Comments on: John Claridge’s Boxers (Round One)

By: Mick Mahoney

Mick Mahoney — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 19:29:25 +0000

These are fantastic. I have the pleasure of having known/met three of the characters in your gallery and you’ve more than done these men justice. Great work. Great work.

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 11:18:58 +0000

Great. Brings back memories. My manor my time. City Of Ldn Police..

By: alan fleming

alan fleming — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:44:28 +0000

I believe these are important national treasure. Not only as a tough close up and personal portraits of the inner soul but as an nearly unparalleled social document. The hard prints emphasise the hard life. Don McCullin went to war to get great pictures, if he’s not envious of these he’s a bloody saint. Why do I get the feeling no-one else could have taken these. Knockout. I feel honoured to see them.

By: john edwards

john edwards — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:50:07 +0000

Crafty JC right inside your guard – didn’t see it coming ….. Spot the division of career lengths mainly split between 5 years to 10 ? – reason is the fly & light burn out faster than the heavies and usually take many more blows which with all the ducking. bobbing and weaving leaves a ‘punch’ drunk. Like putting a watch in a blender for a workout.
I know the patina of grain in every line, furrow, scar and deformation of printing technique is deliberate and stings you right between – and behind – the eyes as fast as an electric shock.
The earlier fighters, as distinct from boxers as only the greatest can scrap and/or box as required and live to tell the tale coherently, look like Tollund [ found in bog – preserved ] Man – bent and pressed out of kilter by relentless accumulation of forces – Both Tollund & Fighters have their hide tanned in slightly
different manner. The eyes of these warriors are very bright as those of a hawk, instinctive and trained to detect the slightest movement or atmospheric change and respond instantly. A lot of the ones around in the 30’s thru 50’s were fighting for ‘nubbins’ or coins/notes into the ring, starting at 14 years old, usually with a good pal so they played the crowd, learned the art and tried to beat each other with skill, not trying to really hurt the other, but still upping the ante as they grew to young adults …… will relate a true example in rounds 2 3 & 4 – Exhilarating & Heartbreaking… Right on the nose Johnny.

By: Jan Davis

Jan Davis — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:20:02 +0000

These portraits are stunning John all life shown in a face – amazing!

By: David Drakes

David Drakes — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:09:55 +0000

These are just the kind of guys to have at your side on a dark, dank evening
in London’s East End . . . great drinking mates with countless tales to tell . . .
fearless companions in the dark alleyways . . . and fabulous “models” for JC’s
probing lens!

By: Alice

Alice — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:25:54 +0000

Wow. I am a big boxing fan and it’s such a treat to see some of the old greats looking just as proud now as they did in their heyday. Absolutely beautiful. I particularly like the portrait of Sylvester Mittee, the depth of the textures are superb. Can we have some more please?

By: Paul Fairweather

Paul Fairweather — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:13:47 +0000

John,many thanks for some really great photos of some of members,I know that they had a great time posing for you

By: Eamonn Gearon

Eamonn Gearon — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:24:25 +0000

Beautiful portraits of old fighters, which is not to suggest that I would fancy my chances against any of them, even today!
Thanks, John.

By: sarah ainslie

sarah ainslie — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:00:05 +0000

Amazing powerful images and filled with passion. thank you Sarah A