Boxing Writer Releases New Memoir!

Boxing writer and internationally acclaimed author Gary Todd has a brand new book coming out and it’s a project that’s near and dear to his heart. And while the veteran scribe (“Workouts From Boxing’s Greatest Champs Volumes 1 and 2”) has interviewed hundred of champions and prizefighters during his 30 years of writing, his newest title called “Annie’s Boy” is about his hardscrabble childhood in the tough tenements of Dundee, Scotland.

But it wasn’t just severe poverty that a young Gary had to battle…it was his own father Bert (described as a violent and abusive man) who wreaked havoc on his family including Gary’s mother Annie and his older sister Pat. And it is this harrowing story that the boxing trainer/cornerman felt compelled to write.

“Annie’s Boy” (New Holland Publishers, 22.99 USD) will be released in the US on October 3. I had a chance to read it and I highly recommend this memoir. Gary brings to life his painful childhood but also infuses humor and hilarious anecdotes from growing up in the ’70s and ’80s. His vivid recollections and colorful characters of his boyhood make it a great read; it is harrowing, sad and emotional but also funny, entertaining and inspiring. I read it in just two days because it was so riveting I literally couldn’t put the book down until I finished it!

He penned this book to honor his mother after she passed away in 2011. The autobiography shows his mom’s true strength and solid faith as she protected her young son from domestic violence and financial strife. It is a tale of survival and how a little boy learned to scrape by and develop a resilience that would save his life in later years. Annie and Gary had to endure a lot; at the tender age of 10 he had to actually testify against his father if that tells you anything about their saga.

While his early years were stripped of innocence due to his dad’s abuse, Gary nonetheless persevered and eventually moved to Sydney, Australia where he currently resides.

And the sport of boxing served many purposes for the best-selling author. He first trained as an amateur in 1976 at the Lochee Boys Club. It was a way to protect himself against bullies and also, a defense in case his father ever came back to inflict more physical violence against him or his mom. The sweet science, just like in life itself, has its ups and downs. All the cliches apply. Learn to roll with the punches. You gotta be strong and never give up. And if you’re knocked down, find a way to get back up. As he writes in “Annie’s Boy,” Gary’s childhood and teen years definitely had it’s lion’s share of drama. No doubt that boxing toughened him up even more, giving him the skills, confidence and courage needed to just get by when life hit him hard.

“Annie’s Boy” is a real page turner. While the subject matter can be bleak and depressing, this new memoir is extremely entertaining to read. The author does a deft job of infusing humor into his memories so that when you read about the heartbreaking incidents, there’s a balance that manages to find the silver lining even in the grimmest of times.

Just like the recent success of Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast” movie, I think “Annie’s Boy” would make an excellent film! It’s got everything going for it based on a true story with a poignant plot of a mother and son fighting back against domestic abuse and poverty. The hardships they face only build their tenacity; their struggles and difficulties underlined by the impoverished neighborhood they lived in. And there’s a built-in cast of crazy and endearing characters, shady dealings and borderline criminal activity that will intrigue boxing fans and moviegoers alike. The book also takes you back to the ’70s and ’80s through music, TV shows and movies that were popular in those decades.

From a chipped tooth and bloody bar brawls to an idyllic break on a country farm and loving relatives, “Annie’s Boy” has everything from A to Z. You have to read it to believe it! And for me, personally, the Scottish slang used in the book was both fun and fascinating to uncover. My curiosity had me look up several of the phrases, terms, and names mentioned in the chapters like bairn (child), schemes (the projects), smirrie rain (drizzling light rain), jute mills (the very first one originated in Dundee), lorries (heavy trucks), scaffies (street sweepesr/garbage men), bovver boots (known for street fighting), chippers (where they sell fried fish and fries), Lucozade (a UK soft drink), Black Pudding and White Pudding suppers (meat dishes; it’s NOT a dessert like in the US), Tennent’s (lager beer) and tadger (Google that one yourself!).

After I finished reading the final chapter, I got in touch with the author to catch up on things. I had first met Gary Todd several years ago during a fight weekend in Las Vegas. Read on as he talks about why he had to drop out of grade school, which celebrities are raving about the book, who’s making a splash in Scottish boxing, and a whole lot more!

Michele Chong: Hi Gary, congrats on your new book! I really enjoyed reading it. Wow is all I can say. It really packs a punch. What an incredible life you’ve lived; what a childhood you had. I’ve got a zillion questions for you now. Since this is for a boxing site, how did the sport help you to stay so tough living under such dire circumstances?

Gary Todd: I started training at age 11, as I wanted to get physically strong and mentally prepared as I was always worried my dad would come back. I’ve always trained hard and it was always in me. I disliked bullies in all forms as my dad was one. And when I “sorted” out the standover man, my intention was to kill him. He had a serious reputation and a violent character so I had to take him out. Like all bullies, he crumbled and I’m thankful he did.

MC: And you currently working as a construction boss? Are you still training boxers and working in corners?

GT: I have been a construction boss, working on underground road and rail tunnels for 30 years now. I have worked the corners as cut man for world champions and I’ve been fortunate to have trained with and interviewed over 150 world champions through the years. It’s a passion of mine. I love the fighters. Another passion is helping, mentoring under privileged kids from the schemes (the projects). I’m coming full circle and I want to give back.

MC: In your book, you mention Muhammad Ali, Ken Buchanan, Joe Frazier, Jim Watt and more. Do you have any current favorite fighters right now?

GT: I have so many great memories of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Marvin Hagler, Barry McGuigan, Ken Buchanan and Jim Watt, and so many more, it’s difficult to put into words. I’ve laughed with them and I’ve shed a tear also. Too many greats. My favorite fighters are (Oleksandr) Usyk, for what he brings to boxing and Bud Crawford for his dedication and skills and in Australia there is a kid called Harry Garside who is a tremendous ambassador for our sport and for his country. I have always followed the amateurs closely. I’m happy to say Scotland will be well represented in the Olympics with guys like Sam Hickey, Sean Lazzerini, and Reece Lynch. There are so many talented boxers in the sport.

MC: You were forced to quit school early in order to work and help pay the bills. How did your love of writing come to be in your later years? What inspired you to become an author?

GT: I quit school very early as I never had a choice. My road was always going to be a bumpy one and my mum always told me I would meet people along the way but they would come and go. I realized early on that no one could walk in my boots so it was up to me. I could read and write and I was street smart and I learned as I went along that road. I’ve been writing about boxing for 30 years, and my books on boxing are international best sellers, but I never really thought I was an author, but writing “Annie’s Boy” took me on an emotional journey and another level of writing. When people say “acclaimed international author” it spins me out.

MC: I can only imagine what an emotional journey this has been for you. How long did it take to write your book? And which chapter was the toughest one for you to write?

GT: Writing “Annie’s Boy” was a long process. I started writing in 2011 after my mum passed. I was asked to write the screenplay for “Annie’s Boy” and when it was finished, I wrote the book. My next goal is to find someone who will bring our story to life in a play or a film. I know in my heart it will resonate with a wide audience worldwide. When I locked myself away to write, all I did was think, go back in time, and write down emotions and feelings. (The chapter) “Animals “ brings a tear to my eyes. If I think about the book, I get emotional. I wrote words and I trained hard and tried to sleep when I could.

MC: Before your book was published, how much did your wife and children know about your hardscrabble childhood?

GT: I have been with my wife, Jenny for close to 30 years and I didn’t tell her anything so when she read the screenplay, there was tears.

MC: The original title of your memoir was “Annie’s Prayer.” What prompted the title change to “Annie’s Boy”?

GT:I originally wanted to call our story “Annie’s Prayer” as my mum prayed for me and us every night but my publisher asked me to find another name. It took me two seconds to come up with “ Annie’s Boy” and I’m very happy with it.

MC: Sadly, your mom passed away in 2011. Thinking of her, what do you think she would think of your memoir?

GT:If my mum could see our story and her name on the cover of a book, she would be happy but probably surprised that her son who skipped school, worked in the slaughterhouse, worked as a steel fixer concreter, and boxed all his life could ever write a story about quiet courage and love.

MC: And, of course, many people are curious to know if your father is still alive? If yes, do you have any contact with him at all?

GT: I never had any contact with my dad other than what was in “Annie’s Boy.”

MC: On a more positive note, your book is filled with such unique and colorful characters. It’s such a great story that it MUST be made into a movie. Your story would make an amazing film! I know that actors Brian Cox and Jason Clarke have loved reading your book. Any talk about making “Annie’s Boy” into a feature film?

GT: I am overwhelmed with the international response I have had and people from all over the world saying kind words about our story, I really think it could be a brilliant film. When celebrities are giving it the thumbs up, it makes me think. My next goal is to find someone who likes it enough to bring our story to life in a play or a film. The thing with me is, “Annie’s Boy” is from my heart and soul and all its emotions and my hope is it touches people and makes them smile. I feel in my heart that it would make a brilliant film. I have written the screenplay. I just need a chance to fly.

MC: It’s interesting you actually wrote the screenplay first and then the book?

GT: Yes, it was just the way it fell. I was really happy the way the screenplay turned out. It actually helped me as I had to go through every scene every year chronologically.

MC: And in a perfect world, which actors would play you and your mom in the movie?

GT:A tough question to answer. Who would play me as a young boy? A long-haired wee lad with a lot of character and heart. Who would play my mum? A hard but soft woman with a big kind heart.

MC: I can picture Cate Blanchett playing your mom. Cate can play tough but also vulnerable too and she’d be great playing Annie!

MC: Your book ends with you moving away and getting a brand new start. Are there any plans for you to write a sequel about what happened once you arrived in Sydney?

GT: When I left Scotland, it was the hardest thing for me. I was heartbroken. At this stage I have no thoughts on writing a sequel.

MC: Were you able to see your mom after you relocated in 1987?

GT: I would travel back to see my mum as often as I could. I worked on the oil rigs for five years.

MC: What’s next for you? Do you have plans for any more writing projects?

GT: I’ll take things as they come. I’ll continue my shift in the tunnels. I’ll train as hard as my body will let me and I’ll try my best for the kids and my wife and family. I’ll give everything to get “Annie’s Boy” brought to life on the stage or the big screen.

MC: Also, you had mentioned to me that you are planning on visiting Las Vegas next summer. When is the last time you’ve been to the U.S.?

GT: I’m looking forward to coming back to Vegas in 2023, possibly sooner. It’s been too long (since) Fury vs. Wilder. Hopefully we can catch up.

MC: And finally, how can readers in the US purchase your book?

GT: “Annie’s Boy” will be available in Target, Barnes & Noble and Amazon on October 3. It is making its way to the UK after the US and Canada. They can also find it at www.garytodd.org

MC: Thanks again, Gary. You really bared your heart and soul in writing this book. It will inspire so many people. Huge congratulations on your new book!

GT: Thanks very much for your kind words. It really means everything to me. I locked myself away from my family and they thought I was going mental. I wasn’t. It just had to be this way. I put my heart and soul into every page. It was an emotional journey for me but to have my mum remembered long after I’m gone gives me a good feeling. All the best and thank you. And keep on punching on.

Gary Todd has survived a traumatic childhood and can now pay tribute to his loving mother, Annie, through his new memoir. He still lives in Sydney with his wife Jenny, their three children John, Erin and Hannah and dog Bobby. And now that both the screenplay and book have been written, Team Todd is optimistic that his life story will be played out on the stage and/or in theaters one day in the near future!

Review of “Workouts from Boxing’s Greatest Champs II”:

Photos courtesy of Gary Todd