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

By: David Drakes

David Drakes — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:11:43 +0000

Gor blimey . . . just how many more former East End boxers have submitted themselves to JC’s searing, probing “tell no lies” lens?!

By: john edwards

john edwards — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:01:30 +0000

‘Eight ..’ There’s a thousand miles of bad road that started out so bright and wakened, mapped behind those eyes. Bet all of them started before they left school, could vote, get called up for maiming/ slaughter duties in a uniform woven on a loom made from a crown of thorns.
Later, The Marquis of Queensbury All the King’s men – Couldn’t put ‘Umpty together again.
Years of all weather roadwork, slogging park and pavement in fog, rain, snow, autumn leaves, spring and summer long. Forward, skip turn, run backwards, spin and throw a combo. Centuries in the gym and the ring in the gym, feinting, sparring, bag work, shadow. No sex, drink, before Battle.
Skip rope, combo’s, tape, gloves, sweat, soak hands in meths to harden knuckles ,gumshield, power bursts, ring command, speed, cartilage, cuts, styptic pencil, smelling salts, towels.
Voices from across a void …. ‘ You okay son…………..? ‘ ………………………….. ‘ Yeh. Fine’ ………..
Crowd sound like a skip load of scissors hurled on to shingle by spit flecked whitecaps.
Gotta lose some pounds? Gaffer tape yourself in bin bags ankle to neck, put on the track suit, over the sweater and long johns, towel sealing the neck, ankle weights. Run six miles – stopping for on the spot, knees high.
As The Greatest mentioned ‘ Get hit in the head 112 thousand times ‘ ….. the roaring of them that sleepwalk baying for the moon you’re up there getting for them, now turned to ceaseless tinnitus.
The bright road they cheered you to the echo on, running the gauntlet of adulation, now a lost highway, cold and grey. So quiet. Fathoms deep. The map’s still there alright, every memorable inch of it, but this empty plain wasn’t on the original. in the land of lost horizons, anywhere is nowhere. ‘ ‘Nine ‘ …… Follow the birds on the wind. The way back. Flown. ‘TEN’ All written there & caught by you JC. Don’t half go on a bit don’t I.

By: Marien de Goffau

Marien de Goffau — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:26:28 +0000

The Eighth Round: Great.

By: John in Paris.

John in Paris. — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 23:16:33 +0000

True to form…..another powerful evocation of a long gone,colourfull world even though shot not that long ago.Magic JC.

By: Olga Secerov

Olga Secerov — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 21:41:51 +0000

they are always fascinating. looking forward to the next round.

By: John Campbell

John Campbell — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:18:28 +0000

Great pictures as ever, just wonder if John can go the distance. Guess most of these guys fought over the old 15 rounds so i hope there are many more to follow.
Just wanted to add how much I enjoyed hearing the wonderful readings at Rough Trade on Saturday. It was a small but very appreciative turn out made all the better by TGA choosing ‘ON Christmas Eve’ from a couple of years back which is just one of my favourite posts. It was a great privilege to meet and get my book signed by a truly charming and talented writer. Keep up the good work. Many thanks.

By: Adrian Taylor

Adrian Taylor — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:50:46 +0000

Thanks, John.

By: Lee

Lee — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:25:09 +0000

The outstanding quality of this extensive collection of portraits continues to amaze me !

Thanks.

By: Alan Gilbey

Alan Gilbey — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:26:18 +0000

Blimey. How many leathery boxers are there in London? I actually find James Clegg quite disturbing. His eyes are following me around the room.

By: Jens Marott

Jens Marott — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:06:19 +0000

Just amazing! John Claridge’s trade mark is honesty and there’s no hiding from the truth when you find yourself in front of him.
There’s no other photographer like him around, and there properly never will be.
Thanks for sharing them with us John.

Salut
J