
Received wisdom has it that Anthony Joshua’s emergence and success has been a boon for boxing; key in its resurgence as a mass spectator sport, and inspiring an upsurge in participation at grassroots level.
Icon, role model, supreme athlete and advertisers’ dream rolled into one, this is Joshua (more affectionately known as AJ), a young man from the hard streets of Watford who’s risen to the heights of superstardom and fame, proving that anyone can do it with a positive mental attitude, dedication, discipline and sense of purpose.
This of course is bunkum, the kind of tripe served up in service to a free market status quo that operates according to the ethos of the betting shop rather than the library.

In recently published book Baddest Man, Mark Kriegel revisits the Faustian pact at the heart of Mike Tyson’s rise and the emotional fallout that followed, writes JOHN WIGHT

As we mark the anniversaries of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, JOHN WIGHT reflects on the enormity of the US decision to drop the atom bombs

From humble beginnings to becoming the undisputed super lightweight champion of the world, Josh Taylor’s career was marked by fire, ferocity, and national pride, writes JOHN WIGHT

Mary Kom’s fists made history in the boxing world. Malak Mesleh’s never got the chance. One story ends in glory, the other in grief — but both highlight the defiance of women who dare to fight, writes JOHN WIGHT