Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Who is your favorite boxer character? Is there a boxer you saw yourself relating to more than the others?

2. Did you find the end of the novel satisfying? Could you predict who the champion would be among the semifinalist contenders or did it come as a surprise?

3. The novel is part of the genre of boxing fiction, which finds early examples in pieces like Jack London’s “A Piece of Steak.” How does this novel illuminate boxing fiction as a genre? Do you think it could inspire the potential for more stories centered around boxing?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. What is/was your relationship to sports growing up? Did you ever play competitively? If you weren’t involved in sports, can you relate to a competitive role in other hobbies or interests?

2. Are people defined by their circumstances or their actions? Are the boxers in the novel defined by their participation in the tournament in their future lives?

3. How do/did you feel about

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