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The Boxing Kings

When American Heavyweights Ruled the Ring

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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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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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