Brian Minto, former world heavyweight boxer and Butler High grad, opens up in documentary
DeQwan Young immediately sensed a connection with Brian Minto. The result was not only a friendship, but a documentary film that has helped the latter come to terms with his past.
The two became acquainted in 2014 at Revolution Physical Therapy in Cranberry Township. Minto, a Butler native, was nearing the end of his professional boxing career while Young was wrapping up a career in the Continental Indoor Football League.
"We both had backgrounds in football. With me in football and Brian in boxing, we were both viewed as undersized and people counted us out,“ said Young, who aspires to be a director of feature films. ”I was impressed with his resiliency."
Young asked if he could film Minto in training and also recorded his final fight at Pullman Park in 2016. That footage was included in the film, entitled "The Beast: The Final Fight," which premiered Saturday at Butler's Penn Theater as part of Minto's induction into Butler Football's Hometown Heroes program.
"He got to see what it's like to train, the amount of work we put in and the dedication it took," Minto said of Young. "He did a great job with everything. I've seen the movie twice and cried both times. It's like therapy for me."
The film includes details on Minto's upbringing. Both of his parents struggled with alcohol abuse.
"That's all you learn as a child, being in that environment, that's all they did," Minto said. "I was in a house of chaos."
After his parents divorced, Minto lived with his mother and then his father for a time, but was residing with friends by the time he was 15.
"I tried to fulfill that love I didn't have by using alcohol and drugs, something that was going to give me instant gratification,“ he said. ”I struggled with it and was in a bad place, was a pretty irresponsible person.
"The only thing that ever made me feel good was playing sports, especially contact sports, because of the frustration and anger that I had."
After starring for Butler High's football team and a collegiate career that was cut short, Minto turned to boxing. His pro career included a 42-11 record with 27 knockouts and a Top 10 ranking in the world as a heavyweight.
During his career, Minto fought in Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia and New Zealand. He earned the nickname "The Beast" and felt unwavering support from his hometown. He currently lives in Center Township.
"Butler's a small town with great people," he said. "The community was so supportive of me. When I got in the ring, I felt like the whole city was behind me.
"I think my story can inspire others. I tell people “Believe in yourself and never give up.’”
Near the end of the film, Minto said his relationships with his parents were mended before their deaths. Boxing helped bring direction to his life, and he is grateful for its current track.
"I would like to thank my wife (Heidi), who has endured me for 23 years, and my children Matthew and Megan for being there for me.
"I thank God every day for what I have."
