Boxing in America: An Autopsy
This book presents a sweeping view of boxing in the United States and the influence of the sport on American culture.

Boxing has long been a popular fixture of American sport and culture, despite its decidedly seedy side (the fact that numerous boxing champions acquired their skills in prison or reform schools, the corruption and greed of certain boxing promoters, and the involvement of the mob in fixing the outcome of many big fights). Yet boxing remains an iconic and widely popular spectator sport, even in light of its decline as a result of the recent burgeoning interest in mixed martial arts (MMA) contests. What had made this sport so enthralling to our nation for such a long period of time?

This book contains much more than simple documentation of the significant dates, people, and bouts in the history of American boxing. It reveals why boxing became one of America's leading spectator sports at the turn of the century and examines the factors that have swayed the public's perception of it, thereby affecting its popularity. In Boxing in America, the author provides a compelling view of not only the pugilist sport, but also of our country, our sources of entertainment, and ourselves.

1143834101
Boxing in America: An Autopsy
This book presents a sweeping view of boxing in the United States and the influence of the sport on American culture.

Boxing has long been a popular fixture of American sport and culture, despite its decidedly seedy side (the fact that numerous boxing champions acquired their skills in prison or reform schools, the corruption and greed of certain boxing promoters, and the involvement of the mob in fixing the outcome of many big fights). Yet boxing remains an iconic and widely popular spectator sport, even in light of its decline as a result of the recent burgeoning interest in mixed martial arts (MMA) contests. What had made this sport so enthralling to our nation for such a long period of time?

This book contains much more than simple documentation of the significant dates, people, and bouts in the history of American boxing. It reveals why boxing became one of America's leading spectator sports at the turn of the century and examines the factors that have swayed the public's perception of it, thereby affecting its popularity. In Boxing in America, the author provides a compelling view of not only the pugilist sport, but also of our country, our sources of entertainment, and ourselves.

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Boxing in America: An Autopsy

Boxing in America: An Autopsy

by David L. Hudson Jr.
Boxing in America: An Autopsy

Boxing in America: An Autopsy

by David L. Hudson Jr.

Hardcover

$65.00 
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Overview

This book presents a sweeping view of boxing in the United States and the influence of the sport on American culture.

Boxing has long been a popular fixture of American sport and culture, despite its decidedly seedy side (the fact that numerous boxing champions acquired their skills in prison or reform schools, the corruption and greed of certain boxing promoters, and the involvement of the mob in fixing the outcome of many big fights). Yet boxing remains an iconic and widely popular spectator sport, even in light of its decline as a result of the recent burgeoning interest in mixed martial arts (MMA) contests. What had made this sport so enthralling to our nation for such a long period of time?

This book contains much more than simple documentation of the significant dates, people, and bouts in the history of American boxing. It reveals why boxing became one of America's leading spectator sports at the turn of the century and examines the factors that have swayed the public's perception of it, thereby affecting its popularity. In Boxing in America, the author provides a compelling view of not only the pugilist sport, but also of our country, our sources of entertainment, and ourselves.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780313379727
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date: 06/21/2012
Pages: 216
Product dimensions: 6.20(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

David L. Hudson Jr. is an award-winning professor at Belmont University College of Law, USA, where he teaches constitutional law and First Amendment law.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

Chapter 1 John L. Sullivan: Boxing Hero and Cultural Icon 1

Chapter 2 Race and Boxing: The Intractable Color Line and the Phenomenon of Jack Johnson 13

Chapter 3 Joe Louis: Heavyweight Great and American Hero 27

Chapter 4 Rocky Marciano: Undefeated and Underappreciated 43

Chapter 5 The Incomparable Ali 53

Chapter 6 The Incredible Story and Comeback of "Big" George Foreman 77

Chapter 7 Mike Tyson: "The Baddest Man on the Planet" 91

Chapter 8 Journeymen: Forgotten Warriors of the Sweet Science 107

Chapter 9 Death in the Ring 119

Chapter 10 Prison Boxers 133

Chapter 11 The Future of Boxing and the Threat of Mixed Martial Arts 147

Notes 157

Bibliography 185

Index 193

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