Book description
Few sports polarise public opinion as boxing does. Some contend that
it is repugnant and barbaric, for others a legitimate, regulated
contest of skill, strength and willpower. What cannot be denied is
that the fight game has produced some of sport's greatest icons. Many
more are content to make a decent living or at least supplement their
income by stepping into the ring.
Fighting Chance gets up close with those involved in everyday
British boxing. It goes behind the scenes at shows and into gyms to
meet champions such as Ricky Hatton, starry-eyed young men dreaming of
world titles, hard-nosed pros surviving another pay day and veteran
trainers who have seen it all and sometimes wish they hadn't. Many of
them say this brutal trade has saved them from a life of crime and
drugs, and given them an opportunity to find self-esteem. All
recognise the possible cost - Paul Ingles, for example, almost lost
his life in the ring - but maintain it is a risk worth taking.
Martin Jolley attempted suicide in his darkest hour but survived and
sought a kind of refuge as a journeyman boxer, taking fights at short
notice and then returning to his day job as a printer. Michael
Jennings' brother was killed by an addiction to drugs and he is
convinced the sport has spared him the same tragic fate. Others,
however, are always tormented by their demons. Michael Gomez, once
held on a murder charge, was hailed as a future world champion until
he went off the rails, plunging his private life into turmoil and
leaving his career on the brink. Brian Hughes, one of the best-known
and most successful trainers in the country, admits his love of boxing
has been eroded by the 'stinking' side of the business.
Often shocking, sometimes humorous, always gripping, Fighting
Chance is an odyssey through a world few will have encountered. It
gives a candid insight and many of its compelling characters.
Derrick Allsop has been a sportswriter for more than 30 years. He has
covered many major sporting events , including World Cup championships,
the Open and Formula One World Championships. Among his previous books
are
Reliving the Dream
,
Kicking in the Wind
,
Formula One Uncovered
and
The Real McRae
.
