The social logic of boxing in black Chicago. Towards a sociology of pugilism

This paper is dedicated to the memory of Aaron, Spanish manchild and gym buddy, whom the ring could not save from the street. This paper benefited from the reactions, critical comments and encouragement of a number of colleagues, among whom Pierre Bourdieu, Rogers Brubaker, Dan Chambliss, Lynn S. Chancer, Rick Fantasia, Harvey Molotch, Bill Wilson, and members of the Center for European Sociology in Paris. My gratitude also goes to my colleagues in the "sweet science" who taught me much more than how to throw a left jab, and to the friends and family who supported me morally during this strenuous project (with special mention to Elizabeth Bonamour du Tartre for a major on-site assist). This research was made possible in part by the financial support of the Maison des sciences de l'homme, a Lavoisier Fellowship from the French governement, and the Milton Fund of Harvard University.