Barry Michael Book Launch
A Knockout Night: Barry Michael’s Book Launch — “The Last Man Standing”
On a mild Melbourne evening, boxing history was celebrated with style. The book launch of Barry Michael’s autobiography, The Last Man Standing: The Barry Michael Story, took place on 12 July 2025 at Pelicans Landing in Williamstown—a fitting venue nestled in Michael’s old stomping ground and marking exactly 40 years since his epic showdown with Lester Ellis.
“The talent in the room was electrifying”
Legends Reunited
The event sizzled with nostalgia and camaraderie as legendary boxing champion Lester Ellis, whose rivalry with Michael famously ended in Michael becoming IBF Super Featherweight Champion on 12 July 1985, returned to deliver the foreword for the biography.
But the guest list didn’t stop there. As Michael joyfully recounted in an interview: “We had twelve world boxing champions at my gig… legendary world kickboxing champion… all terrific fellows”—a testament to the breadth of support and respect he commands across the combat sports community.
A Day to Remember
From the moment the doors opened, the energy was electric. For $50 entry, attendees received a copy of Barry Michael’s book, indulged in delectable finger food, and settled in to enjoy “The Barry Michael and Lester Ellis show”—a dynamic, hour-long journey through their storied past in the ring. Guests had the rare chance to mingle with boxing greats, peruse exclusive memorabilia, and hear first-hand accounts of gritty training, epic matches, and personal triumphs.
“A great night to meet and talk to the greatest Boxing Legends of all time in Australia
VIP After-Party: The Real Main Event
As the formalities wound down, the VIP after-party roared into full swing. The atmosphere was intimate, electric, and overflowing with gratitude. Boxing titans swapped war stories, current stars sought advice, and fans reveled in being mere inches from their heroes. Champagne flowed, laughter echoed, and every conversation felt like a mutual tribute to resilience, legacy, and the raw beauty of the fight game.
Why This Night Mattered
This wasn’t just a book launch—it was a celebration of a storied life and era. The Last Man Standing brings readers into the gritty inner workings of a fighter’s world—from intense training sessions to the split-second mental battles inside the ring. It’s a tale of grit, grit, and unbreakable spirit.
But more than pages or words, the launch was a living homage to the friendships forged through sweat and sacrifice—most notably the fierce yet respectful rivalry between Michael and Ellis, which blossomed into a deep bond over decades. The evening encapsulated that spirit: competition, reconciliation, mutual admiration, and a shared passion.
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