The Contender

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The Contender

• By Robert Lipsyte
• 1967

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Setting
Harlem - inner city of New Jersey known for its
poverty gangs drug abuse and African-American
population. Time Frame 1960s Civil Rights
Movements and Racial Tensions
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Cast of Characters
Alfred - A 17 year old African-American who has
dropped out of school and trying to decide what
to with his life.
James - Alfreds best friend who has also quit
school and has joined forces with Major, a drug
dealer.
Major - A bully who is older than Alfred and
James and tries to influence them both with gangs
and drugs.
Mr. Donatelli - A boxing trainer that loves his
boxers and offers them wise advice about boxing
and life.
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Boxing-Lets Talk About It
What do you know about boxing?
What makes boxing difficult to train for?
What other sports are similar in training?
Why is boxing a popular sport in inner cities?
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Before we begin..
Lets talk about...
Boxing!
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What Do You Think?
When did boxing begin as a sport?
Who are some famous boxers?
What lessons about life can be learned from a
boxer?
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Can you match these famous boxers to their ring
name.
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Whos Who?
Joe Louis
The Golden Boy
Rocky Marciano
Muhammad Ali
Oscar De La Hoya
The Real Deal
Ray Robinson
The Brown Bomber
Cassius Clay
The Manessa Mauler
Evander Holyfield
Sugar
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The Manessa Mauler
Rocky Marciano
Sugar
Ray Robinson
The Real Deal
Evander Holyfield
Muhammad Ali
Cassius Clay
The Brown Bomber
Joe Louis
The Golden Boy
Oscar De La Hoya
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Does Oklahoma have any famous boxers?
Of Course!
Jim Thorpe
Shaun OGrady
Tommy Morrison
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Required Book Project
Test Grade 200pts
Create a Powerpoint presentation about boxing or
a boxer.
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Cassius ClayI Am The Greatest
Title
Quote by boxer
"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to
explain. It's not something you learn in school.
But if you haven't learned the meaning of
friendship, you really haven't learned anything."
-Muhammad Ali
Title, Quote, Interesting Facts, Bibliography
At least 5 slides