F X Toole's "Holy Man" (short story, non-genre)

Ernie "Peachy" Pescetti is a good but not outstanding boxer. Early success went into his head - to quick doom. Now his elder sister Sophia Pescetti-Gottlieb wants him to recover, & they seek help of coach (narrator). Story tells us of coach's work with Ernie, Ernie's recovery on the ring, & eventual doom because he listens to wrong people.

Of special interest to Indian cricket fans will be the treatment of sledging, match fixing, & some reminders of Greg Chappel. And some insight into the cultural gap that ensures Indians & Australians look at sledging differently.

Fact sheet.

First published: Playboy, February 2008.
Rating: B