![]() ![]() Even though the plot feels plodding at times, and readers may wish for a more nuanced resolution, Pulido addresses important themes of homophobia, socio-economic differences, and fallen heroes with a light hand. ![]() With the support of Rosie, his wisecracking Latina best friend, and Brandon, his loyal (and wealthy) Filipino boyfriend, Bobby persists through rigorous training while avoiding Rex and his goons at all costs, struggling through school, and ensuring that his hardworking single mother stays ignorant of his real-life drama. ![]() Inspired by his hero, world champion fighter Manny Pacquiao, Bobby trades custodial work for boxing lessons from Luke, the Jab Gym’s curmudgeonly yet generous Black owner. When a vicious beat down by the trio leaves Bobby badly injured and without his bike-a beloved gift from his deceased father-he takes up boxing to fight back. When Bobby Agbayani is outed by graffitied hate speech on his locker, he becomes the target of relentless harassment by Rex and Eddie, two Filipino brothers, and their lackey, Jorge, who is Mexican. ![]() You’d better watch your back if you attend Westlake High, an especially tough place to be a gay teenager. Boxing becomes an attractive defense tactic against bullying for a queer Filipino teenager in Los Angeles. ![]()
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