Bright Lights and Dark Corners

Shocking and revealing autobiography of 100-fight journeyman boxer Johnny Greaves. Set in a world of violence, bravado and bravery, this immersive and powerful story feels like a Guy Ritchie movie!

Written with award-winning documentary filmmaker and former Sky Sports features reporter Adam Darke.

‘Have gumshield, will travel’ was Johnny’s motto as he picked himself up off pub floors, police cells and strangers’ beds at the drop of a hat to appear on the undercard of huge fights involving the likes of Amir Khan and David Haye. Read and you’ll discover:

• Exclusive stories about the world of professional boxing, and the role of journeymen in particular, from a gnarled 100-fight veteran who took on such leading lights as Anthony Crolla, Lee Selby and Gavin Rees • How Johnny fought future British and world champions with little training, often impeded by the effects of alcohol and drugs, stuffing down a Tesco meal deal, necking a can of lager and smoking a few fags as he prepared for battle in front of an audience of thousands • A harrowing dive into the world of depression and mental health, with disturbing and upsetting insights into the mind of a professional athlete trying to cope with the trauma of childhood and emotional scarring • Visceral and chilling tales of domestic violence and childhood neglect, plus how those experiences shaped the thinking and behaviour of Johnny, how it instructed the choices he made in life, and led to a loss of identity and self-esteem • Untold stories and insight about the world of unlicensed boxing, made famous by the likes of Lenny McLean and Roy ‘Pretty Boy’ Shaw, where Johnny learnt how to fight rough

This outrageous yet poignant portrayal of a man on the edge, searching for validation in the most brutal business in the world, will make you gasp, laugh and cry in equal measure.

© 2025 Pitch Publishing (Ebook): 9781836800521

Release date

Ebook: 5 May 2025