Donovan, Mike – The Roosevelt That I Know. Ten Years of Boxing With the President and Other Memories of Famous Fighting Men.

Description

Donovan, Mike ‘The Roosevelt That I Know. Ten Years of Boxing with the President and Other Memories of Famous Fighting Men.’ 1909 1st edition. There a loose drawing picture on page 69 and some scuffing bumping to covers, else good condition.

The Roosevelt That I Know: Ten Years of Boxing with the President—and Other Memories of Famous Fighting Men is a rare, autobiographical sports memoir written by International Boxing Hall of Famer [Mike Donovan. The book centers on Donovan’s close personal relationship and training sessions with President Theodore Roosevelt. Donovan, a Civil War veteran and middleweight champion who became a renowned boxing instructor, spent roughly a decade serving as Roosevelt’s sparring partner and boxing mentor. The text is divided into two primary focuses: The Presidential Sparring Sessions: Donovan recounts behind-the-scenes stories of boxing with “Teddy” Roosevelt, detailing the President’s early days in the sport, his aggressive fighting style, and his fierce dedication to the “strenuous life” and physical fitness. Memories of Ring Legends: Beyond his time with the President, Donovan provides a firsthand look at the golden age of American bare-knuckle and early gloved boxing. He shares personal recollections, strategies, and stories of legendary fighters he clashed with or trained, including John L. Sullivan, Jack “The Nonpareil” Dempsey, James J. Corbett, and Jake Kilrain.

The book spans roughly 234 pages and is heavily illustrated with monochrome plates, caricatures, and photographs depicting iconic boxing figures, matches, and historical cartoons.