Graveyard of Champions: The Fascinating Story of Liverpool’s Legendary Boxing Stadium (Paperback – April 20, 2026)
by Stephen Barr (Author), John Conteh (Other Contributor)
Graveyard of Champions is an enthralling tribute to the fighters, fans and fierce spirit that defined Liverpool’s boxing legacy through two esteemed venues: the original Liverpool Stadium in Pudsey Street and its successor in St Paul’s Square.
Inspired by his grandfather, 1930s featherweight fighting hero Dick Burke, author Stephen Barr has spent years researching pre-war Liverpool boxing.
This gripping, nostalgia-filled account:
- Brings to life Liverpool’s two legendary boxing stadiums: Pudsey Street (1911–1931) and St Paul’s Square (1932–1985), blending compelling storytelling with meticulous research
- Tells the story of local heroes Nel Tarleton, Dom Volante, Dick Burke, Alan Rudkin, John Conteh and many more, whose exploits electrified crowds and brought global attention to Merseyside
- Weaves a compelling narrative of the fight game in Liverpool, drawing on a rich variety of sources – memoirs, press articles and personal accounts
- Examines Liverpool’s rich boxing heritage from a deeply personal angle, as the author explores his fighting grandfather Dick Burke’s career, connecting past and present
- Looks at the Liverpool Stadium’s place as an important centre of Mersey culture, hosting wrestling, musicians and union meetings
About the Author
Originally from Liverpool, raised in Ghana and Zambia in Africa, and now based in Northern Virginia, Stephen Barr is a retired telecommunications professional with a passion for boxing history. Inspired by his grandfather, 1930s featherweight fighter Dick Burke, Steve has spent years researching pre-war Liverpool boxing and supports the historic Everton Red Triangle Boxing Club.
Publisher – Pitch Publishing
Publication date – April 20, 2026
Language – English
Print length – 240 pages
This book is available on Amazon.com in the United States and the United Kingdom