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I’m with you, geeker. I prefer its more serious forebear. But there’s one thematic in there which I adore. Your LOI refers…

I also count 8 thematics, rog. But I'm not expert in the field.
Agreed that your favo(u)rite can't be disrespected. It was screened in a middle school class (1960s) I vaguely remember, where I got to enjoy it.

I can get to 9 if I use part of one solution whose entirety is also a thematic.

8 for me too though some other vague associations

Thanks to Brummie for a lovely puzzle. It was only thanks to spotting the theme that I completed the grid (last six in were all themed entries!) and I still can’t parse what sounds like a clever 8, any tips appreciated…!

Kawhi
Please add 'Go'

Thanks to Brummie for a truly enjoyable Prize.

26d - is the only clue I can't fully parse. I can see how the answer fits the "beginning to off" and "pickled", but don't get the "ham" part?

Oh, I actually spotted the theme! 😀

COD - I was going tp pick 9a but then I thought that maybe Brummie missed a trick here given that when boxers throw punches they could swing from either side (that's it Bren, tell an experienced and professional setter how to do his job!) so, instead, I've gone with beautiful 7d.

Thanks illipu. I was not familiar with that meaning! So much learning this morning…

Bren, if you add a letter to the start of your solution you get a word for ham.

Woops, I meant "beginning to off" and "pickled" - I'll ask Norah to remove the offending section.