The Fighter of Auschwitz: The incredible true story of Leen Sanders who boxed to help others survive

"He had the dream again last night... He touches gloves with his undefeated Polish rival. Whispers linger that the loser might face the gas chamber." In 1943, Leen Sanders, the Dutch boxing champion, found himself in the harrowing confines of Auschwitz. His family met a tragic fate, executed while he was directed 'to the left,' deemed suitable for labor. Recognized by an SS officer, Leen was assigned a 'privileged' position in the kitchens, contingent upon participating in weekly boxing bouts for the amusement of the Nazi guards. Amidst this grim reality, he found ways to resist their relentless savagery. Risking his life, he bravely stole, hid, and smuggled food and clothing from the SS medical units, providing relief to the suffering inmates. His courage extended further as he regularly provided additional nourishment to the Dutch women trapped in Dr. Mengele's infamous experiments in Block 10. To his fellow Jews in the camp, he became a beacon of hope, a leader and a defender, even during the harrowing death march to Dachau as the war drew to a close. "The Fighter of Auschwitz" is a profound narrative of resilience and empathy, illustrating the remarkable endurance of the human spirit amidst unimaginable malevolence.