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Battling Ward: The Life Story of a Greek Immigrant

by Peter J. Douros

322 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #07-2113; ISBN 1-4251-4882-4; US$23.75, C$23.75, EUR16.22, £12.26

A must read for both the Greek-Americans and Boxing Fans! The book is about the life story of a Greek farm boy after he arrives in the United States of America, the true account of his entire life as he searches for the American dream.

About the Book

The book is about the life story of a Greek farm boy after he arrives in the United States of America, the true account of his entire life as he searches for the American dream. As told by his son. Follow along as James B. (Battling Ward) Douros travels to America in 1907 learns to speak English and works in a factory, Gandy Dancing on the Union Pacific Railroad, then moves up to a Semi- pro Boxer, during the era of the White hopes. He fought a number of bouts as Battling Ward at a time when Greek and Italian boxers had to change their nationalities to sound English or Irish to get fights, sparring with the best including several World Heavy Weight champions, on many occasions.

After retiring from the ring like Jack Dempsey, He owned a restaurant and became prosperous at business and raised a family.

Many hours of research went into this novel, and include pictures of the famous fighter Jess Willard. World heavyweight Champion from 1915 to 1919 as well as many more pictures taken in the 1920's.

Written by his son, the book is a story of adventure, heart break and laughter.

A must read for both the Greek-Americans and Boxing Fans

About the Author

Peter J. Douros, the last child of James B. and Docia V. Douros, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised during World War II. He remembers many events of his childhood, like going to the post office to send packages of food and clothing to the family his father had left behind in Greece so that they might survive the war. It's not that his father, the retired boxer and restaurateur, had so much, but that there was always a feeling in the family that the American Douroses could do something, however modest, to help the family back in Greece. The author remembers all the good times, too, especially when he and his father would do things together. The family attended festivities put on by other Greek families, engagement parties, wedding receptions, and the Greek festivals at the church. Because his father worked twelve-hour days, however, his time with his son was somewhat limited.

The restaurant business was the business choice of many Greek immigrants to the United States. Raised like so many children, Peter Douros learned to work beside his father by standing on a milk crate to reach the sink and wash dishes. He spent many an all-night shift in his father's restaurant.

As a child, he always looked forward to the tales his father told him about the factories, the railroads, the gyms and athletic clubs, the true stories about boxing and traveling. The author spent many a night curled up in a booth with a rolled up apron for a pillow, listening to these true stories. After a lifetime of wanting to record them, he is proud to present this book about his father, James B. "Battling Ward" Douros.

Excerpts