Hunter gets kick out of latest role

New SBS series about aspiring Iraqi-Australian boxing trainer offers fun, laughter and lots of drama, writes Robyn Courtney

SHIMMYING in a pair of satin boxing shorts as he cranks out a few dance moves in the boxing ring is a memory actor Louis Hunter won’t quickly forget in his role in On the Ropes.

The four-part SBS series, produced by Lingo Pictures, tells the story of aspiring Iraqi-Australian boxing trainer Amirah Al-Amir (Nicole Chamoun) who has idolised her world champion father Sami (Igal Naor) her entire life.

While working in the family gym in Sydney’s western suburbs alongside her two brothers, Amirah negotiates a professional debut match for her hard-nosed fighter Jess O’Connor (Keisha Castle-Hughes) with Sami’s long-time promoter Strick (Jack Thompson). Desperate to chase her dream of transforming women’s boxing, Amirah recruits Lachy (Hunter) to help her.

Other than working alongside the internationally renowned, award-winning cast, one of the main drawcards for Hunter wanting to be part of the production was the chance to play a mixed martial arts fighter.

“I was really excited about that aspect of the show because I am a huge combat sports enthusiast... anything boxing, kick boxing, jujitsu... I live for it,” Hunter says.

“Working with the enormous talent and being part of a new wave of Australian television, which is really starting to pop up now and raising the game for Australian TV by telling stories that are truly original, like On the Ropes, has also been a highlight.”

To convincingly portray his character, Hunter had to make a few physical changes.

“To believably pull off the stature of a combat sports athlete, was a whole different ball game from my usual gym routine. I definitely had to ramp up my training for the role,” he says.

To help with the transformation of his character, who moves from MMA to boxing, time was spent in the hairdresser’s chair having braids and a man bun styled – a new look for Hunter.

Having lived in the United States for the past couple of years, he enjoyed getting back in touch with his Australian heritage and roots.

“I feel being able to explore a character who lived in the western suburbs of Sydney – a diverse and interesting area – was an exciting part of doing this job,” he says.

The drama’s storyline is quite intense but also has its lighter moments which Hunter brings to the screen.

“There’s fun and laughter but mostly drama. Boxing itself intrinsically has drama built in to it,” he says.

“Conflict is naturally woven into the sport and therefore is the premise of the show.”

Filming also gave the Los Angeles-based actor a chance to see family and friends.