Boxing is a sport more often associated with brute violence than with aesthetics. But photographer Howard Schatz has turned thuggish fighters into the subjects of extraordinary portraits showing the beautiful side of pugilism. The stunning pictures, collected in a new book, took six years to capture as Mr Schatz sought to investigate every aspect of the controversial sport.

“I am a fiber and process oriented artist based in Brooklyn, New York. My work utilizes influence from decisions and transitions. I am very interested in the consequences and ripple effects that are caused by choices we make. Most inspiration comes from vague &vivid memories, photographs, hand me down treasures &stories through my family, childhood stories, children’s books &illustrations, and travelling”. – Anny Crane