Standing Eight: The Inspiring Story of Jesus ""El Matador"" Chavez, Who Became Lightweight Champion of the World

By Adam Pitluk

Book Overview

Here is the inspirational story of Gabriel Sandoval, who grew up in the small dirt-poor town of Delicias, Mexico. Crossing the U.S. border with his family as a young boy of seven, he settled in Chicago, where he learned to speak English and to box-winning three Gold Glove championships-and where he also joined a gang, committing a robbery in his teens that landed him in one of the most violent prisons in America, Statesville. After his three-year stint in prison was up, he was met by an INS agent and put on the first plane to Mexico City with fifty dollars in his pocket. He eventually re-entered the U.S. illegally. Settling in Austin, Texas, he resumed his boxing career and changed his name to Jesus "El Matador" - after the Chicago gym in which he learned to box-Chavez, and went on to become the Lightweight champion of the world. But the story doesn't end with this crowning achievement. He applied for a driver's license, and his real name, Gabriel Sandoval, came up on the computer and he was found to be in the U.S. illegally. For the second time, he was deported to Mexico before gaining his U.S. citizenship after a long, protracted fight with the U.S. government. Standing Eight is the triumphant tale of a strong-willed fighter who refused to stay down for the count and overcame tremendous obstacles to become champion of the world.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0306814544
• ISBN13: 9780306814549
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Descriptive and Informative read. Great price.

When I first bought this book, I thought it was just another boxing biography. I have read biographies of Ali, Frazier, Tyson - all the greats. What sets this book apart from its nonfiction counterparts is the striking way it tells the tale. After reading it, I felt like I had been there walkign thru life with Chavez. The story leaves you with mental images that are not often depicted in other boxing biographies. A must read for any boxing enthusiast or someone who wants to hear a classic tale spirited in the framework of Survivor's Eye of the Tiger - "Risin' up, back on the streets. Did my time, took my chances" is a possible theme for this book.

Wonderful book

I have just finished reading your book "Standing Eight." It has left me with an indescribable feeling. I have been a Chicago Police Officer since 1987 and the last time I saw Gabriel was when he was standing on the corner of Chicago Ave. and Wood St., hanging out with the "gents." I don't know if Gabriel remembers what exactly I said to him privately but the scene is so clear in my mind. This was just about a week before his incident with Bubba and Saito. I never knew Gabriel's exact path after that but only that it would be a long, rocky one. Your book described the rest for me. The way you put down everything in words was great. You told the story straight up, you made me feel like I personally met everyone in the book (with the exception of Sean Curtin and Tom O'Shea who I know) due to the way you described everyone in the story. I am extremely happy for how Gabriel's life turned out and for his great accomplishments. Thank you for telling his story the way you did. Great book!

Amazing boxing and immigration story

I bought this book because of the cover. Seriously. It looked really cool. But the story was amazing and it really translates to the current immigration debate today. You sould get it as a gift or just read it yourself.

Highly Recommend this book!

Truly wonderful book from a guy that you just have to meet. This bio pulls no punches telling his story to the world. It transcends boxing leaving you inspired. Too bad i cant give it 6 stars!

Must, Must Read

My friend who works for the New York Times got me an advanced copy of the book, and it was incredible. Adam Pitluk didn't fall into the trap of cliché sports writing. Instead, he walked the reader through a story of hope, despair and success. But this is not just another beat-`em-up boxing book. I discovered a great deal about the Mexican migration, which living in north Jersey, I encounter everyday but had never stopped to think about. You've got to read this book, as there aren't any others like it out there. And Chavez fights Barrera in March. I was going to cheer for Barrera ... not anymore.