Review
"An insider's vivid, surprising look at a world most of us never get a chance to see—a world of battle-weary veterans and bright-eyed newcomers, of surrogate fathers and ancient skills and sanctuary from the mean streets just outside the door. Not to be missed." —Geoffrey C. Ward, author, Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson


Book Description
Boxing gyms are uncovered in all of their glorious grunge in these photographs and essays that reveal both the stark reality of success and the possibility of promise in the sport of boxing. This intimate look at the fighters, trainers, and hangers-on who inhabit these gyms brings to life the tough—and surprisingly tender—world of American boxing. Evocative images reveal the pain, sacrifice, and discipline of the "sweet science" as well as the triumphs, tragedies, and big dreams of the men and women who practice it. A dozen essays by veteran boxing writers such as Katherine Dunn, Carlo Rotella, Kate Sekules, F. X. Toole, Lucius Shepard, Robert Anasi, Loic Wacquant, Joe Rein, and Ralph Wiley explore the community and culture of boxing gyms, an endangered American institution that serves not only as the training ground for the next generation of great fighters, but as a sanctuary in tough neighborhoods, a lifeline for troubled kids, and a repository of a centuries-old tradition of pugilistic knowledge.


From the Author
"When I look at Jim Lommasson's pictures I see myself as a young man working out day after day in that little PAL gym in Philadelphia where my career started. This book shows a side of boxing that most people don't see—the dedication and discipline that it takes to be a champion in the ring and in life." —Joe Frazier, from the Foreword "A triumphal procession of words and pictures such as no Roman emperor ever dreamed of. This is a book truly for those with a reverence for the traditions of the sport." —Bert Sugar, from the Introduction

About the Author
John Gattuso is the editorial director of Stone Creek Publications. He lives in Milford, New Jersey. Joe Frazier is a former heavyweight champion and a legend in the boxing world. He is a member of the Boxing Hall of Fame. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jim Lommasson has been chronicling the culture of American boxing gyms through photography for more than 10 years. He is a two-time winner of the New York Art Directors Award and exhibits his work throughout the United States. He lives in Portland, Oregon. Bert Sugar is the former editor of The Ring, Boxing Illustrated, and Fight Game and is the author of more than fifty books. He was named the "Greatest Boxing Writer of All Time" by the International Veteran Boxers Association.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Boxing gyms are uncovered in all of their glorious grunge in these photographs and essays that reveal both the stark reality of success and the possibility of promise in the sport of boxing. This intimate look at the fighters, trainers, and hangers-on who inhabit these gyms brings to life the tough—and surprisingly tender—world of American boxing. Evocative images reveal the pain, sacrifice, and discipline of the "sweet science" as well as the triumphs, tragedies, and big dreams of the men and women who practice it. A dozen essays by veteran boxing writers such as Katherine Dunn, Carlo Rotella, Kate Sekules, F. X. Toole, Lucius Shepard, Robert Anasi, Loic Wacquant, Joe Rein, and Ralph Wiley explore the community and culture of boxing gyms, an endangered American institution that serves not only as the training ground for the next generation of great fighters, but as a sanctuary in tough neighborhoods, a lifeline for troubled kids, and a repository of a centuries-old tradition of pugilistic knowledge.

About the Author:
John Gattuso is the editorial director of Stone Creek Publications. He lives in Milford, New Jersey. Joe Frazier is a former heavyweight champion and a legend in the boxing world. He is a member of the Boxing Hall of Fame. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jim Lommasson has been chronicling the culture of American boxing gyms through photography for more than 10 years. He is a two-time winner of the New York Art Directors Award and exhibits his work throughout the United States. He lives in Portland, Oregon. Bert Sugar is the former editor of The Ring, Boxing Illustrated, and Fight Gameand is the author of more than fifty books. He was named the "Greatest Boxing Writer of All Time" by the International Veteran Boxers Association.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"An insider￯﾿ﾽs vivid, surprising look at a world most of us never get a chance to see - a world of battle-weary veterans and bright-eyed newcomers, of surrogate fathers and ancient skills and sanctuary from the mean streets just outside the door. Not to be missed." — author of Unforgiveable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson

Bert Sugar

"A triumphal procession of words and pictures such as no Roman emperor ever dreamed of. This is a book truly for those with a reverence for the traditions of the sport." — from the Introduction

Joe Frazier

"When I look at Jim Lommasson￯﾿ﾽs pictures I see myself as a young man working out day after day in that little PAL gym in Philadelphia where my career started. This book shows a side of boxing that most people don￯﾿ﾽt see - the dedication and discipline that it takes to be a champion in the ring and in life." — from the Foreword

Geoffrey C. Ward

"An insider￯﾿ﾽs vivid, surprising look at a world most of us never get a chance to see - a world of battle-weary veterans and bright-eyed newcomers, of surrogate fathers and ancient skills and sanctuary from the mean streets just outside the door. Not to be missed." — author of Unforgiveable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson

AUTHOR DESCRIPTION