The Boxing Kings cover art

The Boxing Kings

When American Heavyweights Ruled the Ring

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The Boxing Kings

By: Paul Beston
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese
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About this listen

The Boxing Kings tells the story of the heavyweight title in the days when it was a defining institution in the United States. Author Paul Beston places special emphasis on those champions who held a central place in American culture beyond just in the boxing ring, including John L. Sullivan, who made the title a commercial property; Jack Johnson, who in 1908 became the first black man to claim the title; Joe Louis, whose contributions to racial tolerance and social progress transcended even his greatness in the ring; Rocky Marciano, who became an embodiment of the American dream; Muhammad Ali, who took on the US government and revolutionized professional sports with his showmanship; and Mike Tyson, a hard-punching student of boxing history who exemplified the modern celebrity.

The gallery of champions also includes comics, dandies, bookworms, divas, ex-cons, workingmen, and a tough guy turned preacher. The Boxing Kings treats these and other champions as three-dimensional human beings, flawed but sympathetic men placed on great public stages. As the title shifts from one claimant to another, their stories also open a window into the larger history of the United States.

©2017 Paul Beston (P)2017 HighBridge, a Division of Recorded Books Boxing Combat Sports & Self-Defense Sports Sports History Combat Sports Funny Royalty

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All stars
Most relevant
This put me in mind of one of my favourite books in boxing, or indeed any subject, Boxing's Greatest Prize by Peter Wilson and that is compliment indees.. A terrific, well told, unsentimental story of the heavyweight championship in the 20th Century.

Fascinating, accurate, engrossing.

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In just a few days I ploughed through it all (speed x1.40). I couldn't put it down, even at 3 in the morning, it's that good. All the back stories of the fighters, all the blow by blow accounts. It's the perfect book. I watch the key fights on YouTube. I've rarely enjoyed a book so much or been so immersed.

Spectacular Narrative of Heavyweight History

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Great book if you're into the history of boxing. Very in depth with each of the heavyweight champions throughout the last 130 years & very well linked up as the title & the times changed.

In depth look in heavyweight history

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A genuinely entertaining & informative history of some of heavyweight boxings great hero's & occasions. Highly recommended for any fight fan.

A must listen for any Boxing fan

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Great unknown facts, narration, absolutely compelling. I’ve been on audible for years and this by the best book I’ve listen to. Disclaimer; I’m a massive boxing fan

Best books I’ve ever listened to

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