A talented young Island actor is set to star in a new film charting the rise of boxing legend Howard Winstone.
Joe Bone, formerly of Cowes High School, has been chosen to play the part of John Gamble, Winstone’s fellow pugilist, in the forthcoming biopic ‘Risen’, also starring Brian Blessed and current WBC Super Featherweight champion Marco Antonio Barrera.
This great achievement by Joe, whose parents live in Parkhurst, is made all the more remarkable by how – in addition to starring in the film – he has also been called upon to help with the choreography of the fight scenes. This even entails teaching boxing superstar Barrera what to do doing fight scenes, indicating the confidence producers have in the Islander who was spotted in a four man comedy show in Winchester.
Joe was fascinated by the incredible story of Howard Winstone, a man who personified courage as he overcame losing the top of three fingers on his right hand to win gold at the 1958 Commonwealth Games. Then boxer then went on to claim British, European and World titles as a professional, becoming a true sporting great.
While Joe may have some way to go yet before he reaches such success and widespread acclaim in his respective field, hopes are high that this Islander will go far on his journey towards stardom.