Donald McRae: The Last Bell, boxing and the art of biography

Acclaimed and multi award-winning journalist and author Donald McRae discusses his most recent book, The Last Bell: Life, Death and Boxing. 

He explores its poignant and personal themes of hope in the face of stark odds and tragic loss, and how it reflects his own complex and sometimes ambivalent feelings towards a sport he has followed for decades. 

He also explains why he fears boxing is in a worse state now than the 1990s – when he released his breakout sports book, Dark Trade – and why he is nonetheless still drawn to its compelling contests and enduring values. 

And he talks about his career beyond the ring: what he’s learned about the art of the feature interview at The Guardian, writing biographies with athletes like Steven Gerrard, and the legacy of a sporting childhood in apartheid South Africa.

Outlines is a 26 Forty original and is presented, produced and edited by Eoin Connolly.

Instagram: @outlines_podcast
Threads: @outlines_podcast
Bluesky: @outlinespodcast.bsky.social
TikTok: @outlines.podcast

Theme music from Upbeat: Crush - Kaleidoscope