“Liked by few, disliked by many, but respected by all.” That’s how author Jamie Boyle sums up the complex legacy of Mickey Duff, the legendary and often controversial figure at the heart of British boxing’s golden age.
Boyle’s upcoming book, The Ringmaster, offers an in-depth and unflinching portrait of one of the sport’s most influential architects. Published by WarCry Publishing, the paperback edition is set for release in late October, while the Kindle version is already available on Amazon.
Born Monek Prager, Duff’s early life was shaped by hardship. Fleeing Poland at just eight years old to escape the Nazi invasion, he found refuge in England—where he would soon discover a passion for boxing. He turned professional at the age of 15, but retired just four years later. It was outside the ropes, however, where Duff left his mark.
Over a career spanning nearly 50 years, Duff reinvented himself as a promoter, manager, and matchmaker—helping guide the careers of 19 world champions, including Lloyd Honeyghan, Frank Bruno, and Joe Calzaghe.
Though widely respected, Duff’s reputation was not without controversy. Known for his sharp wit and even sharper business acumen, he wasn’t afraid to make enemies along the way.
In The Ringmaster, Boyle promises a balanced portrayal. While he expresses great admiration for Duff’s achievements, he makes clear the book is “not necessarily one for the Mickey Duff fan club.” The biography digs into the highs and lows of Duff’s rise to prominence, leaving no stone unturned.
The book features a foreword by former world champion Barry McGuigan and includes interviews with friends, family, and rivals alike. Notable names such as Jim Watt, Duke McKenzie, Barry Hearn, Kellie Maloney, Robin Reid, and John Mugabi contribute to the rich narrative.
Frank Warren, a key figure in British boxing promotion, perhaps sums it up best, calling Duff the man with the “biggest influence ever known on British boxing.”
Boyle also revealed to Boxing News that £1 from every copy sold will be donated to Nightingale House in Clapham, the care home where Duff spent his final days.
The book promises more than just a biography—it’s a deep dive into the life of a man described by the late Colin Hart as “to British boxing what Brian Clough was to English football, and every bit as controversial.”
Whether revered or reviled, Mickey Duff remains a towering figure in British boxing history. The Ringmaster offers fans a rare chance to explore the full story behind the myth—told with candor, context, and no shortage of compelling voices.
