His success, however, drew powerful adversaries. In a sport long tainted by corruption, Lee became the focal point of a congressional investigation initiated during a broader effort, spearheaded by Senator John McCain, to clean up boxing through federal oversight.

However, the scrutiny did not end in Congress. In 2000, Robert W. Lee was charged with taking $338,000 in bribes to manipulate rankings and fight sanctions. Though he denied wrongdoing, he was convicted on counts including tax evasion, money laundering, and racketeering. His defense team, led by Gerald Krovatin, argued the prosecution was racially motivated and selectively enforced. The case was further complicated when a key witness, promoter Bob Beavers, allegedly lied under oath. Prosecutors reportedly pressured Lee to falsely testify against promoter Don King, promising leniency in return. Lee refused, believing he was being used to target King after other efforts to prosecute the promoter had failed.