Gems talks to NPR about public support of professional boxers

Gerald Gems, North Central College professor of health and physical education, was a featured sports historian in an interview on NPR’s “All Things Considered” program broadcasted May 5 on WBEZ-FM 91.5. The story, titled “In New York City, Former Boxers Find Ways To Support Each Other,” was produced by national reporter Hansi Lo Wang of NPR’s New York bureau.

Gems’ comments can be heard at minute 3:10 in the four-minute story. Wang reports that boxers are among the most vulnerable athletes, both in the ring and especially after their careers have ended. Gems discusses how boxers often trust their manager and promoters, who are not worthy of their trust because they simply use them.

Gems has spoken and written articles about the globalization of boxing, politics of boxing and the evolution of women’s boxing. He also authored the 2014 book “Boxing: A Concise History of the Sweet Service.”

Click here to read Gems’ faculty profile.