By Gary Jacobs with Colin Grant
Empire Publications, 2025
Gary Jacobs was a world-class welterweight who once challenged pound-for-pound great Pernell Whitaker for all the glory. During his career, he held the British, Commonwealth, and European titles. Well-respected in his native Scotland, Jacobs experienced fame and fortune, before plunging into despair.
In his autobiography, Jacobs presents a raw and honest picture of those low moments. He owns up to his mistakes, clarifying some misconceptions without excusing his actions. His downfall is understandable, even relatable. He comes across as flawed but immensely likable.
A proud Jew, Jacobs provides terrific insight into his mindset, an honest assessment of his opponents, and some fascinating behind-the-scenes revelations. His 1989 defeat in New York to former world champion Buddy McGirt raised feelings of self-doubt for the Glasgow-native, until McGirt beat Simon Brown two years later. Jacob's confidence vacillated from extreme to extreme throughout his career.
Gary's close relationship with Maurice Lewis, for whom the book is dedicated, is evident. His relationships with managers Mike Barrett and Mickey Duff had more nuance than the loving bond between Lewis and his protégé.
Co-writer Colin Grant begins the book with a gut-wrenching scene, vividly painting Jacobs as a distraught figure experiencing his lowest valley. The voice then shifts to Jacobs's. Grant does an excellent job of allowing that clear and forthright voice to shine through. The organization isn't chronological, a tactic which can lead to confusion but is mostly done well here. If there's one criticism, it's that Jacobs's take is so interesting, it's too bad the book isn't longer. The Whitaker fight is covered from every angle, but other compelling fights unfortunately receive less attention.
Fightback is a thoroughly enjoyable read that illuminates that Scottish scene in the 1980s and the world welterweight picture during the early 1990s. It's an engaging tale of a highly successful boxer who hit rock bottom and bounced back. It's highly recommended for all fans who wish to know more about this accomplished and complicated Jewish boxer.
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