585FighterZ

For today’s post, we at The 585FighterZ want to spotlight a game that may represent both the first appearance of a Black character in video games and the earliest example of a fighting game.
Released by Sega in 1976, Heavyweight Champ is a monochrome boxing game featuring two fighters facing off in the ring—one lighter, one darker. Presented from a side view, it’s a one-on-one matchup centered entirely on hand-to-hand combat. While it lacks many of the features we now associate with fighting games, it’s hard not to see it as the genre’s foundation—or at the very least, its prototype.
As for its place in Black representation, some argue that the grayscale visuals make the fighters’ races ambiguous. Others point to the franchise’s 1987 color release, which leaves little doubt about the protagonist’s identity. Add in the original poster’s use of imagery from Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s iconic 1971 “Fight of the Century,” and we’re inclined to agree.

Alright folks, we're entering the final stretch of 2025 and if you're looking for quality FGC action in November, you know where to find it! Join us at 585Z HQ Great Lakes Gaming Lounge on Nov 22nd for Let's ROC 14!

This month 2XKO officially joins the lineup as a main title and is of course joined by our usual mainstays. Side games this month include Rivals of Aether 1 & 2 along with the return of BlazBlue Central Fiction for all you anime heads out there!

🗓️: Saturday Nov 22nd
🗺️: 100 S. Clinton Avenue - Innovation Square - Floor 22
🕛: Doors open at noon
💸: Venue $15 (Ways to save $$ on sign up page)
🍕: Pizza, snacks, and bevs sold on site

Sign up now: https://start.gg/letsroc

And of course please stay tuned for another big announcement this week regarding our final event of the year.... ❄️ ❄️ ❄️