Oregon Prizefighters: Forgotten Bare-knuckle Champions of Portland & Astoria

by Barney Blalock

In 1884, London's prizefighting craze spread to Portland. Since the fights were illegal throughout the States, matches were fought in inconspicuous venues away from unwanted spectators. A winner could be hanged if the loser died. Champions like Dave Campbell, Jack "Nonpareil" Dempsey and "Mysterious" Billy Smith were just a few contenders for the brutal, nearly forgotten sport. Join author Barney Blalock as he reveals the remarkable stories of Oregon's bare-knuckle champions.

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 2015

Reviews

[John Hively · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, well-written, and researched.

[Bruce Haney · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIP Barney.

Excellent book. I enjoyed Barney's take and style on writing local history. I can't wait to read his other two books.