King of the Gypsies

Memoirs of the Undefeated Bareknuckle Champion of Great Britain and Ireland

By: Bartley Gorman, Peter Walsh

Narrated by: Alan Turton

Bartley Gorman was the greatest bareknuckle fighter of modern times. He reigned as King of the Gypsies for 20 years, beating all comers in illegal contests at fairs and racetracks, down mineshafts and in quarries, on campsites and car parks. He fought for honour and pride and became a legend among the travelling community.

In this hard-hitting autobiography, completed shortly before his death, he lays bare the secret world of illicit prize-fighting and recalls his violent clashes with professional boxers, martial artists, streetfighters, wildmen and the lawless "Suicide Fighters" who seek out the top champions of the day. He describes great fighters of the past like the infamous Uriah ‘Big Just’ Burton, the challenges he threw out to London hardmen Lennie McLean and Roy Shaw, and the brutal mob attack that almost cost his life on St Leger Day at Doncaster Races.

As told to best-selling writer Peter Walsh, author of Gang War and Cocky: The Rise and Fall of Curtis Warren, his extraordinary memoir offers not only a rare insight into a hidden world, but also contains many rare photographs and unveils the formidable new breed of fighting travellers.

©2003 Peter Walsh (P)2021 Peter Walsh

King of the Gypsy’s

Bartley was an exceptional fighter, I knew little about the bare knuckle boxing of the Gypsy’s and travelers .
It was as if I was right there by his side but not reviving the savage punches.
This was bloody awesome , what a legend and tough life.
Cannot emphasize the amount of fighting and violence that was received to get by as being named. The King of the Gypsy’s”

What a man, what a fighter!

Loved the book and the narration. A very human, honest portrait of a great bare knuckle fighter. Gives insight into the gypsy “travelers” who roam the UK today, and shows you why Tyson Fury IS Gypsy King. If you enjoy pugilistic sports it’s a must-read!

GREAT BOOK!

Absolutely amazing story. Told well and delivered truthfully. Great book. Definitely would recommend for anyone looking to learn the history of underground fighting.

Great book

Great book!A must have.
Incredible view into the world of the gypsy fighters.
Excellent read.

Real knuckle man

What a fantastic book I regret learning of Bartley so late in life 15yrs after his death but what a man, what a life and the Lord put that life on the shoulders of the only man who could of handled it. Soon as the book was over o restarted it 3 times I can’t get enough of it! RIP my brother