The Fighting Donovans: The boxing and football family of Professor Mike O’ Donovan, Arthur Donovan Sr. and Arthur Donovan Jr.

Back in the golden age of football, before the big, multi-million dollar contracts, and prescription turf, Baltimore Colt and Hall of Fame tackle Art Donovan was one of the all-time gridiron greats. But what most people don’t know is his connection to professional boxing. Art’s grandfather, Professor Mike O’ Donovan (the O’ was dropped later) was the middleweight champion of the world and sparring partner of President Teddy Roosevelt. His father, Arthur Donovan, Sr. was a high caliber referee who refereed twenty of Joe Louis’ fights including both Schmelling fights. All three generations of Donovans are in their respective Hall of Fame: Mike and Arthur Donovan, Sr. are in the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Art Donovan, Jr. is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Now this gridiron legend speaks his mind in this entertaining and hilarious account of how it really was ‘back in the day’ in the professional sports of boxing and football. Donovan’s recollection of the ‘good ol’ days’ is as close as most of us will ever get to sitting ringside, or sitting on the team bench and listening to the greats talk about the legendary wars and warriors of boxing’s and football’s golden years.