In 1923, Filipino boxer Francisco “Pancho Villa” Guilledo shattered expectations by becoming the first Asian flyweight world champion. This historic triumph not only ignited the Great Filipino Boxing Era but also emboldened a nation facing the violence of U.S. imperialism. Our book, Pancho Villa: World Champion 1923, tells the incredible story of Villa’s rise from humble beginnings in the Philippines to his world-renowned victory, and how his journey changed boxing forever. Target release is October 2025 during Filipino-American History Month.
This hardcover book tells the deeper story of how boxing became a weapon of resistance for Filipinos under U.S. empire in the early twentieth century. It situates Villa’s triumph within the larger history of colonialism, racial performance, and the politics of the body to demonstrate how one fighter’s journey emboldened a generation and inspired global audiences.
In an America grappling with renewed debates over racial justice, immigration, and the legacy of empire, Villa’s story resonates more urgently than ever. As movements and campaigns for immigrant rights shine a spotlight on systemic inequality, this book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about “benevolent assimilation,” racial spectacle, and the ongoing impact of colonial attitudes in sports and society.
Some may find this project controversial. It unapologetically critiques U.S. imperial history and centers the voices of those long marginalized. More than a history book, it is an act of protest. By funding this book, you join in elevating a voice of resistance, reminding us that the fight for justice spans generations and that the lessons of Villa’s era still echo in our streets and stadiums today.
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