A whirlwind hour by Professor Michael Berkowitz organized by the online Leeds Literary Festival. The subject was Jewish boxers in America and England. There were many indeed. One of the most famous English boxers in the 18th Century was Daniel Mendoza whose story so intrigued me that I have just ordered a book by Wynn Weldon called The Fighting Jew, the life and times of Daniel Mendoza, Champion Boxer.

Another snippet that amused me was that Muhamed Ali (when he converted to Islam) trained at Grossingers Hotel in The jewish resort of The Catskills.

Each boxer that was mentioned could be a one hour lecture of his own. In addition we were treated to film clips of fights of the 1920’s and 30’s and clips from Hollywood movies. I’m punch drunk! My dad would have loved it all.