HE WAS A FAMOUS DRIVER, born in Senegal and willing to fight anywhere in the world. World champion who competed with the likes of Mike McTigue and French legend Georges Carpentier. Yet his name remains a mystery to many outside of the most dedicated boxing circles.
A documentary about this man known as Fighting with SikiAfrica's first world boxing champion, will be screened at the West Norwood Picturehouse on Friday, May 24, as part of the London Pan African Film Festival.
Back to Your Corner tells the story of a man born in St Louis, Senegal, who made his way to France, where he defeated the stars of Europe. In 1922, he won the light-heavyweight world title, defeating Georges Carpentier to become the first African world champion, although history shows him as the French champion.
Racism would follow Siki wherever he went. He was asked to fight but he refused. A decision that led to his tragic death at the age of just 28. In 1993, the WBC returned his remains to Senegal. The champion finally went home.
Archived film footage still exists of the fight between Siki and Carpentier, showing how the sport of boxing has changed and evolved over time. Few people know his name even in Africa because Battling Siki was a world champion during the colonial period. Therefore, his land title is written as that of his colonial ruler.
Against racism at a time when few would dare, Siki turned it around and used it to promote himself and his fighters.
A documentary about Siki premiered in New York on February 15, 2023, at the New York Athletic Club, managed by the World Boxing Council (WBC). Former world champions Michael Spinks, Iran Barkley, Vinny Paz, and current fighter Franchon Cruz-Dezurn were in attendance.
A number of politicians, including the Consul General of Senegal in New York, El Hadji Amadou Ndao, attended the event. After this, the Consul General and the WBC began to look into Senegal's future assessment. The New York Department of Education was looking to have the film shown in all schools during Black History Month.
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