The Tragedy of the Hogue Twins

SHORTY and BIG BOY HOGUE blazed across the West Coast fight scene of the 1930s and 40s like twin comets. Crossing gloves with former and future world champions and oft-avoided dangerous contenders, such as Archie Moore, Charley Burley, Lloyd Marshall, Eddie Booker, and other members of the infamous ‘Murderers’ Row’, the Hogue twins took on all comers in a dual quest for world titles and sibling superiority.

Just like comets, their spectacle was brief; they crashed and burned almost as soon as they arrived. Both lived and fought with passion and both died tragically young.

This hard-hitting sports biography details the extraordinary rise and fall of Willis (Shorty) and Willard (Big Boy) Hogue, from their fistfights on the streets of Jacumba, Califonia, to national championship status and contention for world titles. From the bright glare of the ring lights to the dark corners of deteriorating mental health.

Fully illustrated throughout, with complete amateur and professional career records, this book is a must for any fan of boxing history and the fight game in California.