The statue of Rocky Balboa looms over most people’s visions of boxing and boxing films alike, but that hasn’t stopped contemporary filmmakers from mining the gritty world of professional pugilism for its comeback stories and unlikely heroes. On this week’s show, we watched three such films, starting with “Chuck,” the new biographical film about Chuck Wepner. He’s the club fighter who largely inspired Rocky when he lasted 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali in 1975.

“Chuck” director Philippe Falardeau guests on the podcast, talking with Chance about Wepner’s rare comedic and charming persona in the world of boxing and what it was like to cast for iconic figures like Stallone and Ali. At the 30-minute mark, Chance and Noah meet the 2016 film “Bleed For This” at the center of the ring to discuss the vanity and traditionalism that goes into making a stock Hollywood boxing drama. At the 43-minute mark, they reappraise 2010’s “The Fighter” and have somewhat different thoughts on the merits of David O. Russell’s shifty Micky Ward biopic. Ready? Touch gloves.