The Great White Hype is a 1996 sports comedy film directed by Reginald Hudlin. The film's plot revolves around the two contenders for a heavyweight boxing title: reigning champion James "The Grim Reaper" Roper (played by Damon Wayans) and the challenger, "Irish" Terry Conklin (played by Peter Berg). Conklin is a former boxer who retired undefeated but then became a successful businessman and a media celebrity.
Rev. Fred Sultan (played by Samuel L. Jackson), the promoter of Roper, realizes that the public has lost interest in watching Roper fight because he always wins too easily. Sultan convinces Conklin, whom he calls "The Great White Hype," to come out of retirement and challenge Roper for the title. Sultan believes that a "white vs. black" contest will generate huge media attention and money.
Conklin, who has never fought a black boxer, is reluctant to accept the offer. However, Sultan offers him a huge amount of money, and Conklin decides to take the challenge. Roper, who is overconfident and underestimates Conklin's abilities, becomes lazy and complacent, while Conklin goes through grueling training and preparation.
On the day of the fight, the media frenzy is at its peak, and the match is promoted as the "Fight of the Century." However, to the surprise of everyone, Conklin quickly knocks out Roper in the first round, winning the title of the heavyweight champion. The film ends with Conklin revealing to Sultan and the press that the fight was rigged, and that he and Roper planned the outcome in advance, splitting the huge amount of money they both earned.
The Great White Hype satirizes the media, sports, and racial stereotypes, and also features an ensemble cast that includes Jeff Goldblum, Jon Lovitz, Jamie Foxx, Cheech Marin, and Corbin Bernsen. The film received mixed reviews from critics but has gained a cult following over the years.