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  • The Boxing Kings

  • When American Heavyweights Ruled the Ring
  • Written by: Paul Beston
  • Narrated by: Alexander Cendese
  • Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (14 ratings)

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The Boxing Kings cover art

The Boxing Kings

Written by: Paul Beston
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese
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Publisher's Summary

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
History of Sports Combat Sports & Self-Defense Sports
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  • JW
  • 2023-04-26

Loved it!

A thorough trip through boxing's peaks and valleys, excited to listen to it again someday.

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couldn't put it down

a must read for any boxing fan! with excellent narration. interesting, informative, and well written

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Great book

I enjoyed this book a lot! If you interested in the origins of modern boxing than this book is for you!

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