The Fighting Irish

'The Fighting Irish' tells the remarkable story of how the Irish and their descendants took the boxing world by storm. Irishmen have enjoyed a unique place in the sport, punching above their weight and exerting a global influence as well as playing their part in many of the most famous, and infamous, moments in ring history.

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The Fighting Irish tells the remarkable story of how the Irish and their descendents took the boxing world by storm. Irishmen have enjoyed a unique place in the sport, punching way above their weight and exerting a truly global influence. From the brutal bare-knuckle era to the present day, they've also played their part in many of the most famous - and infamous - moments in ring history. The French have their flamboyance, the Germans efficiency, but no one likes a scrap quite like the Irish. It's hardly surprising then, that the boxer should become a source of national pride, not least for those people forced through famine to seek a new life in the new world. John Morrissey, Yankee Sullivan, John C. Heenan and Paddy Ryan paved the way for the sport's first superstar, John L. Sullivan. His boast that he could 'lick any son-of-a-bitch in the house' tapped into the mood of a people fighting for their place in America's melting pot of immigrants. From the brazen Boston Strong Boy-to-Gentleman Jim Corbett, legend of the 'Roaring Twenties' Jack Dempsey, through to James J. Braddock, who fought his way from the Welfare queue to the heavyweight championship of the world, satisfaction was