Pooch Hall Returns to Brockton for Hagler Tribute
Actor Who Learned from Petronelli Camp Teams with NYT Best Selling Writer to Honor Legend!
Image: Instagram
Homecoming Tribute
Actor and Brockton native Pooch Hall is heading back to his Massachusetts hometown on Friday, June 20, to honor one of boxing’s all-time greats, Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Hall’s Instagram announcement teases a special evening at 121 Main St., sponsored by the Brockton Enterprise and Brockton Beer Company, where Hall will join New York Times best-selling author David W. Edge to celebrate Edge’s new Hagler biography, Blood and Hate. In his post, Hall wrote, “I can’t wait to be home to share in the excitement.”
From Golden Gloves To Hollywood
Long before earning fame on screen, Hall followed a familiar path through the Petronelli gym in Brockton. Trained by “Goodie” Petronelli alongside his father, he rose to become Southern New England Champion in the Golden Gloves. “Being trained by Goodie Petronelli and my father I learned a lot and adopted a lot of similarities to Marvin in what it would take to be a Champion,” Hall told fans on Instagram. His early amateur success laid the foundation for a career that now spans two decades in television and film.
Hall’s own biography reads like a champion’s journey. Born in Brockton in 1977, he boxed competitively in high school before shifting focus to acting. A breakout turn as Derwin Davis on the CW sitcom The Game led to roles in The Family Chantel on Bounce TV and supporting parts in feature films. Yet Hall’s roots remain in the same gym where Hagler perfected his legendary southpaw style.
A Champion’s Story Continues
Hall is bullish on the upcoming Hagler biopic, predicting it will rival or surpass the hit The Fighter starring Mark Wahlberg. In his caption, he dropped a teaser: “This movie will be as good as #TheFighter starring @markwahlberg or better,” and revealed that Oscar-winner Sam Rockwell will portray Goodie Petronelli, Hagler’s trainer and longtime friend. “He’s going to bring home Gold,” Hall wrote.
Blood and Hate, released this spring, charts Hagler’s rise from local Brockton gym prodigy to undisputed world middleweight champion. Edge’s narrative focuses on Hagler’s tough upbringing, his legendary work ethic under the Petronellis, and the controversies surrounding his reign in the 1980s. Hall’s involvement underscores his own connection to that era and his respect for the sport’s history.
Alongside Edge, Hall will appear for a Q&A session and book signing. Fans can expect vintage photos of Hagler in training, behind-the-scenes stories from the Petronelli camp, and Hall’s personal anecdotes about following in his idol’s footsteps. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with craft beer courtesy of Brockton Beer Company.
Looking Ahead
As Hall bridges the worlds of sport and entertainment, this return to Brockton doubles as a celebration of hometown pride. For a star whose credits include guest spots on CSI: Miami and roles in indie dramas, this will be a rare opportunity to share the stage with a celebrated author—and to shine a spotlight on the city that shaped them both.
Hall’s Instagram followers have already shown excitement. One recent post from last year hinted at new creative projects—“I’m coming back 🔥 #PoochHall”—and his Brockton appearance signals that this summer’s calendar is filling up fast. With film production set to begin later this year, Hall’s fans can look forward to seeing him both on screen and in person at events like this tribute evening.
Whether you’re a boxing aficionado or a longtime fan of Hall’s work, Friday’s gathering promises an evening of stories, insights, and a shared passion for champions—past and present.
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