Harry Haft: Boxer who survived 75 lethal camp fights inspires Hollywood

Harry Haft, a man born in Bełchatów, Poland, survived the horrors of Nazi concentration camps through boxing. At age 16, while held in the KL Auschwitz-Birkenau-Arbeitslager 'NeuDachs' camp in Jaworzno, Haft was forced to participate in weekly boxing matches for the entertainment of German guards. These matches had no round limits and often resulted in the death of a participant; the winner received food rations and the right to survive another week. Haft won all 75 of these lethal bouts, earning the nickname 'the beast from Jaworzno.'

Following the war, Haft emigrated to the United States and pursued a professional boxing career. Known for an aggressive and spectacular fighting style, he eventually competed against the legendary Rocky Marciano. His extraordinary life story of survival and resilience has since served as inspiration for Hollywood filmmakers.