Repeatedly turned down, Oliver kept on fighting to get his book published – and now it’s an award winner
DEBUT NOVEL ABOUT CHILD BOXER A REFLECTION OF HIS OWN BATTLES
A DERBYSHIRE man who had a difficult upbringing has defied the odds and published an award-winning book.
Oliver Sykes’ children’s story, Alfie’s First Fight, was repeatedly turned down by publishers because they didn’t believe there was a market for a book about a child boxer.
But this wasn’t the first time the Chapel-en-le-Frith native would have to overcome adversity.
From struggling with his mum leaving at a young age to having his sporting dreams shattered after being assaulted by a bunch of teenagers in a park, Oliver’s life has been about defying the odds.
The 33-year-old has proved the people who doubted him wrong, not only turning his first book into a major touring show but also taking home a top prize at the Children’s Literature Festivals Book Awards.
The first-time storybook writer’s engaging tale about a young boy fighting for his family’s survival in the boxing ring has just been named illustrated young reader of the year.
The subject of his children’s story is very close to Oliver’s heart. He was a keen member of Buxton Amateur Boxing Club when he was younger and had dreams of making it big in the boxing world, until he was beaten up by a bunch of teenagers at a skate park, leaving him with a serious hand injury.
One of six siblings, he was brought up on free school meals by his single dad after his mum walked out of the family home.
Dad Chris, an amateur boxing coach, quit his factory job to look after his family and instilled a love of both boxing and reading in his children.
Oliver said: “In my twenties, all I wanted to do was make my dad proud, I am really grateful for my dad and the resilience and endurance he taught us.”
Despite a difficult start in life, Oliver went on to secure a first-class theatre studies degree from Lancaster University and has worked as a theatre and creative project producer for over a decade, whilst keeping up his boxing training on the side.
Alfie’s First Fight, which is written for children aged 7-12, was published in 2022 by the Manchester Children’s Book Festival at Manchester Metropolitan University and Stories of Care, and illustrated by Ian Morris.
One thousand copies have been donated to children from lowincome families, as part of Oliver’s commitment to increasing opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Oliver says that mainstream publishers were put off by his “controversial” subject matter and told him to give up.
“Before it was published, Alfie’s First Fight was rejected 21 times and on countless occasions I was told no publisher would ever be interested in a children’s story that features a child boxer,” he said.
You can buy a copy of Alfie’s First Fight for £7.99 from Oliver’s website.
I am really grateful to my dad and the resilience and endurance he taught us.
Oliver Sykes