Death of a Boxer

The author describes this book as a series of love letters to boxing. However, it presents love in its many forms, including the reality of seeing what once filled you with complete joy, could now be questioned.At one end of the spectrum it shows how boxing can be a very important activity in shaping young minds and bodies, and giving youngsters who could otherwise stray to the dark side, a vital alternative.At the other end it has seasoned boxers who know that the love of their life has caused them serious damage but regret nothing.Weaving these tales together is the titular story of a promising boxer who died as a result of ignoring warnings and possibly being let down by the sport that he loved.With the growth in full contact pugilism, this book should be read by anyone with a desire to set foot on canvas.There will be those who say that boxers know the risks they take but this book shows that this is not necessarily the case. Boxing as a sport relies on its fighters but doesn’t look after them. This book shows how, as a boxer climbs towards the top of the pyramid, then the sport is right behind them. However once they falter boxing will turn its back on them.Others will say that all full contact sports should be banned, yet this book show that boxing plays a vital part in the community and without it, neglected neighbourhoods would suffer.Only the reader can decide where they stand in relation to pro or con and if they hold strong views, either way, then they are unlikely to be swayed. However, they should read this book to show them there is more to the Sweet Science then art or brutality.Should boxing end where glove meets head? Read this, and decide for yourself.

This book is quite diverse in content, as it looks at the motivation and stories behind why people choose the sport, as well as the perils and pitfalls. It's objective nature looks at both sides of the sport, and how, even with the medical experts evidencing the immediate, short term and long term (even life limiting/changing) effects of repeated blows to the brain, it is still a love/hate relationship that extends further than the financial side of it. A really good read.

A excellent book.Well written with compassion and great knowledge of the sport.L am a boxing fan but like smoking its bad for yourself.Should it be banned?.Make your mind up after this book. I have changed my mind.