BOOK REVIEW 
Tracy Callis

WILLIAM "BILLY" IRWIN
(Colorado Champion Pugilist 1895-1900)

By
Terrance "Terry" Irwin
 

This book is an informative work about the old-time fighter, Billy Irwin. It is written with great enthusiasm for the Colorado champion by his grandson, Terrance "Terry" Irwin, who had access to the fighter's personal scrapbook. It contains many details about Billy's fights as well as the social history of that time and puts his early years in Ireland and numerous real-life endeavors in America into perspective for the reader. Included are many excellent, rare photos that enhance the work.

Coming from a time long past, many fans of boxing may not recognize the name Billy Irwin. But, Billy was an outstanding fighter who never received due credit for his skills until now. In his time, Billy was the bantamweight, featherweight, and lightweight champion of Colorado. He would fight under any rules his foe preferred.

Grandson Terry Irwin tells the story of Billy in this splendid account of the man who did it all - boxer, trainer, second (corner man), referee, manager, and promoter. Not only was Billy actively involved in boxing activities, he was always present when it came to civic needs or events. He appeared in minstrel shows, was involved in silver and copper mining, ran a saloon, was an Indian fighter, politician, civil servant, and Leadville fireman (who later, as Leadville Fire Chief, organized hose cart races). To top it all, Billy was the first man inducted into the Leadville-Lake County Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

In this book, Billy's career is discussed and the reader is taken through the years of his activities. Key fights are covered in detail with special emphasis placed upon his time as champion in the different weight classes.

Terry Irwin has gleaned important details from various accounts of Billy's life and ring battles. Numerous personal incidents in Billy's life are incorporated into the fight descriptions. Readers will come away with a much better knowledge of Billy.

The collection of old, rare photos is unmatched. They are priceless images from the Irwin family archive. Not only are there pictures of the Irwin family members but also images of his ring opponents, boxing men, homes and buildings where Billy was born in Ireland, and various goings-on of the times in those days. This book is a valuable source of facts for Billy Irwin's ring career and adult life.

Terrance Irwin resides in Daly City, California. An extensive collection of book related items can be seen at his personal website,
https://www.irwin-ociarmacain.com (just click on the link; don't go away; it sometimes takes a little while to link)

A signed or inscribed copy of this fine book can be ordered directly from Terry by emailing him at ociarmacain@gmail.com

 
ISBN: 978-0-9799822-4-8
152 pages, 85 photographs, 13 score cards, Billy Irwin's ring career record, $29.95
 



WILLIAM "BILLY" IRWIN
(COLORADO CHAMPION PUGILIST 1895-1900)



Callis description --

Irwin was a scrappy fighter who was quick on his feet and fast with his punches; He was not a crunching power hitter but threw hard blasts, several punches at a time, as he moved about quickly

Billy started as a bantamweight and boxed successfully as a featherweight and lightweight in a time of rough, talented fighters; Had he fought at any other time, he would be better known and likely considered as an outstanding fighter

Billy was inducted into the
Leadville-Lake County Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
 


Review courtesy of Tracy Callis, Historian, International Boxing Research Organization
[Return to Top] [Boxing News] [Tracy Callis Archive]
[Return to Cyber] [CBZ Message Board] [Mike Casey Archive]