Bright Lights

& Dark Corners

the story

A shocking and scarcely-believable story about one ​of British boxing’s bravest warriors. A 100-fight ​veteran who battled depression and crippling self ​doubt to take on some of the finest names in the ​sport at the drop of a hat without any training, ​tactics or even a moments thought for his own ​safety. Drink, drugs, the depths of despair, ​defeated, but never broken.

the fighter

Johnny Greaves was a persona, a mask, ​Swaggering to the ring to the sounds of ​“Cigarettes and Alcohol” by Oasis he looked every ​inch a man afraid of nothing and nobody. In truth, ​he was fighting a terrifying battle within. Suicidal ​thoughts stalked his every moment, the desperate ​striving for the love and validation he never had as ​a child pushing him closer to the edge. How long ​could he survive? And at what cost?

the writer

Adam Darke is an award-winning documentary ​maker with credits for Netflix, Amazon, Disney and ​many more. His film “Cornered” about the life of ​Johnny Greaves, made back in 2013, was a critical ​and commercial success and led to the idea ​behind the book. Adam is delighted to be ​partnering with Pitch Publishing to be releasing ​Bright Lights and Dark Corners: the Johnny ​Greaves story, in Spring 2025.

What to expect

Violence

From fights in the school playground to scraps ​with nightclub bouncers, gang warfare, unlicensed ​boxing to the professional games and beyond, ​violence and brutality was a constant in Johnny’s ​world.

Bravery

It was always Johnny versus the world and he ​never took a backward step. Fighting on the road ​against British and future World Champions ​without support or any kind of game plan, he ​simply never gave up.

Soul

The heart and soul of the man jump from every ​page. His honesty and authenticity, speaking in ​chilling tones about his upbringing, depression, ​lack of self worth and battle to stay alive.

Sadness

Behind the bravery and bravado inside the ring, ​there is a pervading sadness throughout the book. ​Readers will feel a strong connection with Johnny, ​a sympathy and maybe empathy for his struggle. ​His longing for acceptance and hope.

Pain

96 defeats from 100 fights only tells a small part ​of the story. There were many Johnny could have ​won but he knew his role, his job as a ​journeyman. But still, the physical and emotional ​pain of a life alone, on the road, loss after loss, is ​visceral.

Heroism

Johnny is not your conventional hero but his story ​is one that will inspire. His strength as a man, the ​honour he showed in battle and defeat, his ​deternination to reach 100 professional fights, but ​more than that, just the person he reveals himself ​to be within.

How to pre-order and why we need you