“LIKED by few, disliked by many, but respected by all”. That is how Jamie Boyle describes the polarising character of Mickey Duff, ahead of the upcoming release of his book, ‘The Ringmaster’, which takes an in-depth look at one of British boxing’s most influential and intriguing figures.
Duff, real name Monek Prager, famously fled Poland as an 8-year-old due to Nazi invasion and soon discovered his love for boxing in his new home of England, debuting as a professional fighter at the age of 15.
Yet, it was not inside of the ring where Duff made his impact on the sport, hanging up the gloves just four years later. Instead, it was in every other facet of boxing where he made his presence known.
A promoter, manager and matchmaker, the versatile Duff rose to the big stage, working with 19 world champions including Lloyd Honeyghan, Frank Bruno and Joe Calzaghe during a near half-century of involvement in the sport.
However, as will always be the case in the brutal yet beautiful nature of boxing, Duff is known for ruffling his fair share of feathers along the way.
In his book, ‘The Ringmaster’, Boyle promises that, although he has the utmost respect and appreciation for Prager, this story is “not necessarily one for the Mickey Duff fan club”, as he uncovers all the details of his rise to the top, leaving no stone unturned.
With a foreword from his former fighter Barry McGuigan, interviews from friends, family and foes, Boyle is aided by a host of famous figures as he unpacks the complex past of Duff, aided by both those that loved and loathed him.
Names such as Jim Watt, Duke McKenzie, Barry Hearn, Kellie Maloney, Robin Reid and John Mugabi all feature in this mammoth insight into the life of a man whom legendary promoter Frank Warren states had the “biggest influence ever known on British boxing”.
Speaking with Boxing News, Boyle revealed that The Ringmaster will be available to purchase on paperback around late October via WarCry Publishing, whilst the Kindle version of the book is available now on Amazon.
Boyle also declared that £1 from each sale of the book will be donated to Nightingale House care home in Clapham, where Duff spent his final days.
In the words of the late, great Colin Hart, “Mickey Duff was to British boxing what Brian Clough was to English football, and every bit as controversial”.
A pioneer, an institution and a witty wordsmith at times, the untold tales found in The Ringmaster are sure to captivate any true boxing fan, as Jamie Boyle provides more than a memoir – a magnifying glass onto the trials and tribulations of a boxing legend.
