Prizefighter : The Searing Autobiography of Britain's Bareknuckle Boxing Champion (Hardcover)

Decca's story is that of a bullied boy with an impossible dream. Of solvent abuse, violence, drug addiction, depression, boxing, bare-knuckle fighting, but—ultimately—redemption. It begins on a council estate in Carlisle where, as the victim of cruel bullies, a young Decca anesthetized himself from the pain and humiliation by sniffing solvents. In his mid-teens the fear fell away to be replaced by fury, as the bullies soon discovered to their cost. Memories of that frightened boy fueled a rage that forged a fearsome street-fighter and future champion. Working on the doors attracted more trouble, but further enhanced his growing reputation. At the age of 19, life was good until the love of his life left him. Depression set in and prevailed. For almost 10 years, he fell prey to a rampant cocaine habit, which provoked his demons, making him unpredictable and dangerous to be around. Serious jail time seemed inevitable. Out of sheer desperation, his dad arranged Decca's first unlicensed boxing match. He won and became instantly hooked. Having gotten fit, hungry, and off the drugs, he was lured into the bloody arena of bare-knuckle fighting. Many brutal undefeated fights followed, as did two BKB heavyweight titles. A chance meeting with renowned boxing promoter, Ricky English led to Decca's shot at the iconic "Guv'nor" title. The rest, as they say, is history.