Split Decisions: An Asynchronous Discussion on Norman Mailer and Boxing

Authors

boxing and literature, sports journalism, masculinity and performance, Muhammad Ali, boxing culture, literary masculinity, violence and identity

A discussion of Mailer and boxing by three individuals who have long been interested in Mailer and the sweet science.

Ronald K. Fried

Ronald K. Fried is the author of Corner Men: Great Boxing Trainers, as well as two novels. His play, Two Mailers—inspired by The Big Empty by Norman and John Buffalo Mailer—is currently in development. He was a 2010 fellow at the Norman Mailer Writers Colony.
Barry H. Leeds, Central Connecticut State University

Barry H. Leeds is CSU Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English at Central Connecticut State University. He is Vice President of The Norman Mailer Society and a member of the Editorial Board of The Mailer Review. His books include The Structured Vision of Norman Mailer (1969), The Enduring Vision of Norman Mailer (2002), and most recently A Moveable Beast (2014), a memoir.
Bill Lowenburg, Wilkes University

Bill Lowenburg is a three-time scholarship recipient from the Norman Mailer Writing Center. He is the author of a novel, The Zorki Chronicles and a photography monograph, Crash Burn Love. His photographs and articles have been published in BBC Top Gear, London Telegraph, Popular Photography, PBS Point of View, and numerous other journals and websites. He was also a research assistant to Michael Lennon for Norman Mailer: A Double Life. He received his boxing education serving as a sparring partner and assistant trainer for Larry Holmes’ original trainer, Earnee Butler. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from Wilkes University and works as a high school librarian.