Becoming Taz: Writing from the Southpaw Stance by Jeff Bumpus is a memoir about pursuing a dream - of enduring the struggles, processing the failures, and learning how to assess the triumphs. Bumpus was a professional boxer from 1984 until 1993. During this time he continued working full-time as a saw operator, cutting countertops for mobile homes and RVs. He fought five world champions and several top contenders during his career in the ring before retiring with a record of 31 wins (15 by knockout), 8 defeats, and one draw. Becoming Taz is a tale of youth filtered through the wisdom of middle age and told with the literate voice of a seasoned storyteller.