Graveyard of Champions

Graveyard of Champions is an enthralling tribute to the fighters, fans and fierce spirit that defined Liverpool’s boxing legacy through two esteemed venues: the original Liverpool Stadium in Pudsey Street and its successor in St Paul’s Square.

Inspired by his grandfather, 1930s featherweight fighting hero Dick Burke, author Stephen Barr has spent years researching pre-war Liverpool boxing.

This gripping, nostalgia-filled account:

• Brings to life Liverpool’s two legendary boxing stadiums: Pudsey Street (1911–1931) and St Paul’s Square (1932–1985), blending compelling storytelling with meticulous research
• Tells the story of local heroes Nel Tarleton, Dom Volante, Dick Burke, Alan Rudkin, John Conteh and many more, whose exploits electrified crowds and brought global attention to Merseyside
• Weaves a compelling narrative of the fight game in Liverpool, drawing on a rich variety of sources – memoirs, press articles and personal accounts
• Examines Liverpool’s rich boxing heritage from a deeply personal angle, as the author explores his fighting grandfather Dick Burke’s career, connecting past and present
• Looks at the Liverpool Stadium’s place as an important centre of Mersey culture, hosting wrestling, musicians and union meetings

Graveyard of Champions is perfect for anyone with a Merseyside connection or an interest in Liverpool’s cultural history or boxing history.