Language:
English
Pages:
117 Seiten
,
Illustrationen
Year of publication:
2007
Keywords:
Großbritannien
;
Sport
;
Boxen
Abstract:
This new exhibition really packs a punch! Boxing has always been a very English sport yet it has often been popular with ethnic minority groups at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder. Boxers of Jewish, African-Caribbean, West African, Romany, Traveller, Irish and Asian origins have all, at one time or another entered the British ring. Boxing has not only been a way out of the ghetto but also a means of gaining acceptance, respect and even, in some cases, riches and fame. The exhibition will highlight how boxing has served as a means of social integration by enabling boxers to be proud of their ethnic identity while also feeling part of British society. The story starts with Daniel Mendoza, the 18th century popular hero and English Jewish boxing champion who changed the public image of Jews in England and is credited as having developed scientific boxing. Also featured are Mendoza̷s contemporaries, Tom Molineaux and Bill Richmond, black boxers who escaped slavery and achieved fame in the ring. The exhibition tells their stories and describes the ways in which wealth and fame proved to be a mixed blessing, as many boxers ended their days poverty ridden or in jail. During the 20th century, young East Enders like Jack Kid Berg and Ted Kid Lewis took the boxing route to success and are still considered some of the best boxers Britain has ever produced. The exhibition considers the story up to the present day, taking into account how boxers continue to be inspirational figures for modern youth. Highlights of the exhibition range from the Museum's own 18th century prints to contemporary photographs of minority boxers including Lennox Lewis and Amir Khan as well as souvenirs, medals and other boxing paraphernalia, including an original Lonsdale belt from the 1920s.
URL:
http://www.jewishmuseum.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/temporary.asp?article=114
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