THIRTY YEARS A REFEREE.
By EUGENE CORRI.
One Volume. Illustrated. Demy 8vo. 10s. 6d. net.
These Reminiscences differ from any other in the present generation, as they are written by one who is thoroughly conversant with the inner scenes of the boxing world. In view of the position held by the noble art in popular esteem just now, a book such as this, which gives a good first-hand account of the notabilities and conditions prevailing, will be heartily welcomed.
Mr. Corri considers that boxing—viewed as a great national sport—was never in a healthier state than it is to-day, and that a great change has taken place since thirty years ago, when the heavy gambling element was rather too much in evidence. Of the actual exponents of the art his opinion is equally encouraging. He says: “If a fellow has a genuine love of boxing, it is long odds that he is a white man at bottom, for there is something in boxing that shames the little shabby meannesses out of a man.” This means a good deal, for Mr. Corri is a shrewd observer, and has the knack of hitting off the characteristics of the different boxers’ personalities, nor does he hesitate to criticize at times.
There are some rattling good descriptions of fights in the book, notable among them being those between Frank Slavin and Peter Jackson, Fred Welsh and Willie Ritchie, and the dramatic contests associated with the name of Carpentier.