Donald McRae is an acclaimed sports writer whose work has included several books on boxing.
His latest book is In Sunshine or in Shadow: How Boxing Brought Hope in the Troubles.
He was inspired to write the book having heard about the Troubles in Northern Ireland while growing up in South Africa during apartheid.
He says: "What boxing did in Belfast was open its doors to both sides of the community."
Key figures like Gerry Storey feature prominently in the book.
"Once you went into his gym you had to set aside any political allegiance you had and show respect and decency to the other fighters."
Speaking on The Last Word, Donald also revealed why he doesn't think sport and politics should be kept apart, and gave his thoughts on sporting boycotts.
Listen to the interview in full by pressing the play button on this page.
