In 2012, a handful of local bartenders slipped on some boxing gloves and started fighting for a cause. Aprons for Gloves, they called it, a non-profit organization with the aim of providing community outreach in the Downtown Eastside through the sweet science of boxing and the annual Restaurant Rumble charity boxing match.

Now there’s a gorgeous hardcover book celebrating the event: Blood, Sweat & Beers is written by wine writer and boxer Laura Starr and features some 450 photos by Guy Roland, who has been documenting the event since the beginning.

Boxing is all about discipline, respect, hard work and self-control, as well as fitness and camaraderie; the AFG program offers free mentorship and training to at-risk women and youth who may otherwise not have the resources to participate. Plus it’s a whole lot of fun for the bartenders, like Sabrine Dhaliwal and Jamie Cruickshank, who take part in the annual rumble and have learned to roll with the punches.

Blood, Sweat & Beers is available for $50 online at BloodSweatBeers.ca or at Eastside Boxing Club for direct pickup.