The central protagonist, a boxer who refuses to fight after mistakenly believing he killed an opponent. He is later convinced of his innocence by Nina, assists the police investigation, and survives a poisoned mouthguard plot.
Knobby serves as Joe's dedicated manager and protector throughout the film.
Nina provides emotional clarity and becomes an investigative ally for Joe.
Abbott directly targets Joe for murder to eliminate a witness or obstacle.
Max's accidental role creates the central misunderstanding that drives Joe's arc.
Mitchell's gambling scheme creates a dangerous environment for Joe in the ring.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Joe Palooka in the Knockout