Items related to The Big If: The Life and Death of Johnny Owen
Synopsis
The Big If is the story of how two boxers grew up thousands of miles apart and came together for one apocalyptic night that would have seismic consequences for everyone who knew them. Johnny Owen (the Matchstick Man from Wales) and Lupe Pintor (El Indio from Mexico) met for less than sixty minutes on September 19, 1980. It was Owen's chance to become the world bantamweight champion, but the Matchstick Man was knocked out in the 12th round. He spent 46 days in a coma before he died.
The parallel lives of Owen and Pintor form the heart of an incredible story. Johnny had a hard but loving childhood as he shared a three-bedroom council house in Merthyr Tydfil with his parents and seven siblings. Pintor was beaten by his father as a boy and ran away from home at the age of eight. For a while he lived on the mean streets of Mexico City, selling ice to pay for scraps of food. When older boys began to pick on him and steal his wares, he learnt to use his fists.
Extensive interviews with the Owen and Pintor families have resulted in a moving, visceral book with enormous appeal beyond the boxing ring. Despite its running theme of loss, The Big If is ultimately an uplifting story of forgiveness and how the human spirit can overcome the most terrible troubles.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review
'A story of terrible loss, hope and ultimately forgiveness, The Big If is a welcome addition to boxing’s canon.' -- The Independent -Sports Book of the Week
'Affectionate and enthusiastic...an engrossing documentary that also touches on deeper questions of circumstance, fate and bravery.' -- The Independent -Sports Book of the Week
'Broadbent has delved deeply into Owen’s Welsh roots and presents a lively portrayal of a close-knit family and community' -- The Times
'The Big If is a cut above most sporting biographies, better written and better researched' -- The Times
'it is the warmth of fellowship of the boxing fraternity that shines through' -- The Times
Book Description
The riveting story of one of Wales’ greatest sporting heroes
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherMacmillan
- Publication date2006
- ISBN 10 1405052988
- ISBN 13 9781405052986
- BindingHardcover
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages368
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for The Big If: The Life and Death of Johnny Owen
Stock Image
The Big If: The Life and Death of Johnny Owen
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001407420
Quantity: 4 available
Stock Image
The Big If: The Life and Death of Johnny Owen
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. The Big If: The Life and Death of Johnny Owen This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9781405052986
Quantity: 2 available
Stock Image
The Big If: The Life and Death of Johnny Owen
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9781405052986
Quantity: 2 available
Seller Image
The Big If: The Life and Death of Johnny Owen
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # wbs8314059934
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Big If: The Life and Death of Johnny Owen
Seller: The Book Spot, Sioux Falls, MN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Seller Inventory # Abebooks363105
Quantity: 1 available