Books :: A Fistful of Legends By Alida and Samantha Toweel

Thoroughly researched story of Hall of Fame boxer, Willie Toweel and the boxing Toweel family When Willie Toweel was inducted into the Hall of Fame, he was asked which achievement in his illustrious boxing career stood out most for him. “When I realised that I had a voice to help others up,” he replied. Building that voice is a family story which includes many struggles, which have remained untold – until now. It began in 1912 with the death of Willie’s grandfather, and the consequent journey of a family across the treacherous seas from Lebanon to family in South Africa. Faced with dire poverty, the struggle to survive, and unrelenting xenophobia, this family found solace – against all odds and to the distress of Willie’s mother – in one safe space, the boxing ring. Inside and outside the ring, they struggled against all odds as they are together and his seven children fed. legacy that elevated a nation and challenged the evils of apartheid. As testimony, today, Willie and his brother, Vic Toweel, stand in the South African Sports Hall of Fame. In addition, the Growing Champions Organisation, built on the inspiration of the Toweel story, helps children who struggle to survive, and in turn to contribute to community upliftment

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4.8 out of 5

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Anonymous

South Africa

2024/12/08, 11:32 PM

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The book "A Fistful of Legends" by Alida Toweel and Samantha Toweel-Morgan tells the story of one of South Africa's great boxing and sporting families. Known affectionally as "The Fighting Toweels", they impacted the sport of boxing nationally and internationally in the 20th century. It traces their humble beginnings from family patriarch Mike Toweel's immigration from Lebanon in the early 20th century and hardship overcoming racial discrimination and xenophobiia in South Africa and extreme poverty. Central to overcoming these seemingly insurmountable struggles is faith and fight. Deeply religious and a devout Catholic Mike instills these values in his seven children, to have faith and fight physically and mentally no matter the struggles faced. He also transfers his love for the sport of boxing to his children, of which his 5 sons become professional boxers. In addition Olympian boxers (Vic and Willie) representing South Africa and Willie winning the bronze medal at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. Both Vic and Willie's meterotic rise as boxers is chartered in the book. Obtaining national, empire and world titles. Vic Toweel being the first South African to obtain a world title. The book is a page turner and keeps one utterly enthralled and transfixed. You'll not want to put it down. It's a book for both the boxing enthusiast and anyone who is inspired by the lived experiences of others. Further, the book recognises the role the family played in transforming boxing in South Africa to a non racial sport. Additionally, through the Toweels triumphs, elevating the Lebanese immigrant in the eyes of other South Africans.

Highly recommended, enjoyable and captivating read.

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Delightful and personal tale and all can relate to.