 Douglas's image as a tough guy was established in his eighth film, "Champion" (1949), after producer Stanley Kramer chose him to play a selfish boxer.In accepting the role, he took a gamble, however, since he had to turn down an offer to star in a big-budget MGM film, "The Great Sinner", which would have earned him three times the income.Film historian Ray Didinger says "he saw "Champion" as a greater risk, but also a greater opportunity ... Douglas took the part and absolutely nailed it."